According to a report in The New Indian Express, in a landmark initiative, four sandstone replicas of the Konark wheels have been installed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre and Amrit Udyan.
This installation of the โwheels of life and timeโ from Odishaโs Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, aligns with the government’s efforts to weave traditional, cultural, and historical elements into Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The Konark Sun Temple is a stunning example of Odiya temple architecture, designed as a grand chariot for the Sun God. The wheels adorning the temple walls symbolize India’s rich cultural heritage.
Each of the four replicas features eight wider spokes and eight thinner spokes. The space between two wider spokes represents three hours (180 minutes), while the thinner spoke between them signifies 1.5 hours (90 minutes).
Importantly, 30 beads are positioned between each wider and thinner spoke, with each bead traditionally representing three minutes in India’s ancient metaphysics.
The design of the Konark wheels indicates that the eight major spokes correspond to the โprahars,โ which divide the 24-hour day. Additionally, the twelve pairs of wheels sculpted on the chariot may symbolize the twelve zodiac signs.
Moreover, the wheels are thought to embody the Dharmachakra of Buddhism, reflecting the essence of the Wheel of Karma and the cosmic law. (Pic Courtesy PIB)
