Konark Sun Temple: Unraveling the Magnetic Mystery of the Black Pagoda

• Konark Sun Temple, or Black Pagoda, featured a floating idol of Lord Surya, suspended by a powerful magnetic system.
• Portuguese navigators removed the main magnet, disrupting the temple's balance and causing the idol to fall, due to compass interference.
• Built by King Narasimhadeva I in the 13th century, it took 12 years and 1200 sculptors; the legend of Dharmapada is associated with its finial.
• The temple's 24 wheels function as accurate sundials, demonstrating advanced ancient Indian astronomical knowledge.
• The main spire collapsed due to attacks, natural disasters, and possibly architectural flaws; the British filled the Jagamohan with sand in 1903 to preserve it.

Why It Matters: Konark Sun Temple blends ancient engineering, astronomical genius, and rich history, still captivating visitors.