Konark sun temple voted top Orissa wonder

Bhubaneswar, Feb 26 (IANS) The world famous 13th century sun temple in Konark has topped a survey of what people consider to be the seven wonders of Orissa.

The seven wonders were announced here Wednesday night in the presence eminent people from the fields of media, art, culture, music and films.

The sun temple, about 65 km from here, was the most popular choice in the survey. It was built by King Raja Narasinghs Deva-I of the Ganga Dynasty and marks the highest point of achievement of Kalinga architecture, depicting the grace, joy and the rhythm of life in all its wondrous variety.

It was designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with seven horses and 24 wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter, with a set of spokes and elaborate carvings.

Others that made it to the list are the Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar, Olive Ridley Turtles, temple with the statue of a sleeping Vishnu at Talcher in Angul district, Khandagiri and Udaygiri caves on the outskirt of Bhubaneswar, Nandankanan zoo at Bhubaneswar and Patta Chitra village in Puri district.

The poll was conducted by news channel NDTV as a part of its nationwide campaign to select the 'Seven Wonders of India'.

The campaign, launched in association with the union tourism ministry, commenced in September this year and will be held over a period of one year.

The channel said the top wonder from each state will be nominated for an all-India selection.