The Sun Temple of Konark

by Anil Dey

This is the first book that provides an in-depth analysis of the Konark Sun Temple’s architecture and construction techniques and includes detailed and extensive historical information providing context to the creation of this timeless monument.

468 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Anasua Mukherjee Das · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making of Sonata in Stone: The Sun Temple of Konark

Apart from Taj Mahal, if there is another monument that symbolizes India, it is the majestic Sun Temple of Konark. This 13th-century temple is located at Konark, Odisha surrounded by the pristine beach. This is one of the many sun temples found across the world to offer an ode to the Sun/ Surya God. This one is most magnificent and stunning amongst all sun temples. It is believed that the temple was. The author Anil Dey begins the book "The Sun Temple of Konark" with chapter 'History', where he introduces historical details of Kalinga King Narasimhadeva I of the Ganga Dynasty, who was instrumental in building this temple in 1250 AD approximately. The next chapter deals with 'Construction and Destruction' of the temple. In 'Architecture' chapter the author narrates the architectural features of the temple. The temple is in the shape of a colossal chariot of Surya with elaborately carved stone wheels, pillars, and walls. The chariot comprises seven horses and twelve wheels. The geometrical symmetry in the temple architecture and its surrounding make the temple complex unique. The author also discusses key features in the Hindu temple architecture, which has symmetry-driven structure deploying perfect geometric shapes. In chapter 'Sculpture', the author captures the sculpture of various pieces of deities and their followers. Here, the author introduces various Hindu deities and significance of their special appearance as found in the respective sculpture. The chapter 'Legends and Literature' takes us to the rich verses of devotional poetries, written in Sanskrit, Oriya and other Indian languages and their English translations. The temple was designated the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. The temple stands as testimony to the social life of medieval Odisha. Also known as the 'Black Pagoda' or 'Sonata in Stone,' the temple became one of the most visited monuments in eastern India. The Temple complex presently hosts an unmatched annual cultural dance festival, performed by many famous Indian classical dancers. The festival attracts many domestic and international tourists to Konark. The book appears a real testimony to the grandeur of Sun Temple of Konark.

This is a nice read for the visitors of Konark in eastern India. Although the scholars of Indian architectural traditions would be more benefitted with the factual information, Dey gathered from his lifelong association with the Sun Temple and other monuments in Odisha.

[Sthavira Acharya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolute Masterpiece by Mr. Anil Dey. A very comprehensive book on Konark temple and Kalingan Temple Architecture.

This is surely among the best book that I have read related to Temple Architecture and Iconography. The book is full of illustrations and images which makes easy grasping of the concepts even for beginners. And I liked the template used by the author with separate sections dedicated for History, Legends, Engineering, Architecture Iconography etc.

It's definitely a must owned book by all Architecture Enthusiasts.

[Shreejit Sarkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on this subject I have read ever. So detailed and vividly described with lots of important photographs. If you want to know everything about the magnificent sun temple of our country, then just go for it.