5.12. Surya Images in Odisha art

In Orissan (Odisha) art, Surya is shown in human form besides being represented by means of lotus flower. The extant images of Surya can be divided into three principal groups viz: (1) in standing or seated pose without a chariot,(2) Surya is depicted without its lower part and (3) Seated or standing form with a chariot. One of the earliest reliefs of Surya is noticed on the Parsuramesvara temple where the god is represented without the chariot. He holds lotus in his two hands and is shown with the Northerner' dress. The beautiful figure of Surya in the lower caitya window of Vaitala temple is depicted with Usha and Pratyusa on either side or Aruna as charioteer in the front. The lower portion of the god has not been carved. The seated representations of Surya hail from Muktesvara, Khiching and other places. The figure of Surya, placed as a parsvadevata on the western niche of the Varahi temple at Caurasi, with Danda and Pingala on either side, is a remarkable specimen of the seated type. The extant standing varieties of Surya from Champanatha, several accessory figures are shown. The lotus carrying god has a coat of mail on the chest but in still later representations, this feature disappears and the composition becomes more elaborate with addition of subsidiary figures. The large size images of the god Surya placed as parsvadevatas in Konarka Sun temple are remarkable for their iconography and superb workmanship. Surya in the form of riding a horse, as seen in the northern niche of 66

the temples, is unique in the realm of Indian art. The Sun god from Konarka, now preserved in the National Museum, New Delhi is another masterpiece of Orissan sculpture.