Surya

South Exterior Niche, Sanctuary, Konarak

Three images of Surya are set into exterior niches on the north, west, and south sides of the sanctuary. The large and impressive statues were carved from chlorite, and measure a little over 10ft (3m) tall. The statue pictured here is in the south niche. The west statue is similarly standing, and the north statue rides a horse (previous page).

At the top of this statue, celestial divinities adorn the tri-lobed arch which frames the god. Originally Surya would have held two lotuses on upright stems; the head of one can be seen above his proper right shoulder. At the god's booted feet are guardians and worshipers, including King Narasimha and his guru (following pages)