Sun temples in India are beautiful testimonials to the practice of the worship of the Sun that dates back to the Vedic times. Here are some amazing mysteries and facts of Modhera Sun Temple, which is one of the three major Sun temples in India. The other two are the Konark Sun Temple, in Odisha and the Markand Sun Temple in Kashmir. The Modhera Sun Temple is one of the most exquisite examples of architectural brilliance in a sun temple.
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Amazing Facts Of Modhera Sun Temple
The civilizations of the world have been worshipping the Sun as the one who sustains and nourishes life on earth for many aeons. Of these India holds a pivotal position and boasts of some of the best temples that have been raised in veneration of the Sun. There are 7 major sun temples in India and many minor sun temples like the Katarmal Sun temple in Uttarakhand, Suryanar Kovil in Tamil Nadu, among many others. The Modhera Sun Temple is one of the most important Sun Temples of India and is surrounded by its share of mysteries and facts.
About Sun Temple Modhera – Facts of Modhera Sun Temple
The famous Sun Temple of Modhera is a monument of national importance and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is located near the banks of the river Pushpavati in the village of Modhera in the Mehsana district of Gujarat, India. The Modhera Sun Temple is located about 98 kilometres from the World Heritage City of Ahmedabad. The Sun temple is only about 34 kilometres from Patan which is the site of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rani Ki Vav.
The Modhera Sun Temple dates back to the 11th century and was built during the rule of the Solanki dynasty, by King Bhimadeva-I. He is the same king who had reconstructed the iconic Somnath temple after it was destroyed by Mahmud Ghazni.
Amazing Facts Of Modhera Sun Temple
The Modhera Sun Temple stands not only as a remarkable example of architectural finesse but is also an enduring enigma, wrapped in layers of intriguing facts, mysteries and legends. Here are some of the most interesting of these facts of Modhera Sun Temple.
1. Tropic of Cancer – Mysteries and Facts of Modhera Sun Temple
The Modhera Sun Temple is located near the Tropic of Cancer at a latitude of 23.5835° N, 72.1330° E, the latitude through which the Tropic of Cancer passes is 23.4999° N, 85.4866° E.
2. Solar Equinox
The design of the Sun Temple in Modhera is such that during the Solar equinox, the very first rays of the morning sun illuminated the image of the Sun God in the sanctum.
3. Summer Solstice
The sun shines on the top of the temple during the summer solstice without casting any shadow. This is a remarkable phenomenon that speaks volumes of the engineering and design skills of its builders.
4. Temple Without A Deity
The image of the principal deity, Surya, is missing from the Garbagriha or sanctum sanctorum. The Modhera Sun Temple is not one where worship takes place.
5. Surya With Boots
In the sculptures of the Sun God, Surya, at the Modhera Sun temple, he is depicted as wearing boots, which is believed to be a Central Asian influence
6. Date With History
An inscription on the back wall of the temple which is inverted has the date, “Vikram Samvat 1083.” This fact has helped historians estimate the time period during which the Modhera Sun Temple was built.
7. Intriguing Design
The Sabha Mandapa inside the Sun temple in Modhera simulates the illusion of a star owing to its architectural design consisting of a series of recessed corners
8. Pillars
There are 52 ornate pillars that stand in the Sun temple of Modhera, Gujarat. These are believed to symbolize the 52 weeks of the year.
9. Temple Destruction
The Modhera Sun Temple is believed to have been ransacked once by Mahmud Ghazni and later by Allaudin Khalji who is believed to have destroyed the main idol of Surya.
10. Mythological Reference
Legend has it that Lord Shri Ram and Sita Devi had sanctified the place where the temple stands. Modhera is believed to have been the place where Lord Ram did penance to atone for the sin of killing a Brahmin, Ravana.
We hope you liked reading about these amazing facts about the famous Sun Temple of Modhera. For more riveting and interesting content subscribe to our blog. Stay updated with our travel stories by connecting with us on our social media channels.
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Our visit to Gujarat was part of a familiarization trip organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Gujarat Tourism under the #DekhoApnaDesh initiative. The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are our own.
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What a gorgeous temple. I enjoyed learning more about it. This would be incredible to see in person.
This is my first time learning about the Modhera Sun Temple. Thanks for sharing these facts.
Wow, what an interesting place. The architecture is amazing. I’d love to see this in person.
Wow, these are all interesting facts about the temple. I didnt know it has been ransacked once by Mahmud Ghazni
Im planning on visiting the temple in winter vacation and I love to learn more about the place before I visit them. These are all fascinating facts about the place
The Modhera Sun Temple is such a great place to visit. I highly recommmend it.
This seems like a beautiful place to visit. It was nice to see it through your eyes.
That is a very beautiful temple. I love visiting temples. They are so neat to look at.
Wow! This would be so amazing and incredible to see in person! Such a really interesting place!
This looks like such a fascinating destination. I would lvoe to visit this place some day.
That was a really interesting read. I must try to go visit someday when I can as I do love to travel.
This is so beautiful and inspiring! The details are beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing!
Never heard or read about Modhera Temple. It is so suprising how you bring out these jewels and present it to your reader through your blog.
This was an informative post and I learnt many interesting facts about modhera temple. I did not know that Lord Shri Ram and Sita Devi had sanctified the place where the temple stands. would love to visit this temple, when come India next time.
What an impressive place! I was not familiar with this place, but we enjoy checking out different historical locations.
Wow…. stunning phots of the various temples there and I would love to see them for myself. Such beautiful historical buildings and temples and I am amazed at their ability to build these beautiful structures.
This is an interesting and informative post. I have read about this place but never visited. I am sure my family will love to visit. What a place to witness the first ray of the Sun falls on the temple in one particular place and worship Lord Shiva when it rises in the morning!.
I had been in Gujarat Ahmedabad for 3 years, I wanted to visit Modhera Sun Temple so badly but couldn’t. Your facts are truly amazing.
This is am architectural epitome of building skills. Love the facts that make the place even more interesting to spoke the interest to visit. I’m definitely planning a trip
I am intrigued to know about this temple never heard of one without a God and the geometrical angle taken into consideration by the architects
Such stunning pictures! I visited the Modhera temple during nightime, so I have explored it from very limited angles. Indeed, it’s a stunning piece of work!
Your fun facts and photographs of the Modhera Sun Temple are simply out of the world. I would love to visit the temple someday just to admire the architectural design firsthand.
The facts and mysteries about Sun temple are really intriguing. It also amazes me how it was built with such precision with scientific facts too.
What an architectural marvel this temple is, looks so stunning sitting at the stark landscape. Sun temples have a different charisma, and the science behind all those stupas is spectacular.
Very well researched post …I will surely going to bookmark this post for my future reference, this place looks so beautiful !!
It’s good to know about the mystery and facts about this temple. I have been to Odisha and was mesmerised to see the temple. Wish to see this temple soon
Such a beautiful temple Modhera Sun Temple is. I would love to visit it the next time I am in Gujarat. And so many interesting facts about the temple. I love learning and visiting temples that are mysterious and have so many interesting theories.
Modhera sun temple is one of the many ancient monuments of India which are the perfect examples to tell the world that India was quite ahead of other countries in terms of knowledge back then. Thanks for telling me about these facts about the temple.
That was a really interesting read.What an impressive place! we enjoy checking out different historical locations.
Sun temple has been in my bucket list for so long. We were planning to go and them came lockdown. Now I strongly feel the urge to visit the place after reading the post.
Look at the impressive architecture of the temple. Till date knew only about Konark sun temple; so glad to know about this heritage site too.