G20 Summit: All about Konark Sun Temple, whose historic Wheel served as backdrop at welcome handshake for global leaders

The temple, according to the Odisha Tourism website, is the product of seven hundred years of toil in the pursuit of excellence. Built by King Narasimha Deva I in the 12th century and paying tribute to the Sun God, it has a huge framework, symmetry, precision, and detailed artwork that never ceases to astound visitors.

One of the highest temples ever constructed in the nation, according to Odisha Tourism, the Sun Temple at Konark is thought to be about 227 feet tall at its original height, archaeologists say. The spectacular Jagamohana (Entrance Hall) with the sanctum sanctorum, however, is the only structure still standing today, though it has almost completely collapsed. The Natya Mandap, which is still standing despite being in ruins, is the other building.

The wheels, often referred to as Konark Chakra, are an iconic memento that tourists visiting the temple love to acquire. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

The temple was fashioned like the Sun God’s chariot, which was drawn by seven horses and had twenty-four exquisitely carved wheels.

“Apart from its beauty what captivates historians is the scientific precision,” stated Odisha Tourism website. “The wheels are designed in such a way that one can gauge the time of the day by looking at the shadow cast on the spoke of the wheels by the sun. Not only that the carvings of the spoke and axes denote the activities that one normally does at that time of the day.”

The Konark Wheel, often referred to as Konark Chakra, is an iconic memento that tourists visiting the temple love to acquire.

According to some researchers, the Sun Temple was constructed in the sea to give the appearance of the Sun God rising from the water at dawn. Due to the perception of the temple’s roof being dark, the European sailors called the temple “Black Pagoda.” It acted as a crucial signpost for sailors back then who were sailing the Bay of Bengal.

Famous poet Pt Rabindranath Tagore famously said, “Here the language of stone surpasses the language of man,” upon seeing the magnificent Sun Temple at Konark. One couldn’t agree more; a visit to Konark leaves visitors with its image, niggling at the back of their minds.

The 24-spoke Konark wheel, which represents timeless knowledge, cutting-edge civilisation, and architectural brilliance, has also been incorporated into India’s national flag. The wheel’s circular motion represents time, or the Kalachakra, as well as development and ongoing change in the cosmos. The wheel of democracy is a representation of the democratic values’ tenacity and dedication to social advancement.

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