2. Math’s Behind Konark Temple
• •The Konark Sun Temple is an astronomical wonder which
leaves a great impact on its visitors. Built-in 1250 AD, not
much remains of this marvelous structure but the
remaining portion is a stunning example of the
mathematics used in ancient Indian architecture. This
paper focuses on the underlying mathematical concepts
used in the construction of this massive structure, such as
the golden ratio, geometry, symmetry et cetera, and
presents a normative critique of the same
3. What is the Maths behind Konark
temple?
• The Golden Ratio
In mathematics, two quantities are in the golden
ratio if their ratio is the same as the ratio of
their sum to the larger of the two quantities.
Expressed algebraically, for quantities a and b with
4. Geometry
• •The word ‘Konark’ is a combination of two Sanskrit
words, ‘Kona’ meaning corner or an angle and ‘Arka’
meaning the sun. It signifies that the main deity, to
whom the temple is dedicated, is the Sun God and the
temple was built in an angular format. In terms of
elevation, there is a huge curvilinear tower (shikhara),
inclining inwards and capped. The main characteristics
of the Orissa style are primarily two: the deal and the
Jaganmohan or the assembly hall. The latter has a
pyramidal roof built up by secession of receding
platforms known as ideas. Both structures are squares
internally and use a common platform. The temple is
situated within a large quadrangular court enclosed by
massive walls and with a massive gate in the east.
5. Symmetry
• The Konark Sun Temple is an intriguing piece in itself. Built
in the form of a chariot, this piece of architecture is truly
one of a kind. The first image that would appear in the
minds of any person who knows about the place is the
iconic sundial. Generally speaking in layman’s terms,
symmetrical shapes are more appealing than asymmetric
ones. It’s similar to saying that human faces that follow the
golden ratio are generally found to be more beautiful. The
Sundial has all kinds of symmetry, be it a point, or line, or
mirror symmetry. Symmetrically speaking, its beauty is
unparalleled
6. Sundial
• •Sun Temple of Konark is renowned throughout the
world for its stone sculptures. The temple was designed
in the shape of a huge chariot drawn by 7 mighty
spirited horses on 12 pairs (total 24 wheels) of
gorgeously decorated wheels at its base. The size of the
wheel is 9 feet 9 inches in diameter and each one of
them has 8 wider spokes and 8 thinner spokes. Out of
these 24 wheels, 6 are on either side of the main
temple, 4 wheels are on each side of the Mukhasala,
and 2 wheels are on each side of steps at the eastern
front. The huge wheels of the Konark Temple are one of
the major attractions for visitors
8. Conclusion
• It was rightly said by William Paul Thurston, “Mathematics is
not about numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms:
It is about understanding.” The same was proven by our
ancestors when they built such a mathematical and
architectural wonder, relying just on their understanding of
these mathematical concepts, without the aid of any modern
software. Sadly, this marvelous structure wasn’t able to elude
the damage and destruction caused by the passage of time.
Be that as it may, it can only be concluded that though our
ancestors lacked modern technology, their understanding of
mathematical concepts and their real-life applications are
worthy of praise. The Konark Sun Temple is a spectacular
example of an ancient astronomical and mathematical
wonder
9. Bibliography
• I took help from these give websites and some of
them from newspaper
https://recentscientific.com/konark-sun-temple-
mathematics-behind-architecture-astronomical-
wonder
https://www.google.com/search?q=konark+sun+te
mple&source=lmns&bih=665&biw=1303&rlz=1C1V
DKB_enIN974IN974&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjZ
t43v2OnzAhXRoUsFHW0jCs4Q_AUoAHoECAEQAA&
safe=active&ssui=on
