Konark Sun temple

Context: Odisha govt to undertake beautification work of Konark Sun temple

• A state-of-the-art plaza will be constructed at the entrance of the temple complex to welcome tourists, while plans are also afoot to construct a multi-modal hub for car parking
• The district administration is advised to ensure that the UNESCO heritage site is surrounded by world-class infrastructure.

Konark Sun temple

• It is a 13th-century CE(year 1250) Sun temple at Konark about 35 kilometres (22 mi) northeast from Puri on the coastline of Odisha, India.
• The temple is attributed to king Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty about 1250 CE.
• Dedicated to the Hindu Sun God Surya, what remains of the temple complex has the appearance of a 100-foot (30 m) high chariot with immense wheels and horses, all carved from stone.
• Also called the Surya Devalaya, it is a classic illustration of the Odisha style of Architecture or Kalinga Architecture.
• This temple was called the "Black Pagoda" in European sailor accounts as early as 1676 because it looked a great tower which appeared black.
• Similarly, the Jagannath Temple in Puri was called the "White Pagoda".
• Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984, it remains a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, who gather here every year for the Chandrabhaga Mela around the month of February.
• Konark Sun Temple is depicted on the reverse side of the Indian currency note of Rs 10 to signify its importance to Indian cultural heritage.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/odisha-govt-to-undertake-beautification-work-of-konark-sun-temple/article33629952.ece?homepage=true