KONARAK

also spelled Kanarak historic village, east-central Orissa state, eastern India, on the Bay of Bengal coast. It is famous for its 13th-century temple, the Surya Deula. Formerly called the Black Pagoda, it was used as a navigation landmark by mariners sailing to Calcutta. Never completed and falling into ruins before its restoration, the temple represents the culmination of the Orissan school of temple architecture. The temple was dedicated to the sun god Surya; it was designed to represent his chariot, with 12 huge carved stone wheels and 7 stone horses around its base. The Surya Deula is about 100 feet (30 m) high and would have surpassed 200 feet (60 m) in height at its completion. The exterior is covered with sculptured decorations, many depicting erotic scenes. The village and the temple are associated with the legend of Samba, son of Lord Krishna, who was cured of leprosy by the sun god's blessings.