Today we can see just a part of Konark Sun Temple. But… what a part! Even the remaining structure belongs to the most impressive monuments of architecture in the world.

Rulers of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty – most likely king Narasimha Deva I – built this temple sometimes around 1250 AD. Medieval artisans designed the temple like a giant chariot, with all the wheels and horses. Initially, the temple had also more than 60 m tall tower, but now only the 30 m tall “chariot” is here.

Countless sophisticated reliefs adorn the structure, telling us a story of deep symbolic meaning… and not everything is understandable to us. Many of sculptural groups are erotic.

We do not know who and why destroyed part of the temple. The current structure was partly restored during the 19th century.

Location, GPS coordinates:	19.8876 N 86.0946 E
Categories:	Religious architecture, Hindu shrines
Values:	Architecture, Visual
Rating:
Where is located?	Asia, India, Odisha, Puri District, in Konark town

Konark Sun Temple on the map