The forgotten Sun Temple of Odisha: Wooden Konark of Buguda | Fusion - WeRIndia

Odisha is famed for its majestic Sun Temples, with Konark being the most iconic.

However, few know about another stunning temple dedicated to the Sun God, the Biranchi Narayan Temple in Buguda, Ganjam district.

Often called the Wooden Konark, this 18th-century temple is a rare and exquisite example of wood-based temple architecture in India.

The temple holds deep religious and cultural significance. It is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and is a major spiritual centre for locals.

The main idol, a five-foot-tall standing image of Surya, holds lotuses in both hands and wears a crown and scabbard.

Flanked by smaller replicas made of copper and wood, the idol is believed by many to be the lost image from the original Konark temple.

Legend says the idol was discovered by a cattle herder who stumbled upon it while grazing cows. Locals later unearthed it and built the temple around it.

Architecturally, the temple is shaped like a chariot drawn by seven horses, resting on 32 stone pillars.

The chariot wheels and horses are stone-carved, while the temple itself is made mostly of wood.

The ceilings and doorways are adorned with highly detailed wooden carvings, making the temple unique in India.

The carvings depict scenes from the Ramayana and Krishna Leela, including Krishna’s birth, his childhood, and the slaying of Kamsa.

There are also carvings of Vishnu’s avatars, Radha-Krishna, dancers, musicians, animals, and daily life.

The natural-colour paintings on the walls have remained vibrant even after centuries. Despite its beauty and historical value, the temple is now in a state of neglect.

Poor maintenance, lack of funds, and shortage of skilled artisans have pushed the temple to the brink of collapse. Restoration requires urgent attention.

Located 180 km from Bhubaneswar, the temple is accessible via Berhampur and Aska.

This hidden gem deserves recognition and preservation. With support and awareness, the Wooden Konark can once again shine as a symbol of Odisha’s rich heritage and craftsmanship.

Image Credit: TheDashd, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Biranchinarayana_Temple_wooden_work.jpg