SUN TEMPLE MODHERA: THE DARKENED GLORY

Modhera Sun Temple

​Constructed in 11th Century, The Sun temple at Modhera, Gujarat is a symbol of architectural skills and the glory India possessed. Built by King Bhima-1 of Solanki dynasty, it stands on the bank of river Pushpavati.

The moment’s campus houses two main buildings, ‘Sabhamandap’ and ‘Garbhamandap’ along with huge water reservoir called ‘Suryakund’.Besides its unique carvings, it is known for its exceptional construction. When sun rays fall on, it gets completely enlighten due to reflection. Because of its precisely chosen location and accurately designed structure, on equinox day the sun is exactly above the temple and it’s shadow isn’t created at all.

In the temple, an idol of Sun god was worshipped. On the exterior walls, there are 12 different idols of Sun god on 7 horses depicting 12 months of the year and 7 days of the week. Beautiful carvings are done on the yellow sandstone.

In its glorious era it would have been a symbol of grandeur and a magnificent site.

But in 13th century, an envoy of emperor Muhammed of Delhi Sultanate, Aladdin Khilji attacked the city of Patan. He did not just destroy the monument but he also annihilated the emotions of people who worshipped there.

He left the temple unworshipable and unworthy of veneration.

Broken idols in temple show the inhuman nature which the Mughal emperors had.

The temple today is a visual treat but it hurts emotionally to watch the darkened glory.