Revering The Sun At Modhera!

Modhera Sun Temple lies at a distance of about 100 kilometres from Ahmedabad in Gujarat. Situated in Mehsana district, the temple was built a 1,000-years ago by Bhima I of the Chaulukya (also known as Solanki) dynasty. It is not used for worship anymore. Now it is a protected monument, managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. I was highly impressed with its grandeur and beauty when I visited it recently. There are trains and buses to reach Modhera from Ahmedabad. One can also use a taxi which takes about two-and-a-half hours. 

There is an entry ticket for Rs. 25 per person to enter the temple complex. The premises are well-maintained with greenery and landscaping. There is a museum inside the complex. The path to the museum is bordered by several sculptures that were excavated from this location. Inside, the museum houses more such sculptures that represent the Maru-Gurjara style from the 11th century.

The temple is a short walk away from the museum. It comprises three separate parts: a stepped reservoir (kunda), an outer assembly hall (sabhamandapa or rangamandapa), and the innermost sanctum (garbhagriha) situated inside a hall (gudhamandapa). All the structures feature intricate carvings on their walls, pillars and ceilings. The figures in the carvings are derived from epics such as Ramayana or Mahabharata. Also, there are images of other Gods and Goddesses, animals, floral motifs, geometrical patterns and scenes from daily life. 

The garbhagriha is vacant and locked now, but at one time it housed an idol. The temple is designed in such a way that the first rays of the sun illuminate the sanctum during solar equinoxes. And when it is the summer solstice, the rays touch the first step of the kunda at sunrise, while at noon the sun is directly above the temple so there is no shadow.  It is amazing to see how architecture and astronomy were used together to worship Sun a thousand years ago.

The walls are chock-a block with awesome art. My guide pointed out several panels depicting well-known instances from epics. I might have missed them if it was not for him. Sometimes a particular sculpture may get overshadowed by surrounding sculptures, at other times it could be placed high up on the wall making it difficult to see it properly. I recommend hiring a certified guide to understand and appreciate the beauty of this awesome monument.

This is one of the many images of the Sun God at the Modhera Sun Temple. The Sun is depicted in a standing position in his chariot that is drawn by seven horses.

Photos by Lata

If the visit to the temple was very fulfilling, the light and sound show in the evening was the icing on the cake! The commentary was well-researched and informative. And the lights projected on the monument in different hues were mesmerising. It was a memorable audio-visual experience. A board in the temple complex described it as the "First Solar Powered 3D Projection Mapping Show & Heritage Lighting On Modhera Sun Temple". 

A temple erected to honour the Sun God featuring a show powered by solar energy...what could be more fitting than this! When the bit about solar power was mentioned in the commentary at the end of the show, the audience applauded in appreciation.