Image for Ahmedabad India Travel Guide

By Bipin Gunvantlal Shah. from 27,"Amrashagun", B/H. Fun Republic Theatre, Satellite road, Ahmedabad 380 015. Phone # 07926927531. on Jul 13, 2007



Comments:
Modhera Sun temple is one of the famous sun temples in India. The Structure of the temple faces East and it is devided into three sections. In the picture, at the bottom right corner is the first section called "Surya Kund". It is a hugh stepped tank nearly three story deep and 176 ft long from North to South and 120ft long from East to West. There are 108 small shrines and 4 large shrines on the steps of this kund. From the Surya kund, one can enter the second section which is in the centre of the picture called "Sabha Mandap".

Sabha Mandap means assembly hall. The entrance to this hall has an ornamental gate or toran which is magnificently carved. There are 52 intricately carved pillars which support the walnut shaped ceiling.

The third section is the "Guda Mandap" which is constructed behind the Sabha Mandap. Both are not inter connected. Guda Mandap once housed the magnificent Idol of the Sun God. The entire temple is so designed that on Solar Equinoxes i.e. on 21st March & 23rd Sept. the first rays of the rising sun filters in a golden cadence through the openings of the Sabha Mandap and enter the Guda Mandap and fall directly on and light up the niche where the idol of the sun god sits in the innermost chamber. The outside walls of this temple are profusely sculptured.