Sun Temple of Konark was designed in the shape of a huge chariot drawn by 7 horses on 12 pairs of gorgeously decorated wheels at its base. The diameter of each wheel is 9 feet 9 inches, with each one having 8 wide spokes and 8 thin spokes. The distance between two wider spokes is of 3 hours 180 minutes. The thinner spoke between two wider spokes is of 1.5 hours 90 minutes. There are 30 beads between one wider spoke to the next thinner spoke and each bead represents 3 minutes. The Sun dial shows time in anti-clockwise and the top centre wider spoke represents 12 o` clock midnight.
Various theories have been advocated regarding the significance of Konark wheel. According to most the 7 horses represent the days of the week and the 12 pairs of wheels represent the 12 months of the year and the 24 wheels signifies 24 hours of a day and the 8 major spokes signifies prahars three hour period of a day
The size of the 24 wheels is same but each one of them has been carved differently. The thicker ones are with circular medallions at their centres on the widest part of the face. The axles of the wheels project by about one foot from the surface, having similar decorations at their ends. The rims are carved with designs of foliages with various birds and animals, whereas the medallions in the spokes are carved with the figures of women.
The huge wheels of the Konark Temple are one of the major attractions for visitors.
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