Welcome to Gujarat Top Blog! Today, we take you through SUN TEMPLE.
Modhera, Gujarat, India is the Sun Temple — an architectural wonder and a historical and cultural site of great significance. Constructed in the 11th CE during the rule of Solanki dynasty token by King Bhima I himself, this temple is dedicated to Hindu race – Sun God Surya boasting high precision architectural marvels of its time. It is a good example of Ancient Indian Temple architecture, being an elaborate unical set up in its sculptural design.
Table of Contents
Sun Temple (Main Structure)
Makers: King Bhima I of Solanki dynasty in 1026 CE.
The deity: Worship place of the Surya or the Sun God.
Architecture:
Architectural Style: Spiritual, astronomical, artistic – Spirit of Māru-Gurjara architecture
Orientation: Built in such a way that the first rays of the sun strike at the central shrine.
Three-part Layout:
Surya Kund: Massive stepwell with over a hundred small shrines.
Sabha Mandap: A beautifully carved hall with 52 exquisitely decorated pillars representing weeks in a year.
Guda Mandap: The house of the sanctum sanctorum over a lotus-shaped plinth with intricate carvings.
Surya Kund (Sacred Stepwell)
The rectangular tank used for ablutions before entering the temple is called Surya Kund.
Its steps and sides are embellished with 108 mini-shrines to deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, and Ganesha.
When we talk about this stepwell, Another astonishing aspect of this stepwell is the way in which water management is combined with religious symbolism.
Sabha Mandap (Assembly Hall)
Sabha Mandap might has been used for discourses on religion and cultural performances.
Designed in such a way that each of its pillars narrates episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Krishna Leela, the stepwell provides clues to the artistic style and tales prevalent during Solanki times.
Toranas (Ornamental Gateways)
The remains of these Toranas (arched gateways) add to the splendor around the temple. These portals signified the threshold to the godly realm.
Adjoining Monuments and Sites
Other Temples and Shrines:
Located near the Sun Temple are temples with less widely worshiped deities, showing the diversity of spiritualism in the area.
Pushpavati River:
The temple complex is located on the shores of this river that not only beautifies nature but also – very important for rituals at the site.
Significance
Cultural and Astronomical:
Hindu temple is an ancient astronomy knowledge to align this place with the sun calender
What the carvings show: seasonal changes and celestial phenomena.
Historical:
Mahmud of Ghazni desecrated the temple near about 20 times during invasions, but still its splendour is there.
Cultural Revival
Every year, the Modhera Dance Festival, showcases traditional performing arts of India and brings the cultural heritage and glory of this temple of dance into life.
Mahmud of Ghazni desecrated the temple near about 20 times during invasions, but still its splendour is there.
Modern Importance
Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Sun Temple at Modhera and nearby monuments are on UNESCO’s tentative list for World Heritage Site status.
Today it is not a functional temple any more but represents an outstanding example of medieval architecture and culture in India.
With its area of architectural magnificence, spiritual significance and historical depth, this site is truly a top destination for history and art lovers!
How To Reach There:
By Road:
From Ahmedabad:
Distance: Around hundred km.
Duration: –two-.two.four hours of driving
Path: NH-nine fourty seven (Mehsana–Becharaji Road)
From Mehsana:
Distance: Twenty five km.
Time to get there: thirty –fourty minutes.
By Train:
Distance from Railway Station: Mehsana Junction (approx 25 km away).Mehsana is an important railhead of the region and has good connectivity by road with Ahmedabad and other cities of Gujarat.Bus or taxi from Mehsana to Modhera.Fastest Train Route: Mehsana Junction (nearest station – 25 km).Being a major railhead, Mehsana has good connectivity to Ahmedabad and other cities of Gujarat.One can reach Modhera from Mehsana, by taking a bus or hiring a taxi.
By Air:
Closest Airstrip: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Global Air terminal, Ahmedabad (around 102 km from the property).You can catch a taxi or bus from Ahmedabad to Modhera.
Nearest Attractions
Visit more : Bahucharaji
Gallery
FAQs
Q1 . Where lies the sun sanctuary situated?
The sun sanctuary, in the village of Modhera within Mehsana district of Gujarat, approximately one hundred two kilometers from the city of Ahmedabad, there lies.
Q2 . What is the best time to visit the revered Sun Temple in Modhera, Gujarat?
The ideal season to pay visit to the majestic Sun Temple of Modhera is during the mild months from October through March when the climate is pleasant and soothing.
