Thread by @VAdkri

Biranchi Narayana Temple ~
Out of 108 names of God Surya, Biranchi is one of the popular name in odisha.Buguda a culturally rich town in Ganjam District, famous for Biranchi Narayana Deula or locally known as the "Katha Ra Konarka" which means"wooden Konark" literally
1/n

for it's exquisite carved wooden sculptures, and century old odia murals. The temple was built by King Srikara Bhanjadeva of the Bhanja dynasty who ascended the throne in 1790 in kuladagada of Ghumusara, the temple is located 70 km from Berhampur.
2/n

The temple is made in the form of a chariot driven by 7 horses.
**The temple was built out of wood and not stone like other temples of India.
The temple walls feature mural paintings that tells stories from the Ramayana, the Krushnalila and the Mahabharata.
3/n

The roof of the temple is built on 46 pillars (32 of short pillars and 14 taller ones) and is decorated with intricate designs on wood. The unique wooden sculptures based on mythology and of deities render an aesthetic appeal.
4/n

Unlike the Konark temple, which faces east, the Biranchi Narayana Temple faces west. While at Konark, the rays of the rising sun fall on the Surjya, at the Biranchi Narayana temple the rays of the setting sun fall on Surjya's feet
5/n

The presiding stone deity of the temple is Biranchi Narayana, whose image was recovered from the ruins at Malatigada (a fort in Malati hills near kendupadar in Ghumusar estate built between 850 and 885 AD )
6/n

The fort was destroyed by the ravages of time and the idol was buried under the earth from where it was excavated.
One should visit this unique sun temple of India once in life time to see it's architectural richness