Modhera Sun Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Surya located on the banks of the Pushpavati River in Modhera village of Mehsana district, Gujarat, India. Modhera Sun Temple is located in the heart of Gujarat. It was constructed after 1026-27 CE, during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty. There is no worship now, and the Archaeological Survey of India maintains it as a protected monument. It is one of the finest examples of Indian temple architecture. The temple showcases Gujarat’s rich history and culture.

The Modhera temple is the most important of all Gujarat’s sun temples. It holds the same significance as the other two well-known sun temples in Kashmir (Martand) and Orissa (Konark). The remains of this magnificent architectural monument continue to reflect glimpses of elegance and testify to the site’s sanctity. Modhera or Modherapura, also known as Mundera, is said to be the original settlement of the Modha Brahmans.

Special Significance of Modhera Sun Temple

The remains of Modhera’s Sun Temples, dedicated to the Sun God, are relics of a time when reverence for the natural elements fire, air, earth, water, and sky coexisted with myriad manifestations of Vedic gods. The ancient philosophy of natural elements and their relationship with humans was regarded as the primary force and energy of the life cycle. A walk around the serene temple campus makes you aware of the positively strong aura of energy that the place emits, and it brings you closer to the surroundings.

History of Modhera Sun Temple

The Sun Temple in Modhera, dedicated to the Sun God, was built by King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty in 1026 AD and is a well-known heritage site near Ahmedabad. This temple not only reflects the Solanki rulers’ architectural abilities, but it also exemplifies the ruling dynasty’s devotion at the time. As with the Sun Temple at Konark, this temple was designed so that the first rays of the Sun fall on Lord Surya’s image at the equinoxes.

Mahmud Ghazni plundered the temple, but its architectural grandeur remains intact. Currently, no worship is offered here, and the temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. This temple was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2014.

The architecture of Modhera Sun Temple

The temple complex, built in Maha-Gurjara style, is divided into three parts: the main temple, which includes a Garbha Griha and Guda Mandap, a detached Sabha Mandap, and Surya Kunda. Surya Kund, also known as Rama Kund, is a rectangular stepped tank used for water storage and Sun God worship ceremonies. The Kund is notable for its 108 miniature shrines at various levels, which are accessible via staircases located throughout the tank. Aside from these, four larger shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesh, Natraja, and Sitala Mata surround the tank.

Beyond the tank are the remains of an ornamented pillared gateway known as the Kirti Torana, which leads to the next structure, the Ranga Mandap or Sabha Mandap. It’s a magnificent pillared hall designed for religious gatherings and conferences. It has 52 pillars, which represent the 52 weeks of the year. Each of these pillars is intricately carved, with scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata depicted in every available space. The exterior of this open-pillared hall is embellished with sculptures and panels depicting deities, social scenes, flora and fauna, and geometric patterns.

The Sabha Mandap leads to Surya’s main shrine, the Guda Mandap, which is divided into three parts: the assembly hall, the vestibule, and the sanctum sanctorum. The Guda Mandap’s walls are adorned with friezes depicting the Sun God and other gods and goddesses. The sanctum sanctorum is said to have once housed Lord Surya’s golden idol. However, Mahmud Ghazni plundered the idol, but the walls depict the Sun God in 12 different facets for each month. The sanctum was designed in such a way that the idol gets the first glimpse of the Sun at the equinox.

The carved walls also depict elements of human life, such as the vicious cycle of birth and death. A towering spiral once stood on the sanctum, but it has since crumbled to the ground. It is said that the Guda Mandap had a tunnel through which members of the royal family could flee if attacked.

Just outside the temple complex, there is an Archaeology Museum that houses the intricate stone carvings, some of which were done on monolithic carved stones. There are also many rare artefacts on display outside the museum, such as sculptures carved into multicoloured rocks and stones.

Facts about Modhera Sun Temple

• Modhera Sun Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Surya that stands on the banks of the Pushpavati River in Modhera village, Mehsana district, Gujarat, India.
• It was built in 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Solanki dynasty and is now a protected monument managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.
• The temple is believed to have been built to commemorate Bhima I’s defence of Modhera against Mahmud of Ghazni.
• The temple complex was built in the Maru-Gurjara style, also known as the Solanki style.
• The temple was designed with astronomical precision. The temple’s alignment with the sun during the equinoxes demonstrates the architects’ profound knowledge of astronomy.
• During the equinoxes, the first rays of the rising sun shine directly on the idol of Lord Surya in the sanctum, attracting devotees and tourists from all over the world.
• The Hindu temple depicts the Sun God’s chariot with twelve pairs of wheels drawn by seven horses, representing its celestial journey.
• The temple is a remarkable example of India’s Maru-Gujarat architectural style, consisting of the Gudha Mandapa for worship, the Sabha Mandapa for assembly, and the Kunda for a stepped water tank reservoir.
• Across the Surya Kunda is a structure with pyramidal stairways that lead to 108 shrines.
• The Sun Temple’s Sabha Mandap, which stands on 52 pillars, represents the 52 weeks of the year, while the temple’s outer wall features intricately carved depictions of the Sun’s twelve postures, or Aditya, which represent its position in each of the twelve months.

Best Time to Visit Modhera Sun Temple

This place is heavenly and spiritual; you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

How To reach Modhera Sun Temple

By Air: The nearest airport is in Ahmedabad, which is well-connected to the rest of the country via regular flights. Ahmedabad Airport is approximately 95 kilometres from Modhera Sun Temple and takes about 2 hours to reach.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Mehsana Junction, which is approximately 28 kilometres from Modhera Sun Temple and takes about 40 minutes to reach.

By Raod: The Modhera Sun Temple is well connected by road to Gujarat’s major cities, including Mehsana (26 km), Gandhinagar (83 km), and Ahmedabad (99 km).

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