All You Need To Know About Konark Wheel, The Replica Of Which PM Modi Used To Welcome G20 Leaders

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed some of the most powerful and influential world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, there was something unmissable on the grand stage - the backdrop.

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Konark wheel at G20 Summit   

PM Modi on Saturday welcomed the heads of the G20 member countries at the Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the G20 Summit, on the backdrop of the replica of the Konark Wheel, a 13th-century artefact symbolising time, progress and continuous change, in Sun Temple in Odisha.

PM Modi was even seen explaining to Biden the grandeur of the Konark wheel.

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What is Konark wheel?

The Konark Wheel was built during the 13th century under the reign of King Narasimhadeva-I of the Ganga dynasty.

The temple was designed as a huge chariot drawn by 7 mighty spirited horses on 12 pairs (total 24 wheels) of gorgeously decorated wheels at its base. The wheel size is 9 feet 9 inches in diameter, each with 8 wider spokes and 8 thinner spokes. 

Out of these 24 wheels, 6 are on either side of the main temple, 4 are on each side of the Mukhasala, and 2 are on each side of the steps at the eastern front.

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Cultural and national significance of Konark wheel

The Konark wheel has 8 wider spokes and 8 thinner spokes. The distance between two wider spokes is of 3 hours (180 minutes). 

Its rotating motion symbolises time, 'Kaalchakra', as well as progress and continuous change.

The Sun Temple at Konark is a UNESCO World Heritage Monument and a popular tourist destination in Odisha.

The wheel with 24 spokes, which has also been adapted into the Tricolour, embodies India's ancient wisdom, advanced civilisation and architectural excellence. It has also been featured on the Indian currency.

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It serves as a powerful symbol of the wheel of democracy that reflects the resilience of democratic ideals and commitment to progress in society.

This iconic structure, with its intricate design and symbolic importance, has long been admired for its artistic value as well as representation of India's profound cultural heritage.

The Konark Wheel's presence at the G20 Summit served as a reminder of India's rich and diverse cultural tapestry.

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Showcasing Odisha at G20 summit 

The showcasing of the Konark Wheel on this international stage also highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating the nation's historical treasures, ensuring that they continue to inspire and educate future generations in India and worldwide.

“Odisha’s magnificent culture and heritage finds a place of pride at G20 India. The Konark chakra is an architectural marvel illustrating the civilisational concepts of time, space, continuity and the future. PM Narendra Modi explaining the significance of India’s heritage and knowledge traditions to US President Joe Biden is truly a beautiful sight,” Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan wrote in a post on X.

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