Sun Temple of Konark from Archaeological Survey of India Collections - 1890 - Part 1

Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century Sun Temple (also known as the Black Pagoda), at Konark, in Orissa. It was constructed from oxidizing and weathered ferruginous sandstone by King Narasimhadeva I (1236-1264 CE) of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple is one of the most well renowned temples in India and is a World Heritage Site.

The temple takes the form of the chariot of Surya (Arka), the sun god, and is heavily decorated with stone carving. The entire complex was designed in the form of a huge chariot drawn by seven spirited horses on twelve pairs of exquisitely decorated wheels. (Wikipedia)

This Surya Temple at Konarak was constructed by king Narasimha of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in 1240 circa. This colossal temple complex was too heavy for the friable soil on which it was built and the 70 metres shikhara covering the sanctum collapsed in 1837 as well as the roof of the dance pavilion. Only the jagamohana has survived with its large pyramidal roof rising in three tiers decorated with sculptures of musicians, dancers and maidens. The temple is conceived as a colossal processional chariot of the Sun with 12 pairs of carved wheels, drawn by 7 rearing horses. (British Library)

Photograph of a general view from the south-east of the mandapa

Photograph of a general view from the east of the mandapa

Photograph of the Elephant statues near the gajadvara

Photograph of the Elephant statue near the gajadvara

Photograph of a close view of the the eastern façade of the mandapa

Photograph of a close view of the sculptural detail on the right-hand side of the eastern façade of the mandapa

Photograph of a close view of the sculptural detail on the left-hand side of the eastern façade of the mandapa

Photograph of a close view of the right half of the west façade and roof of the mandapa

Photograph of the left half of the west façade and roof of the mandapa

Elephant statue near the gajadvara

Close view of right half of west façade and roof of the mandapa

Photographer: William Henry Cornish
Source: British Library Website