On the coast of Odisha, the Sun Temple at Konark was built in the thirteenth century during the reign of King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. It was designed as a colossal chariot for Surya, the sun god, with carved stone wheels along its base and horses drawing it forward.
The wheels
The carved wheels are the temple's best-known feature. Each is richly decorated, and they are often described as working sundials. Take time to look closely at the spokes and rims, where small figures and scenes are carved.
A World Heritage Site
Konark was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984. The main sanctuary tower has long since collapsed; what visitors see today is chiefly the audience hall and the platform, which still convey the scale of the original design.
