The Sun Temple at Modhera in Gujarat, India, erected by king Bhim Dev I.
The Solankis, who ruled Gujarat and Rajasthan, were avid temple builders. Despite principally worshiping Shiva, they claimed lineage from Pandu, thus through this connection, legitimized their tradition of solar cults. This temple is dedicated to Surya (the sun).
The Sun Temple at Modhera, marks the grandest achievement of Solanki style of temple architecture. This temple standing on a raised terrace, contains the main temple complex, and assemble hall with a torana in front and a large flagged tank, decorated with numerous shrines. A grand flight of steps descends to the tank.
This temple is a remarkable example of fine proportion, aesthetic appeal, spiritual grace and integration of plastic embellishment with the architectural design. The sanctum-sanctorum is so designed, that during solar equinoxes, the first rays of the rising sun lit up the image of the sun-God.
Although the temple was ransacked by Mahmud Ghazni, it still has enough to convey the grandeur of its conception and the artistry of its execution.
Source:
Pilgrimage Centres of India by B. Kumar,
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Temple,_Modhera
Photos by Andrea Kirkby
You are a walking encyclopedia Corina. Good article on the Indian temple.
ReplyDeleteVinay Kothari I actually read Kumar's book, which was absolutely fantastic. This year I want to visit India.
ReplyDeleteBeen here in my college life... Some thirty years ago
ReplyDeleteCorina Marinescu Good luck with trip to India. Cooler weather is better to travel within India... At least for me after living in USA for long
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip Nandlal Shah =)
ReplyDeleteCorina Marinescu you are very welcome
ReplyDeleteCorina Marinescu Glad to know you visiting India! if your itinerary has South-India - don't miss the mighty Hampi (Ruins of Krishnadevaraya Empire)! Just makes me ponder how would the temples look if there was no Ransacking!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip Kiran Kanchgar =)
ReplyDelete