Sun Worship In India

Sun Worship in India Surya is glorified in the Vedic hymns of ancient India as an all-seeing god who observes both good and evil actions. He expels not only darkness but also evil dreams and diseases. Sun heroes and sun kings also occupy a central position in Indian mythology, where Vivasvant, the father of Yama, corresponds to the Iranian Vivahvant, the father of Yima. There is a dynasty of sun kings, characteristically peaceful, that is quite distinct from the warlike moon kings.

A Special Templenet Feature on the eve of the Total Solar Eclipse on Aug 11, 1999

Sun Temples in India 1. Introduction 2. Dakshinaarka Temple at Gaya, Bihar 3. Suryanaar Koyil in Tamilnadu 4. Suryanarayana Temple at Arasavilli 5. Surya Pahar Temple in Assam 6. Bhramanya Dev Temple at Unao 7. Sun Temple at Modhera - Gujarat 8. The Grand Konark Sun Temple 9. Sun Temples outside India 10.Solar Eclipse Links 11.Travel & Tourism Links Introduction: The Vedic scriptures of the Hindu religion refer to the sun as the store house of inexhaustible power and radiance. Ths sun god is referred to as Surya or Aditya. The Vedas are full of hymns describing the celestial body as the source and sustainer of all life on earth. The origin of the worship of the Sun in India is thus several centuries old.

References to sun worship are found in the puranas. The Ramayana speaks of Sage Agastya initiating Rama into sun worship through the Aditya Hridaya Mantra. The astronomer and astrologer Varahamirhira makes references to the intricacies of ceremonies connected with the installation of the icon of the Sun. It is also said that Iran was once a center of Solar worship and that some of the Magha priests of Iran had been brought to India to officiate in ceremonies. There are several temples enshrining the Sun God as the principal deity. Several temples dedicated to Shiva, feature a small shrine for Surya the Sun God. In addition, it is believed that Surya, the Sun God has offered worship at several of the shrines in Tamilnadu; many of these shrines have been designed in such a way that the sun's rays illuminate the sanctum (of Shiva) on certain days of the year. Several of the South Indian Temple Tanks also bear the name Surya Theertham or Surya Pushkarini. This article takes readers on a journey through seven temples dedicated primarily to Surya, Dakshinaarka Temple in the Gangetic Plains, Suryanaar Koyil in South India, Arasavilli and Konark on the East Coast of India, Modhera in Gujarat (Western India), Surya Pahar in North Eastern India and Unao in Central India.

It should be mentioned here that

remains of an ancient Sun temple are found at Martanda near Srinagar in Kashmir. It is said to date back to the first century AD. Ruins of a sun temple which attracted thousands of visitors in the 7th century AD are found in Multan in Pakistan. As with all other temples in India, legends and beliefs are associated with each of the above temples. It is interesting to note that one of the beliefs shared by worshippers at these temples situated so far apart - is that visits to these temples followed by a dip in the sacred tanks associated with them would bring relief to believers ailing from blindness, leprosy and other skin diseases. The Dakshinaarka temple at Gaya, Bihar There is an ancient Sun temple at Gaya in the state of Bihar. Offerings to the ancestors are made at the Surya Kunda or the Dakshina Maanas tank in front of the temple. Sun worship apparently was very popular in the Magadha region which included Gaya. Numerous old images of the Sun God Aditya are found in the Gaya region and there are still quite a number of sun worshippers in Gaya. It is said that they may have descended from the fire worshippers of Central Asia. In fact, the granite image of Aditya (this particular image here is also referred to as Dakshinaarka) or the Sun God worshipped here is

