Surya – the sun god.
Stone

Konarak, Orissa

Eastern Ganga, 13th century CE.

189.2 x 89 cm

This is one of the finest sculptures from the Sun temple of Konark and may have been installed for worship in the sanctum. Surya is depicted standing on a pedestal. He is profusely ornamented. A kirtimukha is seen on top with a pair of flying celestial at the extreme ends.

Surya’s consorts Sanjana and Usha are on either side. His assistants Pingala and Dandi are shown near his legs in smaller versions.

Seven horses are shown on the base in front in three rectangular niches, driven by Aruna who is seated on a pedestal. The figure is surrounded by a decorative arch that adds beauty to the image.