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Konark Sun Temple

Topics Covered:  Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Konark Sun Temple

What to study?

For Prelims and Mains: Key facts- about temple, it’s architecture, style and other facts.

Context: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has taken up the Complete Solarisation of Konark sun temple and Konark town in Odisha.

Details:

  • The Scheme envisages setting up of 10 MW grid connected solar project and various solar off-grid applications like solar trees, solar drinking water kiosks, off-grid solar power plants with battery storage etc.
  • The Project will be taken up with a 100% Central Financial Assistance (CFA) support of around Rs. 25 Crores from Government of India through Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE).
  • Implementation of this Project will be done by Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA).
  • The Scheme will meet all the energy requirements of Konark town with solar energy.

About the Temple:

  1. Built in the 13th century, the Konark temple was conceived as a gigantic chariot of the Sun God, with 12 pairs of exquisitely ornamented wheels pulled by seven horses.
  2. It was built by King Narasimhadeva I, the great ruler of Ganga dynasty.
  3. The temple is included in UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 for its architectural greatness and also for the sophistication and abundance of sculptural work.
  4. The temple is perfect blend of Kalinga architecture, heritage, exotic beach and salient natural beauty.
  5. It is protected under the National Framework of India by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act (1958) and its Rules (1959).
  6. The Konark is the third link of Odisha’s Golden Triangle. The first link is Jagannath Puri and the second link is Bhubaneswar (Capital city of Odisha).
  7. This temple was also known as ‘BLACK PAGODA’ due to its dark color and used as a navigational landmark by ancient sailors to Odisha. Similarly, the Jagannath Temple in Puri was called the “White Pagoda”.
  8. It remains a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, who gather here every year for the Chandrabhaga Mela around the month of February.

InstaThink:

Prelims Link:

  1. Ganga dynasty- famous rulers.
  2. Unesco world heritage sites.
  3. Nagara and vesara styles.
  4. Features of Kalinga architecture.

Sources: pib.

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