portrayed as wearing a jacket, a waist girdle and high boots in the Iranian tradition. Hundreds of people visit this temple on Sundays. Sun worship in the Magadha region that encompassed Gaya has been mentioned in the Puranas and thus this temple is said to be of very ancient origin. The current structure dates back to the 13th century, where the South Indian emperor Prataparudra of Warangal in Andhra Pradesh is said to have built it. The Sun Temple at Gaya faces east and is located close to the famous Vishnupaada temple where a footprint of Vishnu is said to be enshrined. To the east of the temple is the tank Surya Kunda. The temple is a simple and plain one, with a dome over it. The comparatively larger sabha mandapa stands in front of the sanctum. Massive pillars line the mandapa where there are graceful stone sculptures of Shiva, Bhramaa, Vishnu, Surya and Durga. There are two other notable Sun temples at Gaya, namely the Uttaraka temple near the Uttara Maanas tank and the Gayaditya temple on the river Falgu. The Bhramanya Dev Temple at Unao in Madhya Pradesh The Brahmanya Dev (Baramju) temple dedicated to the Sun is located at Unao near Jhansi in Madhya Pradesh. It is a well visited temple. Local belief is that worshippers find relief from ailments such as blindness and leprosy and other skin diseases. The stone image of the Sun God stands here on a brick platform covered with black plates. Twenty one triangles representing the 21 phases of the sun are engraved in the shrine.There is a protective brass cover for the image. Sunday is the special day of worship. This temple was patronized by the Peshwas and by the ruler of Datia, a nearby town. Sun Temple at Surya Pahar in Assam This relatively modern Sun temple in the vicinity of the Surya Pahar Hill near Goalpara in Assam. This temple enshrines a circular stone tablet having 12 images of Aditya in a circle with an image of Kashyapa the father of Aditya in the center. Surya is said to be the son of Aditi and Kashyapa (Prajapati or the creator of beings). Each of the Adityas os one faced and two armed. According to the Puranas the Adityas are 12 in number. The text Kalika Purana mentions Surya mountain, the perpetual abode of the sun. Sun worship was present in early Assam. Surya Pahad is referred to as a virtual gallery of archeological remains. At the foot of the hill, covering a vast area there are found a good

number of Siva lingams cut out of stone.In addition, Surya Pahar ruins contain many rock cut figures of artistic merit. Suryanaar Temple near Kumbhakonam in Tamilnadu This ancient temple dedicated to the Sun is located near Kumbhakonam in Tamilnadu. Kumbhakonam and its surroundings abound in huge temples. This well known temple enshrines the Sun - Surya, Kasi Viswanatha and Visalakshi, and the other eight celestial bodies namely Chandran, Angarakan, Budhan, Brihaspati, Sukran, Saniswaran, Rahu and Ketu. An elaborate worship protocol is prescribed for pilgrims visiting here, starting with worship at the shrine of Ganesha, culminating in circumambulating the temple nine times. This temple built in the Dravidian style is over eight hundred years old and was patronized by the Imperial Chola Kings. This temple is located in close proximity to Kanjanur, and Tirumangalakkudi housing 1200 year old temples to Shiva. Suryanaar Koyil has acquired a lot of popularity in recent times, and is one of the pivotal points in the Navagaraha Stala Tour organized by the Tamilnadu Tourist Development Corporation. Suryanarayanaswamy temple at Arasavilli in Andhra Pradesh This is a shrine of the Sun in a well preserved state. The temple dates back to the 7th century and a Kalinga king is said to have constructed it. The image of worship is a 5 ft tall one of black granite holding lotus buds - flanked by Usha and Chhaya. Padmapani is the name of this Sun God - padma stands for wisdom usha and chhaya stand for eternity. This shrine is located near Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh. The Sun Temple at Modhera – Gujarat This is a grand temple to the Sun God concieved and built in 1026. As in the Sun Temple at Konark, this temple was so designed that the rays of the Sun would fall on the image of Surya at the time of the equnoxes. Whatever remains of this temple is grand; the shikharas are notaby absent but the Toranas in the frontal halls, and the intricate carvings in the exterior speak of the splendour of this shrine, which still is home to the Modhera dance festival featuring dance celebrities in performance in a natural setting. Ruins of the sun temple at Modhera in Gujarat show a lot of Magha influence. The walls of the temple have representations of the sun god wearing a peculiar West Asian belt and boots as in the Sun temple at Gaya. Mention must also be made of the huge tank in front of the temple with its multitude of images. The Sun Temple at Konarak, Orissa

The grandest and best known of all Sun temples in India is the Konark temple in Orissa. This dates back to the 13th century and it represent the highest point in Orissan temple architecture. Konark is situated 20 miles to the north east of Puri. The word Konark means corner sun. The black pagoda at Konarak is a grand and magnificient temple in the form of the suns charriot drawn by seven horses marking the 7 days of the week. The 24 huge wheels, magnificiently carved and decorated, mark the hours of the day. This temple was envisioned by the Ganga ruler Narasimha Deva and it was not fully completed. The main idol of the Sun God on which the suns rays fall in the morning is said to have been removed by some Portuguese navigators. The temple now comprises only of the sabhamandap and the natamandir. The main temple crumbled down many years ago. Sun Temples Outside India Sun Temple at Multan - Pakistan Karnak Sun Temple in Egypt Mayan Resources Travel Egypt - Temple at Abu Simbel Mesa Verde Sun Temple Sun Temple of Abu Ghurab Sun Temple of Nuissere Mesoamerican Sun Temple

