The Sun temple of Modhera is one of the famous temples of Sooraj in India. This temple was built in 1026-27 A.D by Bhima I of the Chalukya dynasty, much before the Sun temple of Konark. Konark Sun Temple was built in the 13th century.
The temple is on the Western bank of river Pushpavati. This temple has been constructed in accordance with the Shilpa Shastra.
The whole structure standing on a basement consisted of the Garbha Griha and Guha-Mandapa (a hall) and a Sabha-Mandapa.
In front of the temple is the Kunda (sacred pond) now called the Ramakunda or Surya Kunda. This Kunda is rectangular and measures 176 feet north to south, by 120 feet east to west. The Kunda has steps on the inner walls to reach the bottom. The design, spacing, carving and the size of these steps make the Kunda and the complex a unique one. There are many shrines along the steps. Presence of water bodies in the premises of the temple is not uncommon in
Hindu temples. This Kunda is the epitome of the Kunda design.
The entire complex is famous for its elegance of proportions. An atmosphere of spiritual grace has been created with the help of the movement pattern and the sculptures all over the surface of the external walls of the temple. The ceiling of the roof of the Sabha Mandapa also has unparalleled carvings.
The temple had been destroyed by Mughal invaders ruthlessly. However, whatever remains is substantial enough to instill a sense of pride for the original creators of the temple.
The Sun Temple is located exactly on the Tropic of Cancer. This ensures that, on equinoxes, the first rays of the sun always fall at the deity’s feet in the inner sanctum.
The locations of all Sun temples are very peculiar. Extensive research to explore the significance of the locations of these Sun temples may lead to very vital information.
