Context: Prime Minister of India recently witnessed the 3D light and sound show explaining the importance of the centuries-old Sun temple built during the Chalukya dynasty.
About Sun Temple at Modhera:
It was built in 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Solanki dynasty and is a protected monument maintained by Archaeological Survey of India.
The temple complex is divided into three components:
Gudhamandapa, the shrine hall,
Sabhamandapa, the assembly hall and
Kunda, the reservoir.
The temple is suspected to have been built to commemorate the defense of Modhera by Bhima I against Mahmud of Ghazni.
The temple complex is built in Maru-Gurjara style also known as Solanki style.
The exclusively carved temple complex and the magnificently sculpted kund are jewels in the art of masonry of the Solanki period apparently which was also known as the Golden Age of Gujarat.
Modheshwari Mata Temple:
The temple is located near the ruins of famous Sun Temple, where another original place of worship is situated below the step-well.
This temple is very famous amongst the Modh clan of Gujarat as Goddess Modheshwari is considered as the deity of the Modh clan.
The Goddess Modheshwari is believed to be a form of Goddess Parvati and is known for having 18 arms with each arm carrying various weapons to protect the clan from danger.
Other Important Sun Temples in India:
Sun Temple at Konark, Odisha
Martand Sun temple, Kashmir
Katarmal Sun Temple, Uttarakhand
Dakshinarkaa temple Gaya, Bihar
Bhramanya temple, Unao, Madhya Pradesh
Surya Prahaar temple, Assam
Suryanar Kovil Temple at Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu
Suryanarayana temple at Arasavalli, Andhra Pradesh
