PHOTOGRAPHY, HISTORY, SPIRITUAL SITE SERIES
Modhera’s Sun Temple and the Dawn of Renewable Heritage
Eternal Radiance that Sustains Life on Earth
While I’m writing this post, we, Indians, celebrate various winter harvest festivals across different regions, and basking in the glory of successful completion of Aditya L-1 space mission on January 6, 2024, the first space-based Indian observatory to study the Sun (in Sanskrit, ‘Aditya’ means ‘Sun’).
When I utter ‘Sun’, the first impression that crops up in my mind is usually positive and linked to the fundamental aspects of our existence and the natural world. That reminds me of our maiden visit to Sun Temple, Modhera a couple of winters back.
On a crisp wintry afternoon, embarking on a journey to Modhera Sun temple, we were enchanted by the ancient stones that seemed to whisper tales of a time long ago. Traveling from Ahmedabad, around 102 km(about 63 miles) road stretched the artistic legacy of Gujarat. We were welcomed by the sun’s gentle rays all ready for a warm embrace, creating a magical spell.
They say big things come in small packages.
A quaint hamlet, Modhera is primarily famous for its Sun temple, a protected ancient site and older than the world famous Konark Sun temple in Odisha— a significant example of ancient Indian temple architecture, renowned for its intricate carvings and unique design.
Moreover, this small village, Modhera — situated on the banks of River Pushpavati in the Mehsana district of Gujarat, India — has earned the accolade of being my country’s first 100% solar-powered village, utilizing 1000 solar panels that have been installed on the village houses, generating electricity round the clock for the villagers.
The sun, sun temples, and renewable energy
Now if I talk about the sun, then the sun’s role in power production exemplifies a transformative shift towards a more sustainable energy landscape, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources and contributing to a cleaner, resilient, and decentralized energy future.
There are several sun temples across India, each with its own unique architectural and historical significance. And I feel privileged to visit quite a few of them — Konark Sun temple, Konark, Odisha; Surya Mandir, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh; Surya Pahar, Goalpara, Assam; and Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat.
In Hinduism, Surya is considered as one of the major deities and is often depicted riding a chariot drawn by seven horses, symbolizing the seven colors of the rainbow. Surya is believed to represent the vital energy (prana) that sustains life.
The connection between the sun and renewable energy is fundamental, as the sun is a vast, boundless, and sustainable source of energy that can be harnessed for power generation.
The sun is a cornerstone of renewable energy, serving as a sustainable source that powers various clean technologies.
G-20 summit and the iconic Sun temple wheel
India, a key player in the global economy, hosted the G-20 summit in 2023, providing a platform for world leaders to address pressing global challenges.
During the G-20 summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a symbolic and culturally resonant gesture by standing with the iconic wheel of the Konark Sun Temple as his backdrop while welcoming foreign dignitaries.
The choice of the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was laden with historical and artistic significance.
The temple, dedicated to the sun god Surya, is renowned for its architectural marvel, particularly the intricately carved chariot wheel that symbolizes the passage of time.
By choosing this backdrop, Prime Minister Modi conveyed a message of India’s rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions on the global stage.
The significance of solar power
As a ubiquitous and eco-friendly resource, solar power contributes significantly to the global transition to renewable energy. Its widespread availability, advancements in solar technology, and ability to provide off-grid solutions make it a key player in diversifying energy sources and reducing reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels.
The harnessing of the sun’s energy represents a crucial step towards building a cleaner, more resilient energy infrastructure and addressing environmental challenges on a global scale.
Key features of the Sun temple at Modhera
As we approached, the temple stood as a silent sentinel, its intricately carved pillars and celestial aura promising a journey through time and architecture.
As we wandered through the temple, each intricate carving unfolded a story, and every sunbeam seemed to share the secrets of a rich and enduring legacy.
Standing there, we realized that we’re not just a witness to history — we’re becoming a part of it.
