The Parswa Devatas of the Konark Sun Temple

Like most of the Hindu temples in India, the Odishan temples also have three small temples in each of the three sides of the main temple, behind and adjacent to the front of the main temple housing the main deity. This is mainly done to give stability to the main structure of the temple. So in the Konark Sun Temple also we can see three small temples around the three sides of the main temple which are called as the ‘Parswa Devata Temples’ or the temples of the side deities.

Though mostly damaged, still the three Parswa Devatas or the side deities (Sun God) are beautifully sculpted and even today the visitors feel amazed when they look at the art and architecture of these deities.

As per local sayings, the southern sun god (8′.3” inches or 2.514 mts. in height) represents the morning sun, hence it’s face is baby like and it wears a small crown on it’s head. The western sun god (9′.6” inches or 2.895 mts. in height) represents the mid-day sun, hence it’s face looks grave and youthful. Also it wears a bigger crown on it’s head than the morning sun. The northern sun god (3.58 mts. in height taking into account the entire structure) represents the setting sun, hence it’s face looks tired as if it is due to a day’s tiring journey.

However currently the access to these sun statues have been blocked by the ASI, so we can no longer have a closer look at these artistic masterpieces. Still their photographs are awe inspiring and have left behind a legacy for us to tell the future generations about their glory and significance.