Other States - Orissa   

Konark Sun temple getting back in shape

Shyamhari Chakra

BHUBANESWAR: More than a hundred years after it was filled with sand and sealed for ever for entry, visitors might have the unique opportunity to walk through the entrance (jagamohan) of the world famous Sun temple of Konark again.

Sources in the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) here revealed that there was an effort to clear the sand and take up the much-needed repair and restoration measures on a war-footing to save the 800-year-old black pagoda from further decay.

During the British rule, steps were taken for conservation of the ruins of the majestic temple that had collapsed for reasons yet to be established . To save the "jagmohan" from possible collapse, the four entrances were permanently closed and the interior was filled with sand vertically from the top by drilling a hole and pouring sand through a funnel in 1901. It took three years to complete the task, explained ASI officials.

A team of experts from a New Delhi-based organisation specialising in archaeological conservation activities toured Konark twice to take stock of the situation, it was learnt. During their inspection, the experts climbed atop the entrance and peeped into the sand-filled space below with the help of specially designed torch lights.

They discovered that the sand level had subsided for about 16 feet down causing danger to the ancient structure. The experts also detected cracks on the walls, the sources disclosed.

Another team of experts from IIT Delhi and Kharagpur are slated to inspect the monument soon following which all the findings would be endorsed to some of the internationally acclaimed conservation experts in India and abroad for further examination and suggestion.

A global tender would also be floated to take out the sand from the sealed chamber, the sources pointed out.

The UNESCO, that has declared Konark as a world heritage site, has also evinced concern over the conservation of the monument and has been in touch with the ASI on the issue of sand excavation, it was learnt.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Konark Sun temple getting back in shape
Godrej planning it big
Painting competition

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu