Sun Temple Modhera, an Architecture Gem of India
Sun Temple Modhera of Mehsana district is a cool day trip destination from Ahmedabad. Know the interesting facts of Modhera Sun Temple in this travel blog. It is worth adding this 10 centuries old temple to your itinerary of Gujarat if you intend to travel further west, especially to places like Dholavira Harappan Site, Bhuj or Little Rann of Kutch. We had this in our 4 days itinerary of a road trip through Gujarat. Sun temple of Modhera is declared as a Monument of National importance because of its unique architecture.
Importance of Sun Temple
Modhera Sun Temple is one of the seven temples in India dedicated to Bhagwan Surya (Lord Sun). The other six major Sun Temples of India are:
Konark Sun Temple in Orissa
Sun Temple, Gaya in Bihar
Surya Pahar Temple in Goalpara Assam.
Suryanar Temple, Kumbakonam Tamil Nadu
Surya Narayana Temple, Arasavalli in Andhra Pradesh
The Bhramanya Dev Temple at Unao in Madhya Pradesh.
Martand Sun Temple, Jammu.
Sun worship was part of religions followed in ancient civilizations. There are historical evidences that goes to prove the same in civilizations spread from Babylon to India, China, Africa, Greece, Rome, Mexico, South America, Egypt and Europe. Both Hindu epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata have mentions of sun worship. The Bible too has mention of Sun worship. Christians believe it represents bountifulness, hope and the victory of life over death.
In Hinduism Surya Dev is the Hindu god of the Sun. He is worshipped and revered as the supreme soul, who brings light and warmth to the world. In ancient days and even during medieval times Kings would devote and dedicate themselves to one deity to protect their clan. King Bhima I of Chalukya dynasty built this temple dedicated to his Kuldev Bhagwaan Surya (clan deity Lord Sun) in early 11th century.
Kirti Toran to the north of Kunda – Sun Temple Modhera Architecture
History of Sun Temple in Modhera
Rishabh Bhimdev I from Solanki Rajput dynasty built this Sun temple of Modhera in 1026 AD. He is believed to be of royal lineage who is descendant of God Sun. There is no mention of the name of architect of this grand temple, this led to art historian Percy Brown call the architect – weaver of dreams.
Mahmud of Ghazni ransacked the temple, almost immediately, after it was built and left with the original idol of the deity Sun God.
The temple was again looted and destroyed by Muslim invader Allauddin Khilji in early 13th century. It is said that when his men found it difficult to destroy the shikhara (dome) over Gudhamandapa, Khilji ordered them to blow it up with dynamite (barood – gun powder).
(Note that there is a dome on Sabhamandapa but a very damaged one on Gudhamandapa.)
What to See in Sun Temple Modhera
Stepping into the complex, you are greeted by a peaceful landscape that is sure to take your thoughts away from mundane routine life. The majestic temple is a sight to behold when basking in the morning rays of sun and as a silhouette against the setting sun.
A neat cobbled path leads you towards the temple. There is the Sun Temple Archaeological Museum to your left, few meters ahead you will reach the magnificently sculpted kund (sacred step well), Kirti Toran (gateway to the assembly hall), the Sabhamandapa (assembly hall), Gudhamandapa (shrine hall), a small shrine dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva and two pillars at the north of the complex profusely sculpted with divine figures on a raised platform.
Modhera Sun Temple Architecture – laser light show for Dussehra 2021 by Gujarat Tourism
So if you are keen to take pictures of the entire temple these are 7 important parts to the Modhera Sun Temple complex:
- Archaeological Museum
- Sacred step well
- Kirti Toran
- Assembly Hall
- Shrine Hall
- a small Temple
- two carved pillars (remains of toran at north of Kunda)
Interesting Facts about Modhera Sun Temple
Strong scientific, rational, engineering and architectural skill contributed to the construction of this magnificent temple. The temple has three parts, built in the Maru-Gurjara architecture style.
The temple is laid out in an east-west direction. Basics of Vaastu Shastra the first rays of sun light up the idol of Surya Dev inside the shrine on solar equinox days and on summer solstice day.
Another amazing fact about Modhera Sun Temple, hard to believe, it is said that no kind of plaster or limestone was used to make the joints of the temple. Built using locking system which is earthquake resistant, they are all structurally balanced with lot of precision that keeps the structure up even today.
In Gudhamandapa Modhera
Sacred Temple Tank – My first halt before I proceeded to the temple, the rectangular stepped tank, commonly known as Surya or Rama kund. The steps are dotted with 108 miniature shrines at different levels, which can be accessed by staircases found all around the tank. Each one is distinctly different and has its own charm.
The big and small temples on its steps are dedicated to different Gods and Goddesses. If you are running short of time visit the prominent ones dedicated to Vishnu on Shesh Shaiya, Ganesh, Shiva as Nataraja and Shitlamata – the goddess of Chicken Pox.
