Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat : A Day Trip from Ahmedabad

Sun Temple Modhera, Gujarat

Modhera Sun Temple, a heritage site near Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India is an architectural marvel famous for its intricate carvings.
The bruised horses of power stuck people destroying the idol of seven horses led chariot of Lord Sun would have served no purpose to them. By end of the day they would have found their world of happiness in some good food and sleep. But the human's thirst is endless and if its 'Power' then there is no pause button. Power gained after endless destruction leaves its scars till eternity.
Visiting the marvelous Sun Temple Modhera, with no idol of Lord Sun now, leaves my heart with duality of thoughts. I am both confound and anguished.

Panaroma view of Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat

​Confounded with the precision, hard work, method, knowledge, observation and indomitable devotion of the thousands of people who must have collected to make this jaw dropping structure of Modhera, I stood there stoned and stunned. It also left me anguished when I realised that all these majesty was plundered with one stroke of destruction by Mahmud Ghazni. Now, this place is just a magnificent ruin.

Reconstructed tomb of Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat

​History of Modhera Sun Temple

Situated on the banks of river Pushpavati, this temple is dedicated to Sun God. It was built in 1026 AD, before Konark Temple, by Solanki King Bhimdev (believed to be a descendants of the lineage of Sun God) . On the pages of history, this temple is mentioned on Skanda & Brahma Puran.

Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat

​Dedication of Modhera Sun temple to Sun God

The Sun Temple is divided into three parts namely Surya Kund, Sabha Mandap and Guda Mandap

• Located on tropic of cancer, a place where earth stops its north movement and Sun God was worshiped with every rise.
• Sabha Mandap standing on 52 pillars, depicting the 52 weeks in an year.
• Depiction of  Sun, one of the panchbhuta,  and its unity with other 4 elements ( Air, Water, Earth & Space) in the architecture.
• On equinoxes, with the perfect planning and precision of the architecture, sun rays enter the main sanctum . In those days light used to further reflect to other idols from the correctly placed diamond on the head of Sun God.
• The representation of walls with 12 different facets of each month in Guda Mandap.

Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat

Architecture of Modhera Sun Temple

The exterior walls are engraved with beautiful intricate carvings. Each stone boasted about the technical mastery of art in those times. Every single inch of this structure is carved with the sculptural patterns of Gods, Goddesses, birds, beasts, flowers and human lives. The journey to this temple starts from Surya Kund.

Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat

Suryakund in Modhera Sun Temple

In the earlier times, the 100 sq meter rectangular tank was used to store pure water used for worshipping. The devotees used to take a halt here for ceremonial ablutions before proceeding towards the temple. Exactly 108 idols surrounds the steps of this kund. In front of this kund, a huge 'torana' (archway) leads to the Sabha Mandap. ​

Suryakund in Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat

Sabha Mandap in Modhera Sun Temple

Sabha stands for gathering or conferences. People used to assemble in this hall which is open from all the four sides and has 52 delicately carved pillars. The roof has been recently renovated after being shattered by Gazni in the older days. The intricate carvings on the pillars depict scenes from ancient Indian epics Ramayana, Mahabharata and scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. In order to get into the Sanctum Sanctorum, one has to cross the passage lined with pillars and arches. ​

Sabha Mandap in Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat

Sabha Mandap in Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat

Guda Mandap in Modhera Sun Temple

Guda Mandap is the main temple which is supported by a lotus-base plinth. Once, this hall used to house the idol of the Sun. The sanctum is designed in such a way the idol got the first glimpse of the Sun at equinoxes. The carved walls also depict the aspects of human life like the vicious circle of birth and death. 

Guda Mandap in Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat

Guda Mandap in Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat

The walk from kund to the main temple to Guda Mandap is like transcend journey from death to moksha.

How to reach Modhera Sun Temple

Modhera Sun Temple can be easily reached by taking regular Buses or by hiring taxis from anywhere in Gujarat. The nearest city to Modhera is Ahmedabad, at a distance of 102 kms. Regular government bus services are also available from Ahmedabad to Modhera. The nearest Railway station is sited at Mehsana, which 25 kms away from this place.

​I was invited by Gujarat Tourism Board for this trip.
Pallavi Sharma had represented RavenousLegs on this trip. The post and the pictures are to her credit.