The Sun Temple at Modhera

The town of Modhera in the Patan district is world famous even today. The Sun Temple here is built in sandstone. Modhera is place of pilgrimage for the Modh community. It is also a place of inspiration for every art lover. The Sun Temple at Modhera was built by the Solanki King Bhimdev in approximately the eleventh century. Built on the confluence of the rivers Rupen and Pushpavati, this Sun Temple has achieved worldwide fame on account of its artistic sculptures and architecture. 

There is a similarity between the Sun Temple at Konark and the Sun Temple at Modhera built in the Chalukyan style of architecture. The temple faces the east. It is a classical structure which includes five main parts, namely. 'Surya Kund' (The Sun Tank). Sabha Mandap (The Meeting Hall), Goodha Mandap (The Mysterous Pavilion). Garbha Griha (The Interior Chamber) and Shikhar (The Summit). First of all, there is a very big rectangular water tank in front of the temple. Around this tank we see beautiful sculptures of Hindu deities placed in recesses in the walls. The idol of Lord Vishnu, among these is beautifully sculpted. It is believed that the Sabha Mandap (Meeting Hall) was built at a later stage. There is an artistic arch in the hall. As we proceed further from the hall, we come to the Mystery Chamber (Goodha Griha). It is built on eight pillars. This structure built on octagonal pillars is indeed very artistic and grand. The sculptures here and the artistically engraved decorative pieces provide us with a glimpse of the artistic wealth of the art and architecture of Modhera. The arch and the balconies here are examples of the characteristic style of the architecture of Gujarat. There are sculptures of amorous couples in romantic moods. Besides these there are sculptures of dancing groups and religious sculptures as well as examples of wordly life. All these express appropriate emotions. After the Mystery Chamber comes the Interior Chamber (Garbh Griha). All around on the walls are images of Indra, Surya and other deities. Here the Sun is draped Irani (Persian) clothes. He wears an armour on the chest and knee length boots. The image of Indra is also large and attractive. There is a huge stone in the underground cell. On it are engraved the images of the seven horses of the Sun God. The idol of the Sun God must have been placed on the pedestal in this chamber. Today it is missing, but we feel its presence. 

The sculptures and architecture in the Sun Temple at Modhera, carved in sandstone, are excellent specimens of the Chalukyan style and the true inheritance of the sculptural wealth of Gujarat.

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