Konark Sun Temple Wheel (Konark Chakra)
Architectural Significance: Located at the 13th-century Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha, India, the temple is designed as a colossal stone chariot dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. It features 24 intricately carved stone wheels drawn by seven horses.
Symbolism & Sundial: The 24 wheels represent the 24 hours of a day (or 24 fortnights of the Hindu calendar). Each wheel functions as an accurate sundial. By observing the shadow cast by the wheel's central hub onto its spokes, time can be calculated down to the minute.
Design & Detail: Each wheel consists of 8 major spokes (representing the 8 prahars or 3-hour divisions of the day) and 8 minor spokes. The rims and spokes are carved with motifs of deities, musicians, dancers, animals, and daily life scenes.
Cultural Impact: The Konark Wheel is an iconic symbol of Indian art, architecture, and astronomical engineering, featured on the reverse of the Indian ₹10 banknote.