Built in the 11th century during the reign of King Bhimdev I of the Chaulukya dynasty, also known as Solanki dynasty (not to be confused with Chalukya dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central India between 6th-12th centuries), the Sun temple at Modhera is not an active place of worship today but stands as a testament to the rich architectural and cultural heritage of ancient India.
We hired a guide to show us around and there we could locate tourists, historians, and art enthusiasts from around the world appreciating the temple’s historical and artistic value.
#Architecture: The temple is designed in the Maru-Gurjara style of architecture, which is characteristic of the Solanki dynasty. The complex is divided into three main components: the Surya Kund (reservoir), Sabha Mandapa (assembly hall), and Guda Mandapa (shrine hall).
Most of the figures were mutilated and the images on the door-lintel completely destroyed when the temple was plundered by Alauddin Khalji, Mahmud Ghazni, plundering the temple, defacing all the idols of Gods and Goddesses, and desecrating the holy complex.
Legend says, Khalji/Khilji looted the golden idol of the Sun God from Garbhgruh. It was rebuilt, but couldn’t survive after frequent attacks by Mahmud Ghazni. For centuries, ruins of this grandeur lay buried until Colonel Monier-Williams discovered the site in 1809 and called it “one of the finest specimens of ancient Hindu architecture I ever saw.”
#Surya Kund (or the reservoir): This is a large stunning rectangular stepped tank or reservoir located in front of the temple. It was meant for ritualistic ablutions before entering the temple.
The structure is adorned with 108 miniature shrines and sculptures. The temple was designed to align perfectly with the rising sun during the equinoxes, highlighting the significance of solar worship in Hinduism.
The unique feature of the Kund is the steps that do not go straight down to the water but small flights of steps, which are positioned sideways, except the last few steps.
#Sabha Mandapa (or the assembly hall): The assembly hall is an intricately carved structure with numerous pillars. The carvings depict scenes from Hindu mythology, including various gods, goddesses, and celestial beings.
The Sabha Mandap stands on 52 pillars, signifying the 52 weeks in a year. There are carvings of the sun on the walls to show its unity with air, water, earth and space.
The hall is open from all sides and allows for the play of sunlight and shadows on the carvings.
#Guda Mandapa (or the shrine hall): This is the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity, Surya.
The inner sanctum or the Garbhgruh of Modhera Sun Temple, situated on the Tropic of Cancer, shines like a diamond on the equinoxes, as the first rays of the sun enter the structure.
The inner chamber is surrounded by a pradakshina path (circumambulatory passage) for devotees to walk around the deity.
#Carvings and Sculptures: The temple is adorned with elaborate sculptures and carvings that showcase the skill of the artisans of that era.
The intricacy and detailing of the carvings are remarkable and depict various aspects of Hindu mythology, including scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Modhera Sun Temple entered the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2022.
#Alignment and Sun Worship: The temple is designed in such a way that during the equinoxes, the first rays of the rising sun illuminate the deity in the inner sanctum.
This alignment highlights the significance of sun worship in Hinduism.
#Museum: Many artifacts and sculptures from the Modhera sun temple site are housed in this museum at the premises showcasing the cultural and historical heritage of the region.
The museum displays relics, sculptures, and archaeological finds associated with the temple, providing visitors with insights into the rich history and craftsmanship of the Solanki dynasty.
The Modhera Sun Temple, over time, has endured challenges like natural disasters and vandalism.
Fortunately enough, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and several cultural organizations have actively worked on preserving and restoring this architectural gem, ensuring its protection for future generations.
Although no worship is offered now at the temple, its alignment with the sun during the equinoxes is a testament to the profound knowledge of astronomy possessed by the temple’s architects.
We felt blessed to visit the place so rich in history and wondered how advanced the people were at that age.
Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth- Lord Buddha
Thanks and regards Jason Edmunds for the publication, A Taste for Life that encourages us to explore, learn, and savor the diverse aspects of life, recognizing that it is a journey filled with opportunities for growth, exchange of thoughts and feelings, happiness, and fulfillment🙏💐🌷🌹🧿💫👍.
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