After nearly 122 years, sand packed inside by the British will be removed from the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has begun drilling a passage into the Jagamohan (assembly hall) of the 13th-century temple. Here’s everything you need to know about this.
ASI To Remove Sand From Konark Sun Temple In Odisha
The 13th-century Konark Sun Temple dedicated to the Sun God in Odisha, is a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its architectural grandeur makes it special and attracts many tourists from across the world. Now, for the first time in 122 years, the sand filled inside the ‘Jagamohan’ will be removed. According to The Times of India, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has begun drilling a passage into the assembly hall to remove the sand that was packed by the British over a century ago.
Apparently, the sand was inserted to prevent the collapse of the ageing structure. But, it is now being removed to reduce structural pressure and inspect interior damage. Reportedly, the dimensions of the passage will be 6 feet x 5 feet, through which the sand will be removed manually.
Moreover, the process started after the Director General of ASI and the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, approved the modalities. As per Kanak News, local architects and heritage lovers have raised serious concerns. They fear that removing the sand could make the structure collapse.
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Work Underway With Diamond Drilling Technology
However, authorities have maintained that removing the sand will not pose a threat to the structural safety of the Jagamohan. According to The Indian Express, before starting the work, ASI drilled two holes in the Jagamohan and collected stone and sand samples in December last year. The ASI sent the samples to the Indian Institute of Technology Madras for analysis. They found the sand to be in good condition.
To ensure zero vibration and avoid damage, the team is using diamond drilling technology. Since the temple was filled with sand, visitors could not enter it and could only view it from outside. You would like to know that King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty built the temple in the 13th century, and it took around 12 years and 1,200 sculptors to complete it.
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Have you ever visited the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha?
Cover Image Courtesy: @manas_muduli/X and Canva Pro/ Bipul Swain
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Where is the Konark Sun Temple?
The Konark Sun Temple is located in the town of Konark, in the Puri district of Odisha, near the Bay of Bengal.