The Modhera Sun Temple is one of India’s top five sun temples. This temple offers several events and festivals all year long. Modhera Sun Temple Dance Festival takes place at the Sun temple in Modhera, Gujarat, every year following Uttarayan. Let’s first review the facts about the solar temple modhera and the temple’s history.
Modhera Sun Temple History
In the 11th century AD, the Solanki dynasty constructed the Sun Temple in Modhera, Gujarat. The temple, which honors the Hindu god Surya, is a prime example of Surya temple design.
The temple is quite famous for its dexterous carvings and sculptures. The distinctive architecture of the temple is totally unmatched. It enables the sun’s rays to shine on the image of Surya during the equinoxes.
They constructed the temple during the rule of King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty. They used the temple till the 14th century when it fell out of usage and was eventually abandoned. Now that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Modhera Sun Temple Architecture
The temple is the ideal representation of temple architecture in the Surya-kshetra style. The Surya Mandap, Sabha Mandap, and Garbhagriha are the three primary structures here.
These structures have high walls surrounding them and make up the temple complex. They used the Surya Mandap for gatherings and rituals. Surya Mandap is a sizable open-air hall.
However, for smaller and more personal rituals, they utilized the Sambha Mandap. The Surya statue is in the Garbhagriha, the temple’s innermost sanctum.
They constructed the temple on an elevated platform facing east. This ensures that the deity received the first rays of the sun during the equinoxes.
Intricate carvings and sculptures surround the temple. It features a 52-foot-tall kalash (holy water container) atop the shikhara (tower) above the garbhagriha.
Another well-known aspect of the structure is Rani-ki-Vav, a stepwell near the temple. The stepwell is a complicated way of controlling and storing water. This stepwell is with many flights of stairs leading down to the water.
The Sun Temple is an important Gujarati architectural and cultural heritage monument. It is a superb example of Surya-kshetra-style temple architecture.
Sun Temple Modhera facts
- The Modhera Sun Temple is distinctive. Because it faces east rather than west, as do the majority of Hindu temples. This is so that the image of Surya, illuminated by the sun’s earliest rays during the equinoxes, can be seen.
- The Surya Kund is a sizable stepping tank in the temple. It is complex and utilized for ritual purification before entering the temple.
- On one of the temple’s walls is a sculpture of a dancing girl. It is thought to be a self-portrait of the queen of Bhimdev I.
- The temple’s architecture represents a distinctive blend of the Nagara and Prasada styles. Certain aspects are of the Vesara style.
- They used sandstone in the construction of the temple. The temple is famous for its elaborate carvings and sculptures of scenes from Hindu mythology. It is a well-known representation of Surya driving his chariot.
- A previous Sun Temple was built in the eighth century by the Maitraka dynasty. It was thought to have stood where the current temple now stands.
Sun Temple Modhera Dance Festival
The yearly dance festival at the Sun Temple in Modhera, Gujarat, India is well-known. It takes place in January. Gujarat Tourism Department runs this event. It takes place in the temple complex with Surya, the Sun God, as its presiding deity.
Renowned dancers from all over India perform classical dances at the festival. The open-air theatre in front of the temple serves as the venue for the performances.
It has a distinctive and beautiful backdrop thanks to the temple. The festival will include performances of Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Odissi dance forms.
During the festivals, they illuminate the temple to appreciate its exquisite architectural and sculptural features. Many travelers and dance enthusiasts from throughout the world attend the festival.
A range of traditional and modern art forms, including music, song, and puppet performances, are on display by local artists. Artisans are also a part of the festival’s cultural programming.
The event is a wonderful opportunity to learn about Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage. It is also your chance to admire the exquisite architecture of one of India’s well-known Sun Temples.
Modhera Surya Mandir Timings
The sun temple opens up at 7 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m.
Sun Temple Modhera Entry Fees
Indians: Rs.40
Foreigners: Rs. Rs.200
Guide: Rs. 300
Modhera Surya Mandir Video
Places To Visit Near Modhera Sun Temple
Modheshwari Mata Temple
There is an old tale related to this temple. The terrified saints rushed to Goddess Parvati for protection from the demon Karna. He was destroying their land. She became furious and started to release fire from her lips.
The fire flames gave birth to her avatar Goddess Modheshwari Mata. Each of the 18 arms on the goddess statue at the temple is holding a weapon.
Dedicated to Goddess Modheshwari Mata, this temple is just 1.4 km from the Modhera Sun Temple. Goddess Modheshwari is the Kuldevi of the Modh people and is an avatar of Goddess Parvati.
Shankeshwar Parshwanath Temple
The town of Shankeshwar is in Gujarat’s Patan District’s Sami Taluk. It’s easy to get to Sami and Harij in the north from here. In the east is Becharaji, while in the northwest is Lolada.
At Shankeshwar, there is a revered pilgrimage site called Shri Sankheshwar Parshwanath Teerth. This temple is devoted to Shri Sankheshwar Parshwanath Bhagwan.
This old Jain pilgrimage destination Shankheshwar Temple currently has a newer temple dating from 1811–1812 AD. The temple is at a distance of 43 km from Modhera Sun Temple.
Where To Stay Near Sun Temple, Modhera?
Sun Temple, Modhera is at a distance of 99 km from Ahmedabad. You can consider staying in Ahmedabad during your visit to the Modhera Sun Temple. You will find it easier to find comfortable food and other facilities in Ahmedabad.
YatraDham.Org offers a list of hotels and dharamshala in Ahmedabad for online booking.
