Konark temple
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| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
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| Location | Konark, Odisha, India |
| Coordinates | 19°53′15″N 86°05′41″E / 19.887444°N 86.094596°E |
| Criteria | Cultural: (i), (iii), (vi) 
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| Reference | 246 |
| Inscription | 1984 (8th Session) |
| Website | konark |
 Location of Konark Sun Temple
କୋଣାର୍କ ସୂର୍ଯ୍ୟ ମନ୍ଦିର 
 Location of Konark Sun Temple
କୋଣାର୍କ ସୂର୍ଯ୍ୟ ମନ୍ଦିର |
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Konark Sun Temple, also called Konarak Sun Temple and Surya Deula, is a 13th-century CE 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 Eastern Ganga Dynasty about 1250 CE.
The temple complex is dedicated to the Hindu god Surya. It is currently a 100 feet (30 m) high chariot with immense wheels and horses, all carved from stone. Much of the temple is a ruined structure, and in particular the large shikara tower over the sanctuary has fallen down; this rose much higher than the mandapa that remains. The structures and elements that have survived are famed for its intricate artwork, iconography and themes including the erotic Kama and mithuna scenes. It is a classic illustration of the Orissan style of Hindu temple architecture. Prior to its ruin, the chariot temple was over 200 feet (61 m) high.
The cause of the ruin of the Konark temple is unclear, disputed and a source of controversy. Theories range from natural damage to the ruining of this temple after it being sacked several times by Muslim armies between the 15th and 17th centuries. This temple was called "Black Pagoda" in European sailor accounts as early as 1676, because its great tower appeared black and served as a landmark for ships in the Bay of Bengal. The contemporary temple was partially restored by the conservation efforts of the British India era archaeological teams. In 1984, it was declared a UNESCO world heritage site. It remains a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, who gather here every year for the Chandrabhaga Mela about February.
The name Konark derives from the combination of the Sanskrit words, Kona (corner or angle) and Arka (the sun), in reference to the temple which was dedicated to the Sun God Surya. The term Kona likely refers to the corner direction in which the temple was aligned to face the sunrise.
The monument was also called the Black Pagoda by the European sailors. In contrast, the Jagannath Temple in Puri which was called the White Pagoda. Both temples served as important landmarks for the sailors.
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