Question

UPSC Prelims 2017 Question:

Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples?

Arasavalli

Amarkantak

Omkareshwar

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1: 1 only

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

Surya Narayana Temple, Arasavalli is situated in Andhra Pradesh and is one of the highly visited temples in the region. It is believed that the temple was built in the 7th century CE by King Devendra Varma, a great ruler of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty of Kalinga. So, point 1 is correct.
The town of Amarkantak lies in the district of Anuppur, in Madhya Pradesh. It is situated on the Maikal mountain range which links the Vindhyachal and Satpura mountain ranges. Many mythological stories relating to Lord Shiva and his daughter Narmada have been woven around this mystical town of Amarkantak. Amarkantak is known primarily as a religious place. So, point 2 is not correct.
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is a Shiva temple on Omkar mountain, an island in middle of Narmada. There are 12 jyotirlinga temples in the world and Omkareshwar is one of them. It is situated in Madhya Pradesh. So, point 3 is not correct.

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Knowledge Box

Other famous Sun Temples in India:-

Sun Temple, Konark is a world heritage site and is located in Odisha. It was built in 13th Century CE, the temple is attributed to King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
Sun Temple, Modhera is situated on the bank of Pushpavati river in Mehsana district of Gujarat.It was built after 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of Chalukya dynasty.
Sun Temple, Martand is situated in Jammu and Kashmir. It dates back to the eighth century CE, but the site is now in ruins as the temple was destroyed by Sikander Shah Miri.
Balaji Sun Temple, Unnao is said to be from prehistoric times, built by the king of Datia. The river Pahooj flows around the temple.
Sun Temple, Katarmal is a 9th-century temple built by Katarmalla, a Katyuri King, exhibiting the architectural style of ancient artisans. It is located in Uttarakhand.
Surya Pahar Temple, Assam is situated close to the bank of Brahmaputra river, so it might have been an important trade centre in the past.
Dakshinaarka Sun Temple, Gaya is an ancient Sun temple and has been mentioned in the epics.
Suryanar Kovil, Kumbakonam is one of the nine Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu.

Subject: History | Architecture and Sculptures

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