Surya the Sun God

Lord Sun as an inexhaustable source of energy. Sun worship in India dates back to ancient times. It is the source of Power. In whose presence all living being get life. There are many temples represents Lord Sun as presiding deity in all over world. Perhaps the best known of the sun temples in India are the remains of the Konark temple on the east coast of India and the remains of the Modhera sun temple in the western state of Gujarat. Surya - Iconography - Beliefs: Surya is portrayed riding a seven horse chariot driven by Aruna. Aruna (a charioteer devoid of legs) is said to be the son of Kasyapa muni and Vinata and brother of Garuda. Surya is portrayed with two lotuses held in both his hand, and is occasionally shown with the hood of the mythical serpent Adi Sesha spread over his head. At the base of his image are shown his gatekeepers Pingala (Agni) and Danda (Skanda). The Vedas refer to sun worship. Vishnu is also described as being seated in the midst of the disk of the sun; over time Vishnu worship merged with sun worship (in some instances), and Surya is also referred to as Suryanarayana.

Interestingly, Buddhism refers to Marichi as an incarnation of Dhyan-Buddha-Vairochana, and is depicted with three faces symbolic of morning, noon and evening, on a chariot drawn by seven boars, driven by a Goddes without legs.

Beliefs and Legends There are several interesting legends surrounding Surya. Surya is considered to be an embodiment of the Trinity Bhrahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Surya is considered to be Bhrahma until midday, Shiva in the afternoon and Vishnu in the evening.

Usha is the foremost of Surya's consorts and is referred to in the Rig Veda. Usha is the queen of the night, and is described as dressed in gold clothing adorned with numerous stars. The second of his consorts is Padmini or the lotus. (The lotus blooms when the sun rises in the east). The third of Surya's consorts is Chaaya. Another legend has it that the first consort of Surya was Usha. Yama and Yami were the children born to Surya and Usha. Unable to bear the heat of the sun, Usha returned to her father's home. As she left her husband, she created a look alike Chhaya and left her in her place.

Chhaya bore more of Surya's children, and meted out step motherly treatment to Yama and Yami. She cursed Yama to become an outcaste, and Yama thus became the God of death; Yami transformed into the river Yamuna. Surya, suspecting foul play interrogated Chhaya, discovered the whereabouts of Usha, reduced his intensity and led a life of bliss with her again; born to them were the divine physican twins, the Ashwini twins. Legend has it that Samba the son of Krishna was cured of leprosy by his worship of the sun god. It is still believed by many that sun worship offered at several of the sun temples all over India, is a cure for leprosy and other skin ailments, blindness and infertility. 1.

The Vedas are full of hymns describing the celestial body as the source and sustainer

of all life on earth. The origin of the worship of the Sun in India is thus several centuries old. 2. References to sun worship are found in the puranas. The Ramayana speaks of Sage Agastya initiating Rama into sun worship through the Aditya Hridaya Mantra.

3. The astronomer and astrologer Varahamirhira makes references to the intricacies of ceremonies connected with the installation of the icon of the Sun. 4. Mayura, who lived in the court of Harshavardhana (1st millennium CE) composed the Surya Satakam in praise of Surya and is believed to have been cured of blindness. 5.It is also said that Iran was once a center of Solar worship and that some of the Magha priests of Iran had been brought to India to officiate in ceremonies.

Temples of Surya In eastern India, the Konark Sun temple is probably the best and most majestic specimen of temple art in Orissa, despite its ruined state. In western India, the Modhera sun temple, even in its ruined state is a majestic one, bearing testimony to the art of the ancient Chalukyas of Gujarat. In south India, Suryanaar Koyil near Kumbhakonam in Tamilnadu is one of the best specimen of Chola kingdom. In the central India, the sun temple at Unao in Madhya Pradesh is an ancient one, believed to be associated with cures for skin ailments. In North India, the Surya Pahar temple situated amongst several archaeological remains in Goalpara in Assam is an ancient center of sun worship. The Dakshinaarka Sun temple at Gaya is associated with the rites for making offerings to ancestors. The Sun Temple at Ranakpur: is a magnificient structure in white soapstone. It is located in the vicinity of the grand Jain temple complex in Ranakpur in Rajasthan. The Suryanarayana temple at Arasavalli in Andhra Pradesh is an ancient one built by the Kalinga rulers in the 1st millennium CE. It should be mentioned here that remains of an ancient Sun temple are found at Martanda near Srinagar in Kashmir. It is said to date back to the first century CE. Ruins of a sun temple which attracted thousands of visitors in the 7th century CE are found in Multan in Pakistan. The Indian system of beliefs regards sunlight as the greatest of disinfectants, hence the sun is associated with healing power.

