• Four sandstone replicas of the Konark wheel have been installed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre and the Amrit Udyan.

• Installation of the Konark wheel replicas aims to showcase and promote the country’s rich heritage to visitors.

• This initiative is part of several steps being taken to introduce traditional cultural and historical elements in the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Key facts about Konark Sun Temple:

• The Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the culmination of Odisha temple architecture. It stands as a magnificent testament to Kalinga architecture, blending artistic brilliance with a divine narrative.

• Built by King Narasimhadeva in the 13th century, the entire temple was designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with seven horses and 12 pairs of wheels, carrying the Sun god across the heavens.

• On the north and south sides are 24 carved wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter, as well as symbolic motifs referring to the cycle of the seasons and the months.

• Its scale, refinement and conception represent the strength and stability of the Ganga Empire as well as the value systems of the historic milieu. 

• Its aesthetic and visually overwhelming sculptural narratives are today an invaluable window into the religious, political, social and secular life of the people of that period. 

• Konark is also known as Konaditya. The name Konark is derived from the words “kona” meaning corner and “arka” meaning the Sun. Konark is also known as Arkakshetra.

• The temple was used as a navigational point by European sailors. They referred to it as the ‘Black Pagoda’ due to its dark colour.

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