Modhera Sun Temple - One should not miss.

By Bipin Gunvantlal Shah. from 27,"Amrashagun", B/H. Fun Republic Theatre, Satellite Road, Ahmedabad 380 015. Phone # 07926927531. on Jun 29, 2007
IP Location 122.169.8.24

Positives:
The magnificent Surya Kund, Intricately carved pillars and the outer walls of the temple.

Negatives:
The quality of food available in the restaurant.

Overall Rating:
5.0

Comments:
Many temples are dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) in India. Modhera temple is one of the two most famous temples. This place is situated 125 kms in the north of Ahmedabad and 30 kms away from Mehsana on the bank of river Puspavati. The road from Ahmedabad to Modhera is Excellent.

The structure of the Sun Temple faces East and is devided into three sections.

1. The Surya Kund:- It is a massive rectangular stepped (tank), nearly three stories deep where devotees, after cleansing themselves would proceed to the Sun temple to offer their prayers. The Kund is 176ft long North to south and 120ft long east to west. On the steps of the Kund, there are 108 small shrines and 4 large shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva and Sitala Mata.(The Godess of the dreaded desease - smallpox.)

2. Sabha Mandap:- From the Surya kund one can enter the Sabha mandap through an ornamental gate or toran. Sabha Mandap is a hall for religious gathering. It is open on all the four sides with 4 doorways and 52 intricately carved pillars supporting the walnut shaped dome. The exterior walls are also profusely sculptured.

3. Guda Mandap:- This is a seperate structure, not attached with Sabha mandap. This mandap once housed the magnificent idol of the Sun God in the innermost chamber of the mandap. It is so designed that on every 21 March & 23 Sept the first golden rays of the rising sun fall directly on and light up the niche where the idol of the Sun god sits in the inner most chamber. The rays of the sun first pass through the pillared Sabha mandap and enter Guda mandap and finally fall on the image of the Sun God in the inner most chamber. The outer walls of Guda mandap are beautifully sculptured and shows the excellent architectural skill and acuman of the craftsmen of India.

According to me this really is the greatest place for the tourists to go.