Modhera Sun Temple

Modhera Sun Temple Latest News

Prime Minister recently highlighted the thousand-year history of Gujar Modhera Sun Temple, recalling its destruction during invasions and its subsequent reconstruction, while also highlighting the village’s transformation into India’s first 24×7 s village.

About Modhera Sun Temple

• It is a Hindu temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya located at Modhera village of the Mehsana district, Gujarat. 
• It is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati. 
• It was built after 1026-27 CE during the reign of King Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty.  
• No worship is offered now and is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). 
• It entered the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the year 2014. 

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Modhera Sun Temple Architecture

• The temple complex is built in Maru-Gurjara style (Chaulukya style).  
• The temple complex has three components: Gudhamandapa, the shrine hall; Sabhamandapa, the assembly hall; and Kunda, the reservoir. 
• Each part is aligned along an east-west axis, reinforcing the temple’s connection to the sun’s movement. 
• The halls have intricately carved exterior and pillars. 
• Sabha Mandap standing on 52 pillars, depicting the 52 weeks in a year. The intricate carvings on the pillars depict scenes from ancient Indian epics Ramayana, Mahabharata and scenes from the life of Lord Krishna.  
• The reservoir has steps to reach the bottom and numerous small shrines. 
• On equinoxes, with the perfect planning and precision of the architecture, sun rays enter the main sanctum. 
• In those days light was used to further reflect to other idols from the correctly placed diamond on the head of Sun God.
• The exterior walls are engraved with beautiful intricate carvings.

News: ET