As the much-anticipated G20 Summit kicked off at Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition and Convention Centre in New Delhi on Saturday, India extended a warm welcome to world leaders and foreign delegates with replicas of the Konark wheel and sculptures of dancing women from the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha.
Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, Odisha's Konark Sun Temple stands as a remarkable testament to ancient architectural and design brilliance. The temple originally comprised two primary structures: the dance mandapa and the grand temple. Although the smaller mandapa structure remains intact to this day, regrettably, the grand temple met its demise sometime in the late 16th century.
One element that has continued to captivate the imaginations of visitors over the centuries is the renowned Konark Sun Temple Wheel. Established in the 13th century under the rule of King Narasimhadeva-I, its purpose was to pay homage to the Sun God, Surya.
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The Konark Wheel is composed of 8 outer spokes and 8 inner spokes, boasting a diameter of 9 feet. Within the temple, you'll find a total of 24 wheels (12 pair), arranged in pairs, symbolising Lord Surya's sun chariot wheels. These 12 pairs represent the 12 months of the year, while the 8 spokes signify the 8 prahars, marking time divisions within a day. According to legend, the Konark sundial served the purpose of accurately determining the time of day by observing the sun's position.
Crafted with exceptional precision, this intricate wheel allows sunlight to filter through, creating shadows that served as a means to ascertain precise time. Additionally, the wheel's carvings illustrate various narratives from Hindu mythology, featuring depictions of deities, animals, and humans. Furthermore, the wheel serves as a symbol off the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
The sundial within the Konark Sun Temple holds significant astronomical importance. It is widely believed that the temple's architects harnessed their profound knowledge of astronomy to craft this sundial, incorporating intricate mathematical calculations that factored in the Earth's rotation as well as the celestial movements of the sun, moon, and stars.
This remarkable sundial is adept at tracing the sun's trajectory across day and the entire year. Its design was meticulously crafted to align with the sun's rays at various points throughout the year, serving as a visual indicator of changing seasons and the solstices. Historically, it is thought to have played a vital role in determining the precise timing for a multitude of religious ceremonies and rituals.
The rotational movement of the Konark Wheel symbolises the concept of time, Kalachakra, as well as progress and perpetual change. It stands as a potent emblem of the democratic wheel, reflecting the steadfastness of democratic principles and a dedication to societal advancement.
The iconic Konark Wheel sculpture is featured on both the older Rs 20 and the more recent Rs 10 currency notes. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced the Rs 10 currency note on January 5, 2018. It showcases a profile portrait of Mahatma Gandhi on the front, while the reverse side highlights the exquisitely carved Konark wheel.
The G20 Summit's inaugural session, themed 'One Earth' for this year, commenced at approximately 10:30 am. This global gathering, which serves as the culmination of various ministerial meetings, engagements by different groups throughout the year, is geared towards addressing critical global issues.