Sun Temples in India The earliest worship related to the graha: Surya. The Sun is an ordinary G2 star, one of more than 100 billion stars in our galaxy. Total Solar eclipse

The black body of the Moon standing out in relief between Sun and Earth, the sudden outflashing radiance of the pearly corona. NEWSFLASH: All roads lead to Kurukshetra, India, as the holy city decks itself for the solar eclipse on Oct 24, 1995, the last solar eclipse of this century. About 20 lakh pilgrims are expected here to partake of "divine blessings" by taking a dip in the holy Brahmasarovar tank, (Close to the site of Krishna's Gitopadesam during the Mahabharata War) Gayatri Mantra (Savitr or the Sun) - is an adoration of the effulgence of the Sun.

OM BHOOR BHUVAHA SWAHA TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM BHARGO DEVASYA DHEEMAHI DHIYO YO NAHA PRACHODAYAAT "O God, Thou art the giver of life, the remover of pain and sorrow, the bestower of happiness; O Creator of the Universe, may we receive thy supreme, sin-destroying light; may Thou guide our intellect in the right direction." In Bhagavad-Gita (Ch. 10. 35), Lord Krishna states: Brihat saama latha saamnaam Gayatri chandasaam aham Maasaanam maarga sirshoham Ritunaam kusumaakaraha Among the hymns, I am the Brihat saama sung to Lord Indra, Of the poetry, I am the Gayatri verse sung daily by the initiated, Of all the Maasanam (months), I am the margasira (November- December). Among all the ritus (seasons), I am the flower bearing spring. Surya (Sun) is adored in the Vedas as Savitr, Pushan, Bhaga, Vivasvat, Mitra, Aryaman and Vishnu. These deities, Amsa, Daksha, Maartaanda are the Adityas. Savitr is 'the stimulator of everything' (sarvasya prasavitaa--Niruktam, 10,31). Vivasvat was the first sacrificer; in Avesta, Vivanhant was the first mortal who prepared Haoma (Vedic Soma). The Brahmanas and Puranas enumerate twelve Adityas: Dhaatr, Mitra, Aryaman, Rudra, Varuna, Surya, Bhaga, Vivasvan, Pushan, Savitaa, Tvashtaa and Vishnu. Surya is described as the soul of movable and immovable things (suurya aatmaa jagasatasthuushasca: RV. I.115,1). Rigveda describes Surya as: divya suparna garutmaan (beautiful-winged celestial bird Garutmaan)(RV. VII, 77,3), as a white brilliant steed brought by Ushas. These descriptions result in the concept of Garuda as the mount of Vishnu. Surya is also endowed with a chariot drawn by horses: moving on a car drawn by one, by several or by seven fleet and ruddy horses (RV. I. 115, 3-4; VII.60,3; VII.63.2).

Anandagiri refers to six classes of sun-worshippers; all of them bore naamam (caste-mark) made of red sandal paste, wore garlands of red flowers and repeated the Suurya Gaayatrii of eight syllabes. Samba reportedly built a temple for Surya at Muulasthaanapura (Multan, Pakistan) on the banks of Candrabhaagaa river. The temple is described in the writings of Hiuen Tsang and Arab geographers Al Edrisi and Abu Ishak al Ishtakhri. Puranas also refer to Saambaaditya installed at Mathura. Brhatsamhitaa refers to Magas (from Magi, the Mithra or Mihira-worshipping priests of Iran) who were entitled to install the images of Surya in temples (Ch. 59, V.19). Brhatsamhitaa describes that 'the god should be dressed in the fashion of a northerner, (his body) from the feet up to the breast being covered. He should wear a crown and hold two lotus flowers by their stalks. His face should be adorned with ear-rings, he should wear a long necklace...' (Ch. 57, 46-48). Yajnavalkyasuutra (Bombay edition, 1892, p. 89) states that grahayajna should be performed by one who desired peace and prosperity, ample rains (for his crops), long life and nourishment, and (by him) who wants to harm his enemies; the figures of Surya, Soma (moon), the son of the earth (Mangala, Mars), the son of Soma (Budha, Mercury), Brhaspati (Juipter), Sukra (Venus), Sani (Saturn), Rahu and Ketu should be made of copper, crystal, red sandal (wood), gold (in the case of Budha and Brhaspati), silver, iron, lead and bell-metal respectively; Or these figures should be drawn on canvas in their respective colours, or in the mandalas made of scented paste (sandal wood paste--these are of the lepajaa variety). This text and many other texts like Vishnudharmottara, Agnipuraana, Amsumadbhedaagama, Silparatna describe their forms... Stone slabs with these grahas are usually standing. (Jitendra Nath Banerjea, The Development of Hindu Iconography, Delhi, Munshiram Manoharlal, 1956, p. 443-444) Surya, in Hindu mythology and religion, the sun and the sun god. Although in the Vedic period several other deities also possessed solar characteristics, most of these were merged into a single god in later Hinduism. Surya once ranked together with Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti, and Ganesha, and many temples dedicated to him are found throughout India.

