Cosmos Global: Tatanka

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1277

UPC: 883629689326

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

The Sun Temple, also known as the Black Pagoda, lies at the heart of a fascinating temple complex that, more than 750 years after it was built, remains a splendid sight.

The temple has always had a special symbolic and religious significance and was designed as a gigantic wagon for the sun god Surya. The twelve wheels on each side of Konark's large assembly hall, the Jagamohan, symbolize each month of the year. In addition to the filigree wheels, the many erotic figures at the base of the sun temple attract much attention and demonstrate an abundance of joie de vivre.

Once a year, the temple serves as a venue for a popular dance and music festival. It is then that the splendid culture of Orissa celebrates its rebirth, and the sun temple once again becomes an impressive focal point in historic Konark.