Why is it called the Sun temple?
Etymology : "Konarka" , the place bears a name composed of two word elements : Kona meaning corner and ARKA meaning the Sun.
What is so special about the Sun Temple?
The Sun Temple, built in the thirteenth century, was conceived as a gigantic chariot of the Sun God, with twelve pairs of exquisitely ornamented wheels pulled by seven pairs of horses. Majestic in conception, this temple is one of the most sublime monuments of India, famous as much for its imposing dimensions and faultless proportions as for the harmonious integration of architectural grandeur with plastic allegiance.The temple is one of the most well renowned temples in India and is a World Heritage Site.
What led to the destruction of the Sun temple?
Though the stone walls are of 20 to 25 feet (7.6 m) thick, the Sultan of Bengal (who invaded Orissa) somehow managed to displace the Dadhinauti (Arch stone) and thus caused the tower to collapse. He also damaged most of the images and other side temples of Konark. Due to displacement of the Dadhinauti, the tower gradually collapsed and the roof of the Mukasala was also damaged, due to the stones falling down from the temple top.
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