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India is home to several architectural marvels depicting the country’s rich culture and heritage. These architectures are not just the epitome of spectacular art forms but also science. One such architectural marvel is the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha which was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
Konark Sun Temple attracts lakhs of visitors every year for its artistic grandeur. Adorned with intricate carvings, artworks, and sculptures on various themes, the entire temple is a monumental representation of the Sun God’s chariot with 12 pairs of wheels being drawn by seven horses.
The temple is indeed an artistic brilliance. However, what makes the temple more interesting is the science behind its architecture. For instance, the most attractive element of the Konark Sun temple is the massive ornate wheels of the chariot which tell the exact time of the day. To know how? Read through the blog.
There are 24 wheels on either side of the main temple. Each wheel comprises eight thinner spokes and eight wider spokes. The spokes of the wheels create a sundial as they are designed and placed in such a way that by looking at their shadows, one can calculate the exact time of the day. Interestingly, the wheels are also adorned with elegant carvings showcasing the daily schedule of the human being at different hours of the day.
Various other theories have been also associated with the significance of the Konark wheel. Such as, it is said that the seven horses represent seven days of the week, the 12 pairs of wheels signify the 12 months, 24 wheels represent 24 hours in a day and eight major spokes represent ‘Prahars’ (three hours) of a day.
Another fascinating aspect of science present in the Konark Sun temple is its placement of the Sun God's idol. The temple structure was constructed in such a way that the first rays of the rising sun would directly fall on the Sun God’s idol in the main sanctum. Now, what would you call this? Science, Art, or perhaps both.
It's time to think about the coexistence of science and art around the world by looking back at our history. The presence of architectural marvels like Konark Sun Temple is a testimony of SciArt from ancient times. So, let’s embark on a journey to explore the unexplored or little-known facts and examples of SciArt and present them to the world.