SPLENDOURS OF MODHERA: EXPLORING INDIA'S SUN TEMPLE

When it comes to visiting the Sun temples in India, Konark Sun Temple in Odisha, Martand Temple in Anantnag, Kashmir, and Modhera Sun Temple of Mehsana district, Gujarat make it to the forefront of every itinerary. Katarmal in Almora, Suryanar Kovil (also called Suryanar Temple) in Tamil Nadu and Osia in Rajasthan are also Surya mandirs (Sun temples). All these temples are not exemplary of engineering precisions but also intricate and elaborate stone carvings.

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In Gujarat, Modhera Sun Temple stands as an architectural marvel from the early 11th century. Modhera also finds mention in the ancient scriptures like Skanda Purana and Brahma Purana. Further, some folklores mention that Lord Rama performed a penance yagna here after killing Brahmin (Ravana). Manjulika Pramod lists some incredible facts and features about Gujarat's Modhera Sun Temple and the period in which it was constructed.

1. It was built during the reign of King Bhimdeva-l of the Solanki Dynasty (Chaulukya dynasty), whose kingdom included parts of presentday Gujarat. He not only built the Modhera Sun temple and Dilwara temples but also reconstructed the Somnath temple which was razed down by Mahmud Ghazni. The Solanki dynasty was a Rajput dynasty of medieval India and the Solankies were also known as the descendants of the Sun. In Gujarat, one will find many architectural legacies of the 'Solanki' rulers. A UNESCO Heritage site, Rani ni Vav, a spectacular stepwell in Patan is attributed to his queen Udayamati.