It was golden hour by the time we reached the temple premises. Located in the Mehsana district of Gujarat, Modhera Sun Temple is dedicated to Sun god. Pushapavathi river meanders quietly nearby. Bhima I of Solanki dynasty built the temple in the year of 1026 A.D. The Solankis considered themselves to be Suryavamshis (descendants) of Sun god. His wife Udayamati was the one who built Rani Ka Vav.
The architecture is structured according to the planet position of the sun. Temple is designed in such a way that during equinox sun rays falls directly on the sanctum at the time of sunrise and sunset. Interesting thing to note is on the way to reservoir (Kunda) there are numerous small shrines, precisely 108. Our guide told 52 pillars inside the assembly hall represents the 52 weeks in the calendar. Amazing isn't it? The carvings on the wall depict the story of epic Ramayana and Mahabharata.
It is said Mahmud Ghazni destroyed the temple taking away the original bejeweled idol of Sun god in chariot driven by Aruna, his chauffeur on seven horse. However, the time of Ghazni's time in India and construction of this temple differs. It is true the temple was ransacked by Alauddin Khilji.
We were fortunate to bag the passes to annual dance festival at Modhera Sun Temple. Thanks to cousin K. Uttarardh Mahotsava is held every year during the third week of January exclusively for three days after the end of Uttarayana festival. Uttarayana is the day when Sun starts his journey towards north. It is the end of Dakshinayana or winter days.
The holy alliance of Indian classical dances and temple architecture dates back to centuries. Most of the kings were patrons of art, music, and dance. And Solanki empire was not different.
Classical dancers and musicians from different states participate in this extravaganza event. Dance troupes from Maharashtra, Oriya, and Gujarat performed Bharatanatyam, Odissi, and fusion dance respectively on the night we were lucky to be audience. Being the art lover we are, we witnessed a splendid performance. Terrible winter of January became unbearable and forced us to leave the event 30 minutes earlier.
Though partially ruined the temple stands tall exuding its grandeur and glory of bygone era.
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