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Sun Temple, Modhera

Sun Temple, Modhera

Photo: Musafir kanya · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Location
Modhera, Mehsana district, Gujarat, India
Client / Owner
Bhima I
Year
Completed c. 1026
Access
Tickets required
Typology
Spiritual
Style
—

The Sun Temple at Modhera in Gujarat stands on the bank of the Pushpavati river. The infobox credits Bhima I, while the text credits Bhima I and Karna I of the Chaulukya dynasty. It names no architect. Both call the style Māru-Gurjara, in sandstone.

The shrine was built shortly after 1026 CE, but the text says an inscription dated 1026 to 1027, found upside down on the west cella wall, may mark destruction and reconstruction instead. The kunda, or tank, measures 176 by 120 feet (54 by 37 m). The sabhamandapa has 52 carved pillars.

The garbhagriha is aligned so the rising sun lights the Surya image at the equinoxes. The original shikhara and both hall roofs are gone, and many carvings are damaged. It is no longer used for worship and is an ASI protected monument. A dance festival has run there since 1992.

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