MODHERA - THE SUN TEMPLE

Lying on the bank of Pushpavathi, this eleventh century Sun temple occupies a pre-eminent place among a very few temples extant and in dilapidated condition, dedicated to Surya Bhagawan. The temple although built according to Silpa sastra bears resemblance to Jain mandirs, as evidenced by its dome akin to the temples at Mt.Abu and Girnar. In addition, the images of Sun adorning walls and pillars have exotic features, like putting on long shoes and foreign in appearance. Magabrahmins, the principal priests, who emigrated from Persia and settled down in this region influenced the architects and sculptors to fashion and make the images of their own choice, aver the archaeologists and art-critics.

The Sun-god, a Vedic deity occupying a covetable place in the Hindu pantheon is deemed one of the forms of Sri Mahavishnu. He is worshipped both independently and in association with Varuna - the Rain-god. He is praised in several context--, in Rig Veda and his popular and frequent form as Mitra finds mention in several places. On account of his chief function of dispelling darkness and giving fife to the animate world, he is fittingly called Mitra. And this sticks to 'his name aptly and above all, he is one of the clearest natural phenomena visible in the sky. He is Pratyaksha Daivam and also Karmasakshi. Hence befitting mandirs were built and worship was advocated. This temple is said to have been built by Chalukyas during whose reign the sculptural art reached the meridian of splendour and won world-wide reputation. It was built on a grand scale with imposing stature and vast dimensions. Abundant sculpture beautifying the walls, pillars and ceilings speak the builders' munificent patronage and their refinement. Though in ruins, wrought by the ruthless Mlechchas, it is still retaining its former glory in structural dimensions and sculptural appearances. And drawing visitors and connoisseurs regularly. Foreign travellers and art-critics Eke Forroukhi have paid rich tributes.

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