Astronomical Sculptures in India

The Sun Temple at Konark is an example of an astronomical sculpture in India. It is a 13th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Surya, and its design and architecture are based on astronomical principles.

The main astronomical feature of the Sun Temple at Konark is that it is aligned with the solstices. The temple is oriented so that the first rays of the sun on the summer solstice (June 21) fall directly on the main entrance of the temple.

The Khajuraho Temples are also aligned with the solstices. The temples are oriented so that the first rays of the sun on the summer solstice (June 21) fall directly on the main entrance of the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, the largest and most famous temple in the complex.

The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur is aligned with the equinoxes. The temple is oriented so that the first rays of the sun on the spring equinox (March 21) and the autumn equinox (September 23) fall directly on the main entrance of the temple.

The Qutb Minar is aligned with the zodiac constellations. The tower is divided into five storeys, each of which is decorated with carvings of the zodiac signs.

In Indian astronomy, the planets are associated with the gods, they are used to predict the future, and they are used to determine the time of day.

The planet Mangala is associated with the god Mangala, the Hindu god of war.

The planet Budha is associated with the god Budha, the Hindu god of wisdom.

The planet Brihaspati is associated with the god Brihaspati, the Hindu god of wisdom and knowledge.

The planet Shukra is associated with the god Shukra, the Hindu god of love and beauty.

The planet Shani is associated with the god Shani, the Hindu god of justice and punishment.

The planet Rahu is associated with the god Rahu, the Hindu god of eclipses.

The planet Ketu is associated with the god Ketu, the Hindu god of comets.