Modhera Sun Temple
Most people are vaguely familiar with the true nature of the ancient practice of Sun-Worship. Many in the modern present consider this sacred ritual as blind worship of the Sun as a physical element of our solar system, while some consider it as a worship to an arbitrary Sun deity. In reality this was not the case in the ancient days of Vedic civilization. The philosophical and spiritual understanding of the Sun and the Sun deity, Suryadev was ever more broader, personal and foundational in understanding of man’s inner and external nature in relation to the universe. The deity Suryadev was seen as a supreme manifestation of the divine, the ultimate source of light and life.** The physical or the celestial Sun was considered as an embodiment of this very principle and was considered to be an omnipresent Law that not just governed the universe but also our own internal being.
The Sun Temple of Modhera was constructed during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty. In 1024-1025, Bhima’s kingdom was invaded by Mahmud of Ghazni, and a group of around 20,000 soldiers attempted to stop his advance at Modhera, but were unsuccessful. The shrine proper of the Sun Temple was built after this invasion. An inscription “Vikram Samvat 1083” is found on a block in the western wall of the cella, which corresponds to 1026-1027 CE. The inscription is upside down, which suggests that the cella was destroyed and reconstructed. However, due to the position of the inscription, it is not considered as the date of construction. On stylistic grounds, it is known that the Kunda with its corner shrines was built earlier at the beginning of the 11th century. The temple is situated on 23.6° latitude, approximately near the Tropic of Cancer. Locally, the place was later known as Sita ni Chauri and Ramkund. Currently, no worship is offered at the temple.this Temple monument is a testament to the glory of Vedic civilization and the Aryan way of life. The intricate ornamentation, the remarkable craftsmanship of its form and position are nothingless less than divinely inspired. Analogous to the nature of the Sun god, as the supreme ordering and orienting principle, this structure symbolises great vision, understanding of ‘Sanatana Dharma’ (Natural Law) and honouring soul and spirit. The carvings of gods, goddesses, flowers, animals and birds portrays a life-affirming celebration of well-being and prosperity in reverence of the divine.
The Temple Complex:
The main temple structure is designed in a manner to allow the Sun rays to fall on the ‘murti’ (statue) of Suryadev precisely at the time of the annual equinoxes, symbolising a spiritual ‘rebirth’. The site is extensive with the main temple placed in the spiritual centre of the complex. The main temple is remarkably imposing and faces east toward the direction of the rising sun, while the surrounding structures were built gradually at different times. Built using the vernacular ‘yellow sandstone’, the temple comprises two major parts: A ‘closed hall’ (Gudha Mandapa) in the front portion, and a ‘Shrine’ (Garbhagrha) behind, both connected by a narrow passage-way. Individually, both parts appear to be square but create a rectangle plan when placed together on one axis. The first part has an octagonal plan from the inside while the second part has a square plan.
Plan of the main temple (Image credit – Architectural Survey of India)
The axial orientation of the complex is hierarchical in nature: divided into three main parts. The visitor of the temple would first enter the ‘surya kunda’ which is approximately 15 metres in depth, then toward the ‘dancing hall’ and finally the main temple.
Sun Temple, Modhera – Layout Plan (Image Credit: www.lemonicks.com)
– The entire temple structure is raised on a high platform-plinth (pitha), decorated with carvings of elephants, men and warriors in heroic action. It is necessary to understand that war and heroism here are not depicted to glorify violence but as a celebration of great sacrifice and as a showcase of exceptional courage and ideals.
– A wall known as ‘mandovara’ is raised above the main platform of the temple. Marvelously sculpted with sections that showcase an orderly progression, this wall section is the principle archive of sculpture and ornamentation. The entrance to the main temple is closed in by the surrounding walls, the inner parts of which are adorned with imagery of the ‘Adityas’, the divine manifestations of the Sun deity that represent the twelve months of the solar year.
– In the sacred practice of Yoga, ‘Surya-Namaskara’ is a special sequence of hand, legs and torso movements. There are twelve asanas (poses) that complete one round of Surya-Namaskara. It is known that with each passing cycle one must chant a mantra dedicated to one of the Adityas in a progressive manner.
The ‘Ranga-Mandapa’ (dancing hall) precedes the two temple chambers. It is an open-pillared hall with also an octagonal space created in its centre. The roof of this hall originally resembled a stepped-pyramid before entering into minor ruins. The dome-like ceiling reflects the structure of the ground plan with an octagonal space in the centre, supported by the pillars. The pillars in the central part consist of reliefs of legends depicting ‘Apsaras’, couples, deities and warriors. The hall is spatially open providing excellent circulation.
Dancing hall (ranga-mandapa) (Image credit – Architectural Survey of India)
Arch in the dancing hall or ranga-mandapa (Image credit – Architectural Survey of India)
– The dancing hall leads to the first octagonal temple chamber. The first chamber leads to the final shrine chamber with a systematic circumambulatory walk-way leading around the back of the shrine and then to the front.
