Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples ? 1. Arasavalli 2. Amarakantak 3. Omkareshwar Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- (a) 1 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (a)
• Arasavalli in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, has the Suryanarayana Swamy temple, one of India's few ancient Sun temples still in worship, built by the Eastern Ganga kings — option (a).
• Amarakantak (2) in Madhya Pradesh is the source of the Narmada and Son, known for Narmada temples; Omkareshwar (3) on the Narmada is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva.
• Other famous Sun temples are Konark, Modhera and Martand.
• Hence 1 only, option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- Amarakantak and Omkareshwar are Narmada/Shiva sites, not Sun temples.
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- Omkareshwar is a Jyotirlinga, not a Sun temple.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Only Arasavalli has a Sun temple.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017, held on 18 June 2017. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.