At the majestic Sun Temple of Konark, built by King Narasimhadeva I, stands a grand sculpture of a royal elephant, adorned with ornaments and seen gently lifting its king with its trunk. This is no ordinary depiction; it is a silent stone that echoes a legendary tale of loyalty, war, and love.
According to folklore, the mighty king of Odisha, Langula Narasimhadeva I, fought valiantly for four years against invading Turk-Afghan forces from northern India. Renowned across the land for his formidable army of elephants, he was hailed as the “Gajapati” — the Lord of Elephants. Among his royal beasts, one stood closest to his heart: a magnificent elephant named Sudehi.
During one fierce battle, the king was struck by an arrow and lost consciousness on the battlefield. In a display of unmatched devotion, Sudehi swiftly lifted her beloved master with her trunk and carried him safely away to the royal physician. Thanks to her brave act, the king survived. Riding again upon Sudehi’s back, Narasimhadeva returned to battle and defeated the Mamluk dynasty of Delhi.
So deep was the king’s affection and gratitude for Sudehi that before beginning the construction of the Sun Temple at Konark, he ensured that this heroic moment was immortalized in stone. Today, that elephant sculpture stands proudly within the temple complex, whispering the tale of courage to every passerby.
In honor of this legendary act of loyalty and valor, the Government of India has even released a commemorative postal stamp, further celebrating the bond between a king and his elephant — a bond carved in stone and sealed in history.
