Curiosmos
  • Home
  • Unsolved Mysteries
  • Ancient Civilizations
  • Cosmic Phenomena
  • Alien Theories
  • Curious Lists
No Result
View All Result
Like us on Facebook
Curiosmos
  • Home
  • Unsolved Mysteries
  • Ancient Civilizations
  • Cosmic Phenomena
  • Alien Theories
  • Curious Lists
No Result
View All Result
Curiosmos
No Result
View All Result

The Konark Sun Temple: A Wonder of Ancient Engineering

Justin GurkinicbyJustin Gurkinic
April 2, 2019 - Updated on May 7, 2019
in Editor's Picks
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The Konark Sun Temple (believed to have been built during the 13th-century CE) is a massive stone-built temple in the shape of a giant chariot, dedicated to the Hindu Sun God. Its architectural and design elements are out of this world.

There are many ancient temples scattered around the globe that challenge our very understanding of ancient civilizations and their architectural and engineering capacities.

In the past, we wrote about a few of them. See here, here and here.

Located about 35 kilometers northeast from Puri on the coastline of Odisha, India is the Konark Sun Temple, an ancient engineering wonder attributed to king Narasingha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty about 1250 CE.

Related Posts

Explorers from the 24th Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition standing inside the subterranean world. Image Credit: Press Service of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

Researchers Find a Lost Subterranean World in a Cave Beneath Antarctica

September 13, 2019 - Updated on January 21, 2024
Barnard 68 is a starless void in our galaxy darker than the deepest space

Barnard 68 is a starless void in our galaxy darker than the deepest space

January 9, 2019 - Updated on April 17, 2025
Partial view of Konarak Sun Temple in Orissa, India. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
Partial view of Konarak Sun Temple in Orissa, India. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

Its name, Konark, derives from the Sanskrit words Kona, which means corner or angle and Arka, which in translation means the Sun.

The temple was built in honor to the Hindu Sun God Surya, and the massive structure was built in the form of a 100-foot (30 m) high chariot with immense wheels and horses, all carved from stone.

The builders of the temple used three different types of stone.

According to surviving ancient texts, Chlorite was used for the door lintel and frames as well as some sculptures.

Some of the reliefs and sculptures at the Konark Sun Temple. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
Some of the reliefs and sculptures at the Konark Sun Temple. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

The ancient builders made us of Laterite for the cone of the temple’s platform as well as the staircases located near its foundation.

Khondalite was also used for different parts of the temple.

Interestingly, none of the stones used in the building process originated from quarries located in the vicinity.

Design elements of the Konark Sun Temple. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
Design elements of the Konark Sun Temple. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

Experts estimate that the builders obtained the materials from distant quarries and then transported the massive stones using the rivers and water channels near the site.

At its prime, the temple stood over 200 feet (61 m) high.

Today, much of the temple remains in ruins, especially the massive shikara tower over the sanctuary.

The exact reason why the temple was partially destroyed remains an enigma to experts.

Another view of the stunning design at the Konark Sun Temple. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
Another view of the stunning design at the Konark Sun Temple. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

There are several theories ranging from natural disaster, to deliberate destruction due to being sacked in ancient times by various invading armies.

Some scholars argue that the temple was never actually completed, or that it collapsed during initial construction phases.

The temple is famous for its intricate artwork, iconography, and themes, including erotic kama and mithuna scenes.

A kama scene on the walls of the Konark Sun Temple. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
A kama scene on the walls of the Konark Sun Temple. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

One of the most amazing design elements of the temple, which by itself is already mind-bending, is a massive stone wheel engraved into the walls of the temple.

A stone wheel engraved in the walls of the temple. The temple is designed as a chariot consisting of 24 such wheels. Each wheel has a diameter of 9 feet, 9 inches, with 8 spokes. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
A stone wheel engraved in the walls of the temple. The temple is designed as a chariot consisting of 24 such wheels. Each wheel has a diameter of 9 feet, 9 inches, with 8 spokes. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

As the temple was designed as a massive chariot, it features 24 such wheels. Each of the wheel at the Konark Sun Temple has a diameter of 9 feet, 9 inches, s and 8 spokes.

The Kanark Sun temple was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984. It remains an active, major pilgrimage site for Hindus, who gather here every year for the Chandrabhaga Mela around the month of February.

Share1765Tweet98Share27ShareSend
Justin Gurkinic

Justin Gurkinic

Hey, my name is Justin, and my friends call me Gurk. Why? Becuase of my last name. It sounds like a vegetable. Kind of. I love sleeping and writing. History is my thing.

Related Posts

An ancient Inca wall at the city of Machu Picchu. Shutterstock.
Editor's Picks

Did ancient builders know how to earthquake-proof stone structures?

May 5, 2025
The Surprising Mystery Behind King Tut’s Golden Mask: Was It Really Meant for Him?
Editor's Picks

The Surprising Mystery Behind King Tut’s Golden Mask: Was It Really Meant for Him?

November 15, 2024
X-shaped Qin Dynasty tomb may reveal forgotten burial secrets of ancient China
Editor's Picks

X-shaped Qin Dynasty tomb may reveal forgotten burial secrets of ancient China

January 11, 2019 - Updated on April 17, 2025
Scientist Finds 'Evidence' of Another Universe Before This One
Editor's Picks

Scientist Finds ‘Evidence’ of Another Universe Before This One

October 10, 2018 - Updated on April 14, 2025
The Pyramid of Djoser. Shutterstock.
Editor's Picks

3D Map of Ancient Egyptian Underworld Found Around Egypt’s Oldest Step Pyramid

July 4, 2019 - Updated on September 18, 2021
The Fyrkat Treasure. Nordjyske Museer.
Editor's Picks

Rare Viking Treasures Unearthed Near Fyrkat Fortress

April 24, 2023 - Updated on January 20, 2024
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Fair Use Notice
  • DMCA / Removal
  • Impressum
  • Contact
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Ethics Policy
  • Ownership and Funding Information
  • Impressum
CURIOSMOS.COM

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Unsolved Mysteries
  • Ancient Civilizations
  • Cosmic Phenomena
  • Alien Theories
  • Curious Lists