The Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, has organized the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Exhibition at the Sun Temple, Konark, in Odisha.

• Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam visited the Sun Temple, highlighting its global prominence and Odisha’s rich craftsmanship.

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About Konark Sun Temple

• Location: Situated on the coastline of Odisha in Puri district.
• Other Name: Known as Surya Devalaya, the temple is dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya.
• Built By: Constructed by Narasimha Deva I (1238–1264) of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in 1250.
• Material: Made from Khondalite rocks giving it the nickname the “Black Pagoda” due to its dark color.

Architecture of Konark Sun Temple

• Style: Represents the Kalingan temple architecture.
• Key Features:
  • Vimana: Tower that once featured a magnificent shikhara (collapsed in the 19th century).
  • Jagamohana: Pyramidal audience hall.
  • Natmandir: Elevated and roofless dance platform.
• Symbolism:
• • Designed as a chariot of Surya with 24 intricately carved wheels and 7 horses.
  • The 7 horses represent the 7 days of the week.
• UNESCO Status: Temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
• Orientation: Faces east so the first rays of the sunrise illuminate the entrance.
• Sundials: The temple’s wheels serve as accurate sundials, capable of measuring time to the minute.
• Sculptures: Base walls are adorned with carvings of animals, foliage, warriors, and other motifs.
• Restoration: A project to remove the sand and restore the entrance hall was initiated in 2022.

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About Kalinga Architecture

• Kalinga style is identified as a subclass under the Nagara category
• Structure: Temples consist of two primary sections:
  • Deula: Tower.
  • Jagmohan: Hall.
• Decoration: Both deula and jagmohan walls are richly sculpted with motifs and figures.
• Repeated Motif: Features horseshoe-shaped designs.
• Duela Types 
  • Rekha Deula: Vertical, curvilinear towers, associated with Vishnu, Surya, and Shiva.
  • Pidha Deula: Step-pyramid-shaped structures, housing outer dancing and offering halls.
  • Khakhara Deula: Elongated vault-like structures, mainly for Chamunda and Durga temples.
• Dravidian and Nagara Style Influence:
• • Dravidian Style: Seen in some sculptural motifs.
  • Nagara Style: Evident in its vertical shikharas and sanctum designs.