There are stone sculptures of two mighty galloping war horses towards the southern side of the Konark temple. One of the sculptures shows a warrior standing together with the war horse, the warrior is headless. The horse with its massive strength and energy crushing a soldier holding a sword under his hoofs, while another soldier lies below his body. They act as symbol of strength and energy. Each of them measures about 10 feet in length and 7 feet in height.
In 1964 the Government of Odisha decided to use one of these galloping horses as the state emblem. These gorgeously carved war horses depict the former martial glory and valour of Odia warriors who participated in many wars.
Sometimes visitors to the Konark temple either forget or miss to see the two mighty war horses. The two war horses are different from the seven horses pulling the chariot (main temple). The seven horses are part of the main temple structure, but the two war horses are not part of the main temple structure, this is the reason visitors miss to see them. The two war horses are located to the south of the main temple. You need to walk a little away from the main temple to see them. Let us show you the location of these two war horses on the Konark temple plan.
On the second anniversary of independence, India Post issued below definitive stamp on Konark Horse on 15th August 1949. The denomination of the stamp is 6 paise, issued under 'Definitive-I-Archaeological' category and features the great Indian architecture and sculpture.
