Bhubaneswar: Sculptor Raghunath Mohapatra has come up with a sketch for a second temple to replicate the 13th century Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha.

The temple, proposed to come up along the Bhubaneswar-Puri highway, will be known as Aditya Narayan Temple .

Mohapatra said: "I am worried about the future of the Sun Temple, which is known as the black pagoda. With everyone's support, I want to build a second temple like the Sun Temple. Nearly 500 sculptors will be needed to turn my dream into reality."

"The temple is under threat and anything can happen to the structure," he added. At present, scaffoldings support the temple's structure as stones continue to peel off from different parts. The Jagmohan (prayer hall) is also in a half-broken state.

The temple was built from stone in the form of a chariot dedicated to the Sun god.

"The project is estimated to cost nearly Rs 600 crore and it will take eight years to complete. The height of both temples will be the same," he said.

Asked about his source of funds, Mohapatra said: "I have already got in touch with industrial houses, particularly those for which I have built temples. All of them have given their commitment to help me."

The temple will come up on 100 acres on the Bhubaneswar-Puri highway. Besides the main temple, other small shrines located inside the Sun Temple will be exactly replicated.

"I have already bought 60 acres for the project and will buy the remaining 40 acres shortly. We will bring special stones from Tapang, Chhatia, Badachana, Lalitgiri and other parts of the state to build the temple," he said.