---
title: "Sun Temple, Konark: UPSC GS1 Notes | Model Diplomat"
description: "The Sun Temple, Konark is a 13th-century Surya chariot temple in Odisha built by Narasimhadeva I, a key UPSC GS1 topic on Kalinga Nagara architecture."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/sun-temple-konark"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Sun Temple at Konark is a 13th-century Odisha temple built by King Narasimhadeva I in the form of the sun god Surya's celestial chariot, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Who built the Sun Temple at Konark and when?
- What does the chariot symbolism of the Konark temple represent?
- How does Konark differ from the Khajuraho and Modhera temples?
- Why is the main tower of the Konark temple no longer standing?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In 1984, UNESCO inscribed the Sun Temple at Konark on its World Heritage List, recognising the 13th-century Surya chariot temple built by the Eastern Ganga king Narasimhadeva I as a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture.

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