Context- India unveiled the Konark Wheel from the Konark Sun Temple at the recent G20 Summit.
Key Highlights
- As world leaders began arriving at the Bharat Mandapam in Delhi for the G20 summit, the Prime Minister of India personally greeted them at the arrivals area on the second floor of the building.
- Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi shook hands with them for a customary photo with the Konark Wheel of Odisha wall in the background.
About Konark Wheel
-
- Location: Konark Sun Temple, Puri in Odisha.
- Konark Wheel, also known as Konark Chakra.
- It is an iconic symbol associated with the Konark temple.
- The wheel symbolizes the chariot of the sun god.
- There are various theories about the meaning of the Konark wheel:-
- According to one interpretation, the seven horses represent the days of the week, the 12 pairs of wheels symbolize the 12 months of the year, the 24 wheels represent the 24 hours of the day, and the 8 spindles represent three-hour periods. (praharsi) day.
- Another interpretation suggests that the wheels symbolize the cycle of creation, conservation and fulfillment, similar to the “wheel of life”.
- Some believe that the 12 pairs of wheels can represent the 12 signs of the zodiac.
- Others draw parallels between the Konark Wheel and the Dharmachakra, the wheel of karma in Buddhist symbolism (Buddhist Philosophy on Dharmachakra Day).
- Carvings and Decorations
- Although similar in size and architecture, the 24 wheels of the Konark temple have unique carvings.
- Thicker surfaces are decorated with round medallions in the middle.
- The axles of the wheels protrude about a foot from the ground, also decorated at the ends.
- Wheel rims are skillfully carved with leaf patterns and images of various birds and animals.
- The medallions on the wheels depict female figures in various positions, often sensual.
- It represents the cosmic cycle and concept of time in Hindu mythology.
Konark Sun Temple
- Timeline: It was built in the 13th century.
- Historical Background: The temple was built during the reign of King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.
- Design of the temple:
- It is designed in the form of a huge chariot with 12 pairs of wheels carved out of stone.
- They represent the chariot of the sun god. (Modhera Sun Temple)
- The temple is built of Khondalite stones.
- It is carved to depict various mythological and religious themes.
- The Konark Sun Temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
Source: Indian Express
Practice question:
- Discuss the significance of the wheel in Indian mythology, art and architecture?
.png)
