Sun Temple, Modhera

History

According to the Skanda Purana and Brahma Purana, the areas near Modhera were known during ancient days as Dharmaranya (literally meaning the forest of righteousness). According to these Puranas, Lord Rama, after defeating Ravana, asked sage Vasistha to show him a place of pilgrimage where he could go and purify himself from the sin of Brahma-hatya (the sin of killing a Brahmin, because Ravana was a Brahmin by birth). Sage Vasistha showed him Dharmaranya, which was near the modern town of Modhera. In the Dharmaranya, he settled at a village Modherak and performed a yagna there. Thereafter he established a village and named it Sitapur. This village is about 15 km from Becharaji Modherak village and it subsequently came to be known as Modhera.

The Sun Temple was built by Rushabh Bhimdev I of Solanki Dynasty in AD 1026. This was the time when Somnath and the adjoining area was plundered by Mahmud Ghazni and reeled under the effects of his invasion. The Solankis, however, regained much of their lost power and splendour. Anahilvad Patan, the Solanki capital, was restored to glory. Royalty and traders jointly contributed to build grand temples.

Solankis were considered to be Suryavanshis, or descendants of Sun god. The temple was so designed that the first rays of the sun fell on the image of Surya, the Sun God, at the time equinoxes.

The temple is partially in ruins after it was also finally destroyed by the Allauddin Khilji.

However, enough has remained of the temple to convey its grandeur.
Architecture

The Sun temple is of a unique architecture of its own kind.

The temple comprises three separate but axially-aligned and integrated elements: Surya Kund, Sabha Mandap and Guda Mandap.
Surya Kund
The Massive Tank In Front of The Temple

This Suryakunda also known as Ramakunda is a large rectangular stepped tank measuring 53.6 x 36.6 meters under the east face of sabhamandap used to store pure water. Devotees were required to perform ceremonial ablutions here before worshiping the Sun God.

The Suryakund is a finest example of geometry. The organization of stone into composition gives shape to a dazzling pattern of art. It is proportioned with innumerable stone steps leading devotees down to its base. 108 miniature shrines are carved in between the steps inside the tank. Also number 108 considered to be auspicious by Hindus as hindu rosary has same number of beads.

THE MODHERA SUN TEMPLE - GUJARAT

The Modhera sun temple is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati, 30 kms from Mehesana and 125 kms from Ahmadabad in northern Gujarat. This is an ancient township, traceable to the Puranic age, when it was known as Dharmaranya. It is believed that Lord Rama performed here a yajna (sacrifice) to purify himself of the sin of having killed a Brahmin - Ravana, the king of Lanka. Rama built "Modherak" which subsequently came to be called "Modhera". It became a pilgrimage centre for hordes of people who thronged to the place to pay homage to Surya.

The Modhera temple is the creation of the Solanki era in Gujarat when it was ruled by Bhima-I in 1026-27. This was the time when Somnath and the adjoining area was plundered by Mahmud Ghazni and reeled under the effects of his invasion. The Solankis, however, regained much of their lost power and splendour. Anahilvad Patan, the Solanki capital, was restored to glory. Royalty and traders jointly contributed to build grand temples.

The first view of the sun temple is breathtaking, with the pillared portico of the sabhamandap reflected in the massive tank. The weathered golden brown stone of the edifice has an overpowering grandeur. The temple follows the contemporary stylistic traditions, incorporating twin compartments - a shrine with the cells housing the presiding deity and the mandapam or sabhamandap (assembly hall). A narrow passage connects the two structures. The lower portion of both structures is ornamented with horizontal bands of sculptural decoration. The mandovara (upper wall portion) is covered with panels of large images of deities from the Hindu pantheon, placed in their carved niches and tabernacles. The vimana or the spire has horizontal bands of figurative and geometrical designs, all rising to the apex of the pyramid, and recreating in stone the mythological Mount Meru - abode of gods. Urusrimgas, miniature replicas of the shrine, cling to the central spire. Although the spires over the cells and sabhamandap were destroyed by the invaders and have survived only in the core pyramidal structure, an idea of their form can be had from the spires of the small temples built on terraces of the steps over the tank.

The temple interior is peristylar and consists of superbly carved pillars. Covered with lavish sculptural decoration, these pillars are examples of the perfect craftsmanship of the Solanki artisan. These pillars are geometrically arranged to create an octagonal space at the centre of the hall used quite frequently for ritualistic dance performances.

The sabhamandap is a small independent structure. The four entrances have ornamental toranas (decorative hangings over the entrance) which have a marvellous quality of intricate and precision craftsmanship. At the centre of the hall is the walnut shaped ceiling, with its numerous folds of floral girdles, upheld by two aisles of pillars arranged on diagonals of the square plan. Even at its dimly lit height, the astounding splendour of stonecraft shines brightly. It is a visual delight to stand under the 23 feet high ceiling.

