Counting my Blessings
All around the world as the first rays of the sun touch the horizon life begins with yet another Day. This eternal source of energy, vitality, hope & positivity is enough of a reason to visit the SUN Temple.
A temple dedicated to the source of energy “The SUN GOD”. It is an absolute pure token of gratitude. I salute the thought of the bygone generations to create something so artistic, beautiful which withstands the test of time.
For many, they are the ruins of the Sun temple but for me, it is a token of love appreciation, and gratitude for this eternal source of energy who for thousands of years without fail lightens up the earth and lives on this planet. This Hindu temple is very rightly dedicated to the powerhouse of light and energy.
CHALUKYA– The legendary Dynasty
Modhera built in the 11th century was once the capital of the mighty Solankis which today hosts the ruins of the SUN TEMPLE.
India has around seven sun temples dedicated purely to the SUN GOD. All built between the 10th and the 13th Century. Built much before the Konark Sun temple this was made by BHIMADEVA I of the Chalukya Dynasty.
The ruins today are a UNESCO World heritage site taken over & managed by the archeological department of India.
The well-manicured gardens with numerous Champa trees with white & pink flowers make beautiful settings for the ruins. The green paved walkway takes us to these huge structures. To encompass the magnitude of the size, shape Colour, texture and Its Grandeur architecture one must be patient enough to do justice to “The SUN Temple”
Modhera located on the banks of the River Pushpavati is 25km from Mehsana and 106 km from Ahmedabad.
The Rich History and Heritage
The structure made in sandstone & MARU GURJARA architectural style has three components the first being the “SURYAKUND” or the Water Tank.
A guide is a must for all historical monuments or Ruins. Listening to the Continuous banter of our Guide, I did get that the water tank was built to keep the freshwater always available. Having a freshwater stream underground, the water woes were taken Care of in this water-scarce area. Very thoughtfully made the Kunda in the center is surrounded by multiple terraces and residing steps with 108 small shrines surrounding it.
As you walk from the Kunda to the sabha mandapa i.e. the second Component an entrance of which is decorated with intricately carved Torans. The sabha mandapa is open from all 4 sides and stands on 52 pillars signifying 52 weeks of the year.
The pillars are intricately carved showcasing the harmony of Air, Water, Earth, and Space with the sun. Hosting the visiting pilgrims the sabha mandap has slabs carved in to sit and rest. The pillars and the walls depict stories of the human life cycle, Ramayana & Mahabharata.
Magic Of five Elements
The third being the GUDHMANDAPA. This is the main temple also called the “GarbhGrih “which hosted the main deity of Sun God. Sun temples were built keeping the position of the earth in mind and are built exactly on the tropic of Cancer. On the summer solstice, the sun shines exactly on top of the temple without creating any shadow.
On every equinox, the first rays fell on the diamond placed on the forehead of the deity which reflected the Golden rays all over the temple. After the destruction by Mahmud Ghazani and later by Allaudin Khilji the Sun God idol no longer exists hence No worship is offered since then.
The Gudhmandapa is structured on an inverted Lotus, the flower being of very significant importance in the Hindu culture. The walls also represent the sun god in 12 different styles for 12 calendar months.
On the outer side of the GudhaMandhap is the Kirti Toran. The stonework on the two pillars standing tall under all kinds of weather is still in its original form.
Unanswered Question
As I pause sitting and reminiscing the culturally rich work of art rather a testament of the engineers and architect, I have an unanswered question as to be the mankind at its peak of knowledge and expertise than without the technology & formal education or are we still evolving?
As I try to figure out Darwin’s theory of evolution I am indeed happy to be visiting these magnificent culturally and architecturally rich remains.
Stay tuned and do share your insights !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very nice write up. While reading it seems that we are actually visiting that place.
On every equinox, the first rays fell on the diamond placed on the forehead of the deity which reflected the Golden rays all over the temple.
Amazing !
It is one of the great architectural work.
Very informative ma’am and well written
Good information about Modhere-Sun temple. Also I liked the photographs.
I would like to see videos on the same.
Thank you Ma’am for your religious & historical information. Keep on writing blogs for more such inspirational posts in the future.