Aruna Stambha, Stone pillar at Jagannath Temple in Puri, India
Aruna Stambha is a stone pillar with sixteen sides carved from chlorite stone that rises more than 10 meters high. It displays a carved figure at its top and stands positioned to face the main courtyard of Jagannatha Temple.
The pillar was originally built for Konark Sun Temple and later relocated to Puri during the late 18th century. This transfer reflects a change in how the temple complex expanded and reorganized its sacred spaces.
The pillar honors Aruna, the divine charioteer of the sun god, and visitors can observe how people direct their prayers toward the rising sun at this spot. This practice shows how the site remains woven into the spiritual life of pilgrims who visit the temple.
The pillar stands near the main entrance of Jagannatha Temple and is easy to spot when you arrive at the temple grounds. It is best to visit early in the day when crowds are lighter and you can view it more comfortably.
The base of the pillar features elaborate military carvings that visitors often overlook while focusing on the main structure. These carvings show the skill of craftspeople who created detailed scenes at ground level.
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