Aruna Stambha

Twenty feet from the Lion Gate at Puri stands a single piece of chlorite stone, 34 feet of it, sixteen-sided, with Aruna, the sun's charioteer, at the top with his hands joined in prayer. It is easy to walk straight past on the way in. Stop at the base instead, carved with military scenes and figures, and look up at the capital and its run of lotus petals. Two square slabs, each smaller than the last, lift the idol clear. Pilgrims worship the pillar itself, not only what stands behind it.