What I did not realize then was that I was seeing the trailer to the beauty of the main part of the temple that lay ahead.
Sabhamandapa stands on 52 pillars, raised on a lotus shaped platform, depicting the 52 weeks as in the lunar calendar. Unique feature here is that the pillars of the mandapa are octagonal at the base, progressing to a circular shape. This alone will take at least half an hour to devour all of it virtually. Since photography is allowed, it is the favorite haunt of instagrammers.
Ceiling of Sabhamandapa Modhera, also called Rangamandapa
52 pillars in Sabhamandapa – Sun Temple Modhera Architecture details
Gudhamandapa has the vestibule and assembly hall with sanctum sanctorum which once had the precious idol of Surya Dev. Today the room is vacant and locked up. There is a circumambulatory passage around it.
Toran (honorific gateway)- Entrances to both these mandapas are adorned with beautiful torans. There were two kirti toran, one in north and another in south. The southern toran doesn’t exist any more, only the northern one is left standing, that too only the pillars.
Sculptures – Facade, interior and pillars of both these mandapas are intricately sculpted. Themes of the sculptures are fine figures that tell stories from Hindu epics, apsaras and floral decorations. They depict various stages of life, human emotions, mythological stories, erotic images and more.
Look out for sculptures that depict Sun God in 12 different styles for 12 different months, especially one of them in Persian style with boots and a long cap.
Temple – There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva to the north of Kunda, near the standing pillars and left of Gudhamandapa. People offer prayers at this shrine.
Temple dedicated to Bhagwan Shivji
Located close to Tropic of Cancer
The Modhera Sun Temple lies close to the Tropic of Cancer with coordinates 23.5835° latitude, 72.1330°longitude. Tropic of Cancer coordinates are 23.4999° latitude, 85.4866° longitude.
Spiritual beliefs associated with Modhera Sun Temple
It is mentioned in Skanda Purana that after Bhagwan Ram killed Ravana, who had kidnapped his wife Ma Sita, he asked for guidance from sage Vashistha, how to redeem himself of the sin of killing a Brahmin(a high caste in Hindu, Ravana was a Brahmin and Rama was Kshatriya). The sage guided him to Modhera. Bhagwan Ram performed yajna (fire ritual) in a village called Modherak. Today’s Modhera is that same village Modherak.
Since the main idol of Surya Dev is missing no worship is offered here. It is said the circumambulation of the temple gave many spiritual benefits but not so any more yet devotees do around the temple at least once.
Special dates to visit Sun Temple
Uttaradartha Mahotsav – a three day dance festival is organized in the temple, which is popularly called as Modhera Dance Festival is held in this temple in the third week of January after the Uttaran (Makar Sankranti) Festival.
Visit on Equinox days and summer solstice day of the year, when the rising sun’s first rays hit the shrine interior lighting it up. (21st March and 21st September)
Location of Modhera Sun Temple
The temple is located in the Modhera village of Mehsana district on the bank of River Pushpavati. The Tropic of Cancer passes close to this temple.
How to reach Modhera – Ahmedabad is the nearest airport. There are plenty of private vehicles and public transport that will drop you off at Modhera Sun Temple. Distance by road is 97.9km from Ahmedabad and 25 km from Mehsana via highway that has tolls.
Timings and Tickets
- Temple is open on all days from 7 AM to 6 PM. Archaeological Museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM.
- 25 INR for Indians, 300 INR for Foreigners. Free entry for children below 15 years.
- Guide charges can go up from 300 INR.
Facilities at the Temple site
- There is ample parking space for private vehicles,
- Lots of greenery all around making it an ideal weekend destination or picnic spot.
- Drinking water and washroom facilities are available.
- Refreshment stalls are there for small eats.
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What a history this temple has with looters. It’s a shame Khilji ordered to blow it up with dynamite 🙁 It’s such a beautiful and intricate structure and it’s amazing how much of it is still present today even after all it has been through.
There must have been a lot of treasure if so many people were ransacking! The engineering skills required to build something so grand amaze me. Especially how it was built around the sun cycles and having certain areas light up on solstice. I’d love to see that!
It’s such a shame to hear that the temple got looted, then the dome blown up! But, I guess it’s an interesting part of history, so for that we can be thankful for the reminder. I’m always fascinated at how ancient buildings were constructed and put together to withstand the elements and natural disasters. They sure outlast our modern day buildings – I think we’ve got a lot to learn!
The Sun Temple Modhera does look like an interesting spot to visit. The carvings on the side are so detailed. I loved the tiered design. Visiting during a festival would be amazing.
Wow, beautiful pictures. The temple looks magnificent.
Love visiting sites like this. How amazing it looks during the laser light show. It’s just incredible how these ancient buildings survive over the centuries. Modern buildings struggle to survive earthquakes but ancient technology does – just blows my mind. Amazing – another spot for my big Indian adventure.