Konark Temple Motion - NFT

The Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century CE (year 1250) Sun temple located 35 kilometres (22 miles) northeast of Puri on Odisha's seashore. The temple was built in 1250 CE by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.

What remains of the temple complex, dedicated to the Sun God Surya, resembles a 100-foot (30 m) high chariot with massive wheels and horses, all carved from stone. Far of the temple, which once stood over 200 feet tall, is now in ruins, particularly the huge shikara tower over the sanctuary, which formerly stood much higher than the mandapa that still stands.

The surviving buildings and components are known for their exquisite artwork, iconography, and themes, which include sensual kama and mithuna scenarios. It is also known as the Surya Devalaya and is a notable example of the Odisha or Kalinga architectural style.

The name Konark is derived from the Sanskrit words Kona (corner or angle) and Arka (angle) (the sun). The word Kona has no definite meaning, although it most likely alludes to the temple's southeast position, either within a wider temple complex or in relation to other sun temples on the subcontinent. Surya, the Hindu sun deity, is referred to as Arka.

Konark's Sun temple, Puri Jagannth temple, and Bhubaneswar's Lingaraj temple form a bilateral triangle, and Konark temple is one Kone (angular point of a triangle). As a result, the word 'Kone' has a specific meaning in the nomenclature.

The Konark Sun Temple's upper levels and terrace house larger and more significant works of art than the bottom level. These include sculptures of Hindu deities such as Durga in her Mahishasuramardini aspect fighting the shape-shifting buffalo demon (Shaktism), Vishnu in his Jagannatha form (Vaishnavism), and Shiva as a (mostly broken) linga, as well as depictions of musicians and mythical storylines (Shaivism). Before 1940, some of the better-preserved friezes and sculptures were taken and sent to museums in Europe and India's main cities.

In various areas of the temple, Hindu deities are represented. The medallions of the Surya temple's chariot wheels, as well as the jagamohana's anuratha artwork, depict Vishnu, Shiva, Gajalakshmi, Parvati, Krishna, Narasimha, and other divinities. Sculptures of Vedic deities such as Indra, Agni, Kubera, Varuna, and dityas may also be seen on the jagamohana.
Konark Temple motion - NFT