Konark wheel shines at G20 summit venue

13-09-2023

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Recently, the Konark wheel became the centre of attraction during the 18^th G20 summit held in New Delhi.

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The venue of the summit was the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
As part of promoting India’s cultural diversity and heritage, a wall depicting the mural of the historic Konark wheel of Odisha’s Sun Temple is placed as the backdrop for welcoming world leaders at the summit venue.

About Konark Sun Temple

Historical Significance: The Konark Sun Temple was built in the 13^th century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. It was constructed as a monumental representation of the sun god Surya's chariot.
Architectural Marvel: The temple is known for its great architecture and intricate stone carvings. It was designed in the form of a colossal chariot with 24 elaborately carved stone wheels, each representing a day of the week. The temple was designed in such a way that the first rays of the rising sun would illuminate the main sanctum.
Main Sanctum: The main sanctum of the temple once housed a huge statue of the sun god Surya, which is said to have been about 12 feet tall. Unfortunately, the original statue and the temple's superstructure are no longer intact due to various reasons including invasions and natural disasters.
Erotic Sculptures: One distinctive feature of the Konark Sun Temple is the presence of numerous erotic sculptures. These intricate carvings depict various aspects of human life and have generated significant interest and debate among scholars.
Konark Dance Festival: The temple complex hosts an annual dance festival called the Konark Dance Festival, usually held in December, featuring classical and traditional dance forms from across India.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Konark Sun Temple was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, recognizing its cultural and historical significance as well as its architectural brilliance.
Location: The temple is situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal and is approximately 35 kilometers from the state capital, Bhubaneswar. It is easily accessible by road and is a popular tourist destination.
Preservation and Conservation: Over the years, the temple has faced various challenges, including erosion, decay, and structural instability. Efforts have been made by the Archaeological Survey of India and other organizations to preserve and protect this cultural treasure.
Religious Significance: While the temple was originally built as a place of worship for the sun god Surya, it also has connections to other Hindu deities, and it played a role in the integration of various religious beliefs and practices.