Sun temple, Modhera, Gujarat. gujarattourism.com |
Above image: Sun temple, Modehra, Gujarat (11th century CE): Lord Rama, after defeating Ravana, wanted to get rid of the sin of having killed Ravana a Brahmin, by birth)'On sage Vasistha' advice to free himself from Brahma-thotsha Thosha he had established the village - Dharmaranya where he did yagna; village was later called Sitapur. The sun temple came up in 1026 CE.. The builder of the temple belonging to the Solanki dynasty was considered to be one of the Suryavanshis, or descendants of Sun god. During the Delhi Sultanate under Allauddin Khilji reign, the temple was damaged. ..................................
The Hindu Temples of great antiquity have always been been an integral part of the cultural heritage native to that region. Across India there are hundreds of temples of historical value built in various centuries in the past. Such temples showcase the innate skill , talents and workmanship of the sculptors, artisans and masons of by-gone era who were good at giving proper shape to the structures they visualized in their mind. No doubt their amazing works of art are permanently frozen in stone leaving an indelible mark on their capability in stone work and engineering.
11th Century.,Sun temple, Modhera, Gujaratmediaindia.eu |
Above image: Sabhamandapa with ornately carved pillars and exterior.......................
The Modhera Sun Temple of Gujarat constructed by King Bhima I of the Chalukya dynasty in the early 11th century is a richly ornamental temple. You may rightly call it a sermon in stone. Located in Modhera village of Mehsana district on the bank of River Pushpavati, this temple was built to honor the Sun God.
Location map. Modhera, Gujarat. gujaratheadline.com |
The following are several interesting facts:
01. The east-facing Surya or Sun Temple at Modhera is the oldest one in Gujarat -having been built in 1026 CE, as per the inscription found at the site.
Surya Kund, Sun temple, Modhera, GJ. jatinchhabra.com |
04. Step-well / tank called Surya kund or Rama kund has a rectangular plan and has 108 miniature shrines at different levels. They have small images of dancing women in different mudras. Access to them is through geometrically constructed stairways all around the tank and they exhibit a definite and fascinating pattern visible from any direction.
05. Three major shrines found in the kund on the three sides are dedicated to Gods Ganesha, Vishnu and Shiva. Shiva in tandava (dancing posture) is facing the main temple.
06. Access to the hall called Ranga mandapa or Sabha mandapa from the kund is through the remains of an ornamentally pillared gateway - Kirti Torna.
Suntemple, Modehra, Gujarat. outlookindia.com |
Above image: The entrance to mantap - hall of the Sun Temple at Modhera. Long and short pillars, semicircular and triangular arches ........................
07. The carved pillars in the Sabha mantap are richly ornamental and on them are found twelve representations of Sun God symbolic of twelve months. Adityas (12 in umber) are the sons of ‘Aditi’, the goddess of Infinity that is constant within the universe.
entrance to sanctum, sun temple, Modhera. jatinchhabra.com |
08. Gudha mandapa, has three parts—the assembly hall, the vestibule and the sanctum - garbhagriha. or Srikovil The ornamented towering ceiling with spirals is missing now.
10. The old texts also refer to Modhera and its surrounding areas as Dharmaranya or the forest of righteousness.
Modhera sun temple, Gujarat, dollsofindia.com |
Amazing stone carving, Sun temple, Modhera. almy.com |
Modhera sun temple, GJ youtube.com |