Question

Which of the following was earlier referred to as the ‘Black Pagoda’?
1. Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
2. Shrinathji Temple, Nathdwara
3. Sun Temple, Konark
4. Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Sun Temple, Konark

The correct answer is Sun Temple, Konark.

• Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century CE Sun Temple at Konark located in Puri, Odisha built by Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.

• The temple is dedicated to the Hindu Sun God Surya and is also called as the Surya Devalaya.
• It is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, who gather here every year for the Chandrabhaga Mela.
• It was inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984.
• This temple was used as a navigation point by European sailors.
• They referred the temple as the ‘Black Pagoda’ because of its dark colour and magnetic power that drew ships into the shore and caused shipwrecks.