Konark and Simhachalam Temples: A Shared Legacy of Sculptural Splendor

A fascinating connection between two iconic temples of India—the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha and the Simhachalam Narasimha Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh—has been uncovered through a recent study conducted by TORCH (Team of Research on Culture and Heritage). Researchers have identified remarkable sculptural similarities between these 13th-century architectural marvels, both commissioned by the Eastern Ganga ruler King Narasimha Deva I.

The study highlights the shared presence of Alasa Kanyas, intricately sculpted maidens in Kalinga temple architecture, which adorn both temples. Simhachalam Temple features all 14 distinct postures of Alasa Kanyas, including exclusive depictions on six pillars in the Beda Mandapa behind the main shrine. These sculptures mirror the artistic brilliance of Konark Temple, underscoring the craftsmanship of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.

History researcher Deepak Kumar Naik from INTACH explains that Alasa Kanyas, also known as Surasundaris, are representations of indolent maidens in medieval Kalingan temple iconography. The architectural treatise Shilpa Prakasha details 16 unique poses of Alasa Kanyas, including Torana, Mugdha, Manini, Dalamalika, Padmagandha, and Chamara, many of which are vividly displayed at both Simhachalam and Konark.

The Eastern Ganga dynasty, which ruled the Trikalinga region (comprising parts of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh) from the 8th to 15th centuries, left a profound impact on temple architecture. Initially ruling from Srimukhalingam in present-day Srikakulam district before relocating to Cuttack, the dynasty is celebrated for its contributions to religious and cultural heritage.

TORCH member Saikumar emphasizes that several lesser-known temples built by the Eastern Ganga dynasty in north Andhra Pradesh deserve greater attention. These structures, like Simhachalam and Konark, exhibit exceptional craftsmanship and play a vital role in preserving India’s rich cultural legacy.

The findings not only deepen our understanding of the shared artistic and cultural heritage of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh but also highlight the need to protect and promote these architectural treasures for future generations.