Sun Temple Modhera Famous Sun Temple In Gujarat

The Sun Temple is a Hindu temple in Modhera village, Mehsana district, Gujarat, India, devoted to the solar deity Surya. It is located on the banks of the Pushpavati River. It was constructed between 1026 and 1027 CE, under the reign of the Chalukya dynasty's Bhima I. There is no longer any worship given, and the site is now a protected monument managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. Gudhamandapa, the shrine hall; Sabhamandapa, the assembly hall; and Kunda, the reservoir, make up the temple complex. The exterior and pillars of the halls are beautifully carved. There are steps leading to the bottom of the reservoir, as well as countless little shrines.

The Sun Temple's main shrine was constructed during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty. Earlier, during the years 1024–1025, Mahmud of Ghazni invaded Bhima's realm, and an army of 20,000 warriors attempted but failed to stop him at Modhera. The Sun Temple, according to historian A. K. Majumdar, may have been built to commemorate this defense. An inscription "Vikram Samvat 1083" upside down clumsily engraved in Devnagari script on a block in the western wall of the cella corresponds to 1026-1027 CE. There is no other date that can be discovered.

The inscription appears upside down, indicating that the cella was destroyed and rebuilt. Because of the inscription's position, the year of a building cannot be determined with certainty. On a stylistic level, the Kunda with its corner shrines is thought to have been erected at the beginning of the 11th century. Rather than being the date of the building, the inscription is thought to be the date of Ghazni's destruction. Bhima regained control of the situation shortly after. The tank's main temple, as well as the smaller and niche shrines, were all constructed shortly after 1026 CE. During the reign of the Karna, the dancing hall, as well as the entrances, the porch of the temple proper, and the temple and cella doorframes, were erected considerably later in the third quarter of the 12th century.

The temple is situated at a latitude of 23.6 degrees (approximately near the Tropic of Cancer). Locally, the location was known as Sita ni Chauri and Ramkund. There is no longer any form of religion given here. The Archeological Survey of India maintains the temple as a Monument of National Importance.

Architecture

The Mru-Gurjara style is used to construct the temple complex commonly known as the Chaulukya style. The shrine proper (garbhagriha) in a hall (gudhamandapa), the outer or assembly hall (sabhamandapa or rangamandapa), and a sacred reservoir are all axially oriented components of the temple complex (Kunda).

The Sabhamandapa is not a continuation of the Gudhamandapa, but rather a different edifice located a short distance away. Both are constructed on a paved surface. Their roofs have long since collapsed, leaving only a few lower-most courses standing. Both roofs have a diameter of 15' 9" but are built differently. The platform or plinth is designed like an inverted lotus.

The Kunda or Brahmakunda or Suryakunda At The Modhera Sun Temple

As we stroll along the route, our gaze will be drawn to the emerald waters of Ram Kund, a local waterbody. The emerald waters reflected the geometric patterns of the stairs that formed their rectangular limits, giving the appearance that the staircases extended into infinity below. The Kunda, despite being a secondary feature in the Modhera Sun Temple, has its rhythm and beauty that sets it apart from the temple's other decorations. The Kund is enormous, measuring 176 feet by 120 feet. Water bodies are common features in temples throughout India; they serve as washing tanks for devotees to physically purify themselves before entering the temple's sacred doors.

The Modhera Temple's Kund, on the other hand, is distinguished for its elaborate design. Its design is based on the traditional stepwell design found throughout the region, although it appears to have reached its pinnacle. From all sides, a series of terraces and steps gradually lead to the Kund's water. On the four sides of the Kund, there are 108 tiny shrines set with geometric accuracy at various points. These shrines are devoted to the Hindu pantheon's numerous Gods and Goddesses.

Although many of these have lost their deities, shrines to Ganesha, Hanuman, Vishnu, and other Gods and Goddesses can still be found. Near the steps going to the Kunda, additional panels are depicting sensual scenarios.

The main shrines that can be seen near the Kunda include the Shitalamata temple, the Temple of Vishnu, Ganesha, and Shiva.

The Torans of Modhera Sun Temple

Steps go upstairs to the Sabhamandapa or Rangamandapa in the center of the Kund on the western side of the rectangular construction. To enter the Sabhamandapa, one must pass between two elaborate pillars. All that remains of what must have been a majestic Toran, or welcome arch, are these elaborate pillars. The arch's top section is missing.

Today, one can only picture the Toran's magnificence; nonetheless, based on the architectural style, it can be reasonably assumed that the Toran would have resembled the actual Toran in nearby Vadnagar or the Dilwara Jain Temple at Mt. Abu in Rajasthan.

Another Toran's ruins can be observed to the right of the Kund, with only two pillars. It's also possible that there was another Toran to the left of the Kund, given the exquisite symmetry of design demonstrated by the craftsman who fashioned the beautiful edifice.

Incredible Facts About Modhera Sun Temple

Here is a glance at some of the interesting facts about India's heritage structure.

 1.  Modhera is mentioned in ancient literature such as the Skanda Purana and the Brahma Purana. Modhera and its environs are also referred to in ancient scriptures as Dharmaranya, or the Forest of Righteousness.

2.  The temple is built in such a way that the first rays of the morning sun fall on a diamond set on the Sun God's head at each equinox. This would also give the shrine a golden glow.

3.  The Sabha Mandap is supported by 52 pillars, which represent the 52 weeks in a year. The sun is depicted in sculptures on the walls to demonstrate its connection with air, water, earth, and space.

4.  Although it is a Hindu temple, no worship is now offered here.

5.  Modhera Sun Temple was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2014.

6.  Every year, after the Makar Sankranti holiday, Gujarat Tourism holds the Uttarardha Mahotsav, a three-day dance event at the temple to highlight Indian cultural ability.