The structure containing the sanctum is modest in size but a rare gem of architectural and sculptural decoration. At one time, the image of the Sun, cast in gold, was placed at the centre of the sanctum to receive the first rays of the sun. The invaders removed the image for its gold and left the sanctum walls bereft of any decoration - a mere empty jewel casket. The structure is oblong in shape, 80 feet by 50 feet, with a single entrance over which the artisans have worked like jewellers. The slender columns at the porch are ingeniously crafted. On the exterior walls are the large panels of gods and goddesses, celestial maidens, nymphs and dancers, and of course impressive images of Surya riding his chariot across the heavens. Very discreetly, the profuse erotic sculptural panels have been placed at inconspicuous angles to avoid unnecessary attention.

The entire structural complex at Modhera is aligned to the east, to the rising sun. Kama Kunda, the water tank, meant for ritualistic ablution before offering worship, is one of the most perfectly designed structures of its kind in the country. A regular well-patterned lateral formation of stone steps descends upto the bottom of the tank. The geometrical configuration of steps allows a direct or diagonal descent from all the four sides. On the small terraces on the steps are small temples with niches housing Vaishnavite deities. The dramatic play of light and shade on these steps creates a fascinating impact. The stepped water tank at Modhera ruined columns without their splendid superstructure, which leads into the sabhamandap. These columns, like every other inch of space on the temple structure, are loaded with sculptural decoration of an extraordinary beauty. Thus, the Modhera sun temple is a glorious example of Gujarat's rich cultural heritage.




Reservoir Deities

There are four terraces to descend in order to reach the bottom of the tank. Small pyramid shaped steps are for each terrace. God & Goddess depicted in immortalized stone, unfold the sculpture wealth. Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesh, Lord Natraj, Sitlamata presence a marvel created during Solanki era.

Two Huge ornamental arch called Toran forms a Gate-Way to Sabha Mandap literally meaning assembly hall.
Sabha Mandap
The Sabha Mandap with Ornately Carved Pillors and Ceiling

This hall of religious gatherings is a magnificent pillared hall. It is open from all sides and has 52 intricately carved pillars representing 52 weeks in a year. The carvings depict various episodes from the Hindu epics of Ramayan, Mahabharat and Krishna Lila (i.e. story of lord Krishna).

Between the Sabha Mandapa and the sanctum sanctorum is a beautiful hall with pillars and arches, whose facade has been renovated and partially redone, and the walls have 12 niches showing the different aspects of the Sun God in each month.
Sanctum Sanctorum

This is called the main temple or the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Lotus opens with sunrise and closes itself with sunset. Hence, it is considered to be sun's flower. The entire temple is therefore based on an inverted lotus-base plinth. It was designed such that the rays of the rising and setting sun on the day of equinox (length of day and night is nearly equal - 20 March and 21 September generally), fell on the bejeweled pure gold idol of Sun riding on his chariot driven by Saarthi Arun. Sun's chariot has 7 horses and Saarthi Arun sits on the 4th horse. The entire idol made of gold (including the charioteer,chariot and horses) was placed on a pit that was 15 feet deep and filled with gold coins. It was built by the Solankis in honour of their ancestral God. It was plundered by Mahmud Gazni. Exterior

The exterior of the temple walls has 12 different postures of Adityas - Sun God along with eight Dikpals, Lord Vishwakarma - who constructed Golden Dwarka city for Shri Krishna, Varundev - God of Air, Agnidev - God of Fire, Ganesh - God for starting, Mata Saraswati - Goddess of Education & Wisdom. Also seen Samundramanthan.
Erotic Sculptures

Even today to talk of sex in sacred place is akin to religious blasphemy. All important religious sects of the country like Hinduism, Buddhism, & Jainism have presented erotic motifs in their art . In the days when temple was built, sex was neither suppressed nor moralized. It was seen as an act that brought about fertility. Hence at this temple a most profound depiction of sexual iconography is displayed, at the exterior walls of the main temple itself.
Panoramic view of the Sun Temple in Modhera
] Modhera Dance Festival

To create the enchantment and splendor of our ancient history and rich cultural traditions; Modhera dance festival is scheduled to be held during the third week of January every year, after the festival of Uttarayan for three days in the backdrop of the Sun temple. Renowned Indian artist perform here and enthrall the audience. The objective is to present classical dance forms in an atmosphere they were originally presented in. The festival is organised by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat.


Walking Tour

With prior appointment walking tour in the premises can be organised. "A Tribute to the craetor of life, carved with passion in stone"

Photo Gallery

Two boys sitting inside the Stepped tank at Sun Temple, Modhera

Massive pillars leading to the stepped tank outside the temple.

Two halls of the temple, In front is the Sabha Mandap and the sanctum sanctorum is behind Sabha Mandap.

Two pillars standing alone near the temple.

See also

Modhera Dance Festival
Becharaji
Patan, Gujarat