Konark Temple wheel

About Konark Temple wheel:

• The Konark wheel was built during the 13th century under the reign of King Narasimhadeva-I.
• The wheel with 24 spokes is also adapted into India’s national flag embodies India’s ancient wisdom, advanced civilisation, and architectural excellence.
• The rotating motion of the Konark Wheel symbolises time, Kalachakra as well as progress and continuous change.
• It serves as a powerful symbol of the wheel of democracy that reflects the resilience of democratic ideals, and commitment to progress in society.

Key facts about Konark Sun temple

• It is located on the eastern shores of the India.
• It is the culmination of Kalingan temple architecture, with all its defining elements in complete and perfect form
• It was built in 1250 CE by King Narasimhadeva I (r. 1238-1264 CE) of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
• The temple in its present state was declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 1984.
• The word ‘Konark’ is a combination of two Sanskrit words kona (corner or angle) and arka (the sun).
• It thus implies that the main deity was the sun god, and the temple was built in an angular format.
• The temple follows the Kalinga or Orissa style of architecture, which is a subset of the nagara style of Hindu temple architecture. 

Q1) What is a World Heritage Site?

A World Heritage Site is a place or area that has been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its cultural, historical, scientific, or natural significance. These sites are considered to be of outstanding value to humanity, and their preservation and protection are of global importance.

Source: Konark Wheel replica serves as the backdrop of PM Modi’s welcome handshake with G20 leaders.

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