The Puranas record that the weapons of the gods were forged from pieces trimmed from Surya, whose full emanation was too bright to bear. His power was conceived of as dispelling darkness, curing disease, and heating and illuminating the world. His wife Usas-in some accounts, his mother or mistress--is the personification of dawn. Sculptures of Surya often show him in "northern" or Scythian dress--close-fitting coat and high boots--suggesting an influence from Iranian sun cults. In modern Hinduism he is worshiped as the supreme deity by only a small following, the Saura sect, though he is invoked by all Hindus, and the Gayatri-mantra, uttered daily at dawn by orthodox Hindus, is addressed to the sun. Surya is the mythological father of many notable sons, including Manu (progenitor of the human race), Yama (lord of death), the Ashvins (twin physicians to the gods), Karna (a great warrior of the Mahabharata), and Sugriva (king of monkeys). He is commonly represented in a chariot drawn by seven horses, or by a single horse with seven heads, holding full-blown lotuses, his head surrounded by a nimbus or by rays.

Navagraha Cakra, Khiching, Orissa (ca. 10th cent. A.D.). The cakra has twelve spokes and rests on its side on a lotus pedestal. Flames issue from the rim of the wheel. The grahas are arranged inside the broad rim of the wheel. Surya is seated in the top centre. Rahu and Ketu are on either side at the bottom. On the sides are carved, one above the other, the six other grahas, three on either side. In the centre of the wheel is a three-faced (?) four-armed figure seated in padmaasana with its front hands in the dhyaana mudra; the figure perhaps represents Brahma.

Four grahas: Brhaspati, Sukra, Sani and Rahu, Sarnath (Sandstone fragment, Exhibit No. 1536 in the Indian Museum). The fierce-looking Rahu is shown only up to the breast, with a grinning face, round protruding eyes, hair tied up in a bunch of spiral coils rising upwards. Rahu has his hands in tarpana mudra. Brhaspati, Sukra and Sani have each a halo behind his head, and a rosary in his right hand; the left hands of Brhaspati and Sukra hold a water-pot. Sani's left hand is broken. The complete slab should have contained eight grahas (excluding Ketu). In Bengal and Eastern Indian medieval temples, only eight grahas are depicted (excluding Ketu). In one sculpture in Ashutosh Museum, Calcutta, eight grahas are shown together with Ganesa as the first deity.

There are two temples for Surya in India; one is in Konarak (near Puri, Orissa) and the other is in Suryanarkovil (near Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu). Both the temples have been built by kings of the Cola lineage. Suryanarkovil temple for Surya was constructed by Kulottunga Cola in 1113 A.D. An inscription in the temple states that the temple was built in the reigin of Kulottungacoladeva (1060-1118 A.D.) and was called Kulottungacola-Marttaandaalaya. The Konarak temple was built 2 centuries later between 1238 and 1263 by Narasimha Coda (Cola?) Ganga from the lineage of Kaaravela. Karunakara Tondaimaan conquered Kalinga in 1112 A.D. by defeating Anantaverma Codaganga. Kaaravela was perhaps a descendant of the Cola lineage. An original structure dating back to the 9th century once stood here.

1. Suryanarkovil (near Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu).

2. Navagraha Temple at Guwahati in Assam dates to the 17th century. The temple is located on Chitrachal hill and was once a center for the study of astrology.