– The ‘Surya-Kunda’ precedes the ‘Ranga-Mandapa’. The Kunda (tank) is a filled with subterranean waters of the nearby ‘Pushmavati River’. The descent into the tank is a systematic set of tiered stairs at regular intervals on all four sides. Shrines are constructed along the centre of eastern, southern and northern walls of the kunda. The western wall opens up to an ascending staircase leading to the ‘Ranga-Mandapa’.
Kunda: partial view (Image credit – Architectural Survey of India)
Kunda or sacred tank, side view (Image credit – Architectural Survey of India)
The Columns:
The pillars of Modhera Temple are of two types: Beginning from the first temple with octagonal planning, the pillars of this hall are also octagonal at the base and progressively become circular toward the top. They are mainly carved with imagery of the ‘apsaras’ (Nymphs) and are exceptionally beautiful to look at. The second type of pillars are rather short, entirely square in shape with a capital motif (crown) in the shape of a vase.
Pillars in the ranga-mandapa (Image credit – Architectural Survey of India)
Image Source: Illustration of pillars from the Surya Temple at Modhera from James Burgess’ ‘Original Drawings of Architecture of Northern Gujarat.’
The Sculptures:
The carvings on the outer walls of the temple are a showcase of masterful craftsmanship and alchemical masonry. They are one of the main reasons behind the temple’s popularity among general people but especially among artistic and spiritual communities. The sculptures were completed in the first quarter of the eleventh century.
Modhera Temple – General view from South-East (Image credit – Architectural Survey of India)
There are a total thirty-four panel sections between the dancing hall and the main shrine chamber. On each panel, a principle deity is surrounded by four small figures at the four corners of the panel. All panels are classified as three different groups:
The first group represents twelve ‘Adityas’, the second group with ‘twelve ‘Gauris’ (Goddesses) and the third remaining group consists of ten ‘Dikpalas’ (Defenders of Spatial directions).
Two Gauris (Image credit – Architectural Survey of India)
Chart Showing Positions of the twelve Adityas and twelve Gauris (Image credit – Architectural Survey of India)
Reliefs of other Vedic deities are also found in the complex, namely of Indra, Yama, Nirrit, Agni, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera and Ishaan (Shiva).
Indra (Image credit – Architectural Survey of India)
Agni (Image credit – Architectural Survey of India)
Nirrti (Image credit – Architectural Survey of India)
Varuna (Image credit – Architectural Survey of India)
Vayu (Image credit – Architectural Survey of India)
Shiva as Tripada Bhairava with three heads three arms and three legs (Image credit – Architectural Survey of India)
Ruined Pillar During Mahmood Gaznavi Invasion
The Modhera Sun temple is one of the most exceptionally beautiful and masterful works of Vedic architecture. Its meaning, both in religious and symbolic fashion convey great depth and radiance, cultivating an invaluable form of reverence of the divine. Its design is as timeless as its function and possesses a sacred relationship with the inheritors of this land and its ancient wisdom.
How to reach Modhera Sun Temple:
Address: Becharaji Rd., Modhera, Mehsana – 384212 (Besides River Pushpavati, Near Bahuchraji Temple)
From Delhi :
The distance between Delhi and Modhera Sun Temple is approximately 871 km.
– By Air: The nearest airport to Modhera Sun Temple is Ahmedabad Airport. You can take a flight from Delhi to Ahmedabad and then take a taxi to Modhera Sun Temple.
– By Train: You can take a train from Delhi to Mahesana Junction Railway Station, which is the nearest railway station to Modhera Sun Temple. From there, you can take a taxi to Modhera Sun Temple.
– By Bus: You can take a bus from Delhi to Ahmedabad and then take a taxi to Modhera Sun Temple.
From Mumbai :
The distance between Mumbai and Modhera Sun Temple is approximately 514.4 km
– By Air: The nearest airport to Modhera Sun Temple is Ahmedabad Airport. You can take a flight from Mumbai to Ahmedabad and then take a taxi to Modhera Sun Temple.
– By Train: You can take a train from Mumbai to Mahesana Junction Railway Station, which is the nearest railway station to Modhera Sun Temple. From there, you can take a taxi to Modhera Sun Temple.
– By Bus: You can take a bus from Mumbai to Ahmedabad and then take a taxi to Modhera Sun Temple.
Opening Hours:
From 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Ticket Price:
Indian citizen: ₹20
Foreigner / Non-Indian Tourist: ₹250
Modhera Sun Temple Best Time To Visit:
The best time to visit Modhera Sun Temple is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and comfortable.
Guidelines To Follow :
– E-ticket is not transferable.
– Entry Fee is non-refundable.
– Visitors are required to present photo identity proof in original at the entry.
– Edibles are not allowed inside the Temple.
– Inflammable/dangerous/explosive items are prohibited.