Konark Sun Temple complex houses various magnificent sculptures, the war elephant is one of them. on a separate platform, there are stone sculptures of two free-standing richly decorated mighty war elephants towards the northern side of the Konark temple. Elephants are important arm of Indian warfare. Various parts of these war elephants are destroyed over the time, but the remaining structures still represent the craftmanship of Odishan art.
Both the elephants are distinguished for their eminent bearing and massive dimensions. The eastern war elephant is 2.133 meter in height and with the intention of throwing away the enemy warriors, it holds a warrior in its curled trunk. The warrior is armed with a shield and a small curved sword. The western war elephant is 2.235 meter in height. A warrior with rolling eyes, spiral beard and moustache, is seen under the body of the elephant. Well known as Konark war elephants, these gorgeously carved structures portray the former martial glory of Odisha.
Sometimes visitors to the Konark temple either forget or miss to see the two mighty elephants. You need to walk a little away from the main temple to see them. The two war elephants are located to the north of the main temple. Let us show you the location of these two elephants on the Konark temple plan.
To celebrate the heritage of India, India Post issued below definitive stamp on Konark Elephant on 1st July 1966. The denomination of the stamp is 6 paise.
