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It is built primarily of three types of stone: chlorite, laterite and the local khondalite rock. Taniya Dutta / The National
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The 13th-century Sun Temple in Konark, near the Bay of Bengal, eastern India, depicts a mythological chariot being pulled to heaven. Taniya Dutta / The National
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The temple, in Odisha state, is a world Unesco site and one of ancient India’s wonders. Taniya Dutta / The National
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Six galloping stallions are among the intricately carved stone statues in the temple complex. Taniya Dutta / The National
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Sundials within the temple's 24 giant carved chariot wheels display the time to the minute. Taniya Dutta / The National
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The temple complex covers 25 acres and includes a shikhara (spire), halls and a tower. Taniya Dutta / The National
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The site attracts more than 2.5 million tourists every year, according to the Indian government. Taniya Dutta / The National
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The temple's carvings show scenes of women getting ready, men preparing for war, musicians, animals and celestial beings. Taniya Dutta / The National
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The Konark Dance Festival takes place against the backdrop of the majestic temple every year. Taniya Dutta / The National
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The temple was built by King Narasimhadeva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty, which ruled from their capital in Kalinga. Taniya Dutta / The National
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The main structure is designed in the form of a colossal chariot that Hindus believe was used by the Sun God. Taniya Dutta / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Q5FJZCLZOFBBBOGWDEVLNMA6AQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=e2dcc6caaf66afc9b326ed7c5da06754d193d69033866849e1c9bed97c1f3eb9&width=400&height=225)
The temple took about 1,200 craftsmen and artists more than 12 years to build. Taniya Dutta / The National
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It is built primarily of three types of stone: chlorite, laterite and the local khondalite rock. Taniya Dutta / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/I6DW36KGKJAWZM5XILIPJUG3NA.jpg?smart=true&auth=fa89e778697b116be915568dad1486d23da57954e069e875f11e57e5b959a954&width=400&height=225)
The 13th-century Sun Temple in Konark, near the Bay of Bengal, eastern India, depicts a mythological chariot being pulled to heaven. Taniya Dutta / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OJX5PHBKDRGPHI7ROIRRBJ6EIQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=5fd969d3122d7e8ba0ca37fb124330d5233a69346bd30d757915c97ba2e6aa9c&width=400&height=225)
The temple, in Odisha state, is a world Unesco site and one of ancient India’s wonders. Taniya Dutta / The National
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Six galloping stallions are among the intricately carved stone statues in the temple complex. Taniya Dutta / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WXEV7IQE7ZGA5GSV7SNCMGMMK4.jpg?smart=true&auth=60e4c7b7bfaec180f9509153b491b18146f1bc671b5c1ab72b20089b6dbe4cd4&width=400&height=225)
Sundials within the temple's 24 giant carved chariot wheels display the time to the minute. Taniya Dutta / The National
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The temple complex covers 25 acres and includes a shikhara (spire), halls and a tower. Taniya Dutta / The National
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The site attracts more than 2.5 million tourists every year, according to the Indian government. Taniya Dutta / The National
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The temple's carvings show scenes of women getting ready, men preparing for war, musicians, animals and celestial beings. Taniya Dutta / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/V3CXPVL225BX7A5XG36XS5BL7Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=14aada410b0c2674896dd2d8f5fc99cfe5a0b089e3ef9c06795f8c55bca658eb&width=400&height=225)
The Konark Dance Festival takes place against the backdrop of the majestic temple every year. Taniya Dutta / The National
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The temple was built by King Narasimhadeva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty, which ruled from their capital in Kalinga. Taniya Dutta / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WVNGFIK6UFEZ3GVSMYBHIIU3IM.jpg?smart=true&auth=233dbb6baf4b1d39881895061df6c5e3844e8e1369c55df692878226791e0cad&width=400&height=225)
The main structure is designed in the form of a colossal chariot that Hindus believe was used by the Sun God. Taniya Dutta / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Q5FJZCLZOFBBBOGWDEVLNMA6AQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=e2dcc6caaf66afc9b326ed7c5da06754d193d69033866849e1c9bed97c1f3eb9&width=400&height=225)
The temple took about 1,200 craftsmen and artists more than 12 years to build. Taniya Dutta / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/R7HXFZXNNFFPRJOYOMQKNZD5WI.jpg?smart=true&auth=99aa1344832c800bb990b9f00c5e70a3e44991eae7c86fa2bdbef7101fda68d0&width=400&height=225)
It is built primarily of three types of stone: chlorite, laterite and the local khondalite rock. Taniya Dutta / The National