Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c28.37

c28.37

The temple of Konarak is dedicated to Surya, the Sun-god, to whom some of the largest and most remarkable temples have been consecrated, as for instance Martand (9th century) in Kashmir (Chapter XXXI), and Modhera (1026 A.D.) in Gujarat (Chapter XXIV). In its design the Orissan temple is in a class by itself for several reasons. Firstly, it represents the crystallised and accumulated experience of several hundred years of this type of temple building, so that no longer is it a fortuitous range of separate structures, as in the Lingaraja and Jagannath examples, but a reasoned and systematic co-ordination of its parts into an architectural unity. Where another hall is needed, as the *nat mandir*, this, although detached, in order to conform to the demands of the ritual, is nevertheless made to accord with the scheme as a whole. The Temple of the Sun at Konarak therefore illustrates in every aspect the fulfilment and finality of the style. Further, in its conception the building is unique on account of its supremely imaginative character. The traditional representation of the Sun-god visualizes this deity standing in Time's winged chariot urging on his team of seven horses, with which he blazes his way through the heavens. These he unyokes at sunset so that