Located about 100 Km from the city of Ahmedabad, in Gujarat this structure has a history of more than 1000 years! Built by Bhima I of the Chaulukya Dynasty, The Sun Temple was made in honour of the Sun God – Surya! I found 5 amazing facts after my visit to the Sun Temple of Modhera which I felt everyone should know!
The Sun Temple was Pillaged by Muhmad Ghazni but was rebuilt by the rulers in the 12th century. Later Allauddin Khilji destroyed the temple and the idol and since then, the temple has stayed in the ruins. The ASI (Archeological Survey of India) has restored the monument in its true glory today and is maintained in the best possible way.
Here are 5 Facts About The Sun Temple of Modhera in Gujarat that Blew My Mind!
Fact 1
Built on Tropic Of Cancer with the entrance facing the east. The first rays of the sun rays fall straight on the temple illuminating the idol (currently not in the temple) on the equinox days.
Fact 2 about Sun Temple of Modhera
It is said that no kind of plaster or limestone was used to make the joints of the temple. They are all structurally balanced to keep the structure up
Fact 3
The assembly hall opens in all 4 cardinal directions with perfect alignment. There are 52 pillars, signifying the weeks in a year.
Fact 4 about Sun Temple of Modhera
The carvings tell stories from Mahabharata and Ramayana and also depict the 4 elements – Fire, Earth, Air & Water signifying the unity of these with the sun.
Fact 5 about Sun Temple of Modhera
The Surya Kund (step well) is also known as Ram Kund as it is believed that Lord Ram and Sita had come to this destination while on their exile. It has 108 small shrines all around.
These were the 5 facts of the Sun Temple of Modhera in Gujarat which I was really fascinated by!
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