3. Sun Temple at Kandaha (Bangaon) near Saharsa, Bihar. 4. Sun Temple at Gaya, Bihar

5. Sun Temples: Uttaraka temple near the Uttara Maanas tank and the Gayaditya temple on the river Falgu in Bihar. Sun Temple at Goalpara in Assam - A relatively modern temple enshrines a circular stone tablet with 12 Adityas with Kasyapa in the center. 6. The Surya Pahar hill is virtually a picture gallery of archeological remains.

7. Sun Temple at Ranakpur near Udaipur in Rajasthan Sun Temple at Galta near Jaipur in Rajasthan Sun Temple at Jhaira Patan near Kota in Rajasthan: Ruins of an ancient temple Sun Temple at Modhera near Ahmedabad in Gujarat 8. Ruins of well known 11th century temple intricately sculpted

9. Sun Temple at Somnath Patan near Veraval in Gujarat 10. Ancient temple with interesting sculpture dating back to the period of the Somnath temple, near a rebuilt Somnath temple of the Ahilyabai Holkar period.

11. Sun Temple at Madkheda near Tikamgadh, Madhya Pradesh Sun Temple at Umri near Tikamgadh, Madhya Pradesh

12. Konarak (A world heritage site)

Sun Temple at Gaya, Bihar The ritual of offering pindas or offerings to the dead has been long associated with Gaya and has been mentioned in the epics. (Vaayupuraana). The Sun temple is an ancient structure in Gaya. Offerings to the ancestors are made at the Surya Kunda or the Dakshina Maanas tank in front of the temple. Sun worship apparently was very popular in the Magadha region which included Gaya. Numerous old images of the Sun God Aditya are found in the Gaya region and there are still quite a number of sun worshippers in Gaya. It is said that they may have descended from the fire worshippers of Central Asia.

In fact, the granite image of Aditya (this particular image here is also referred to as Dakshinaarka) or the Sun God worshipped here is portrayed as wearing a jacket, a

waist

girdle and high boots in the Iranian tradition. Sun worship in the Magadha region has been mentioned in the Puranas and thus this temple is said to be of very ancient origin. The current structure dates back to the 13th century, where the South Indian emperor Prataparudra of Warangal is said to have built it. Konarak (A world heritage site)

One of the most splendid temples dedicated to Surya is the Surya Deula ("Sun Temple"), once called the Black Pagoda, at Konarak, in Orissa, on the Bay of Bengal coast. There, the whole structure is conceived as a chariot on wheels in which the sun god rides across the heavens pulled by prancing horses. The Black Pagoda was used as a navigation landmark by mariners sailing to Calcutta. Never completed and falling into ruins before its restoration, the temple represents the culmination of the Orissan school of temple architecture. In its original form, the deul was 235 feet high and the jagamohana was about 150 feet high. The temple was dedicated to the sun god Surya; it was designed to represent his chariot, with 12 huge carved stone wheels and 7 stone horses around its base. The Surya Deula is about 100 feet (30 m) high and would have surpassed 200 feet (60 m) in height at its completion. The exterior is covered with sculptured decorations, many depicting erotic scenes.

Legends say that Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, was afflicted by leprosy, brought about by his father's curse on him. After 12 years of penance, he was cured by Surya, the Sun God, in whose honour he built this temple.

Wheel depicted on the Konarak Temple: Built by Raja Narsimhadeva of the Ganga dynasty, in the 13th century AD, the temple is a pageant of human grandeur, in its perception, and in the execution of even the finest details. It resembles a colossal chariot, with 24 wheels, pulled by seven straining horses, and has a three-tiered pyramidal roof topped off by a fine spire. The Sun - God's chariot, also represents the seven days of the week, and the 24 hours of the day, in its concept. The temple is a brilliant chronicle in stone, with impressive sculptures. Every aspect of life is represented here, and the erotic imagery, depicts the sublimation of human love manifested in countless forms. Scenes from court, civic life and war are also done with great precision. Unlike the other temples of the Bhubaneswar-Konark-Puri region, the Konark temple had two smaller outer halls, completely separate from the main structure. The assembly-hall and the tower were built on an imposing platform, which were carved into meticulously crafted twelve pairs of decorated wheels, each 10 feet in diameter. The entrance is reached by a broad flight of steps, flanked on either side by prancing horses, the whole representing the chariot, in which the Sun-God rides across the heavens. The court of the temple, was decorated with large free-standing sculptures of great strength and beauty. Now protected under the World Heritage List, the temple's interior was filled - up in 1903 A.D., by the then British Lt. Governor of Bengal, to save it from deterioration.