Konark Sun Temple: Added by British for stability, sand inside Konark Sun Temple may be cleared

What is the News?

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has revealed it is working on a preliminary roadmap to safely remove sand from the interiors of Konark Sun Temple.

Why ASI is removing sand from the interiors of Konark Sun Temple?

The British administration in 1903 had filled the Jaga Mohan (assembly hall) of the Sun Temple with sand and sealed it in order to maintain the stability of the temple. They had made a hole on the top portion of the Jaga Mohan and poured the sand through that.

However, the need to remove the sand was felt after a study warned of possible damage caused by the sand settling down — resulting in a gap of 17 feet between the sand layer and the structure.

To carry out the sand-removing process, ASI is going to be assisted by the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) at Roorkee.

About Konark Sun Temple

It was built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I (AD 1238-1264) of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty and is located near Puri, Odisha. The temple is a classic example of the Odisha style of Architecture or Kalinga Architecture.

The temple forms part of the golden triangle of Odisha, along with Puri and Bhubaneswar. It was given the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984 by UNESCO.

The temple is carefully oriented towards the east so that the first rays of sunrise strikes the principal entrance. Sailors once called this Sun Temple of Konark, the Black Pagoda because it was supposed to draw ships into the shore and cause shipwrecks.

Source:This post is based on the article ‘Added by British for stability, sand inside Konark Sun Temple may be cleared’ published in Indian Express on 31st Dec 2021.