The bohemian split calls for a trip to  Heliolatry - Modhera Sun temple,Mehsana district;Gujarat :-


Modhera Sun temple was constructed  by King Bhimdev of Solanki dynasty in 1026 AD.

It has three major parts.
Surya Kund (Well of Sun God)
Mandap (Gathering hall)
Garbha Griha (Sanctum Sanctorum)

Now it's under maintenance of Archaeological department of India and will leave you ossified in its beauteous majesty.

Surya Kund:-  108 miniature shrines and innumerous idols chiseled inside, ornate the steps to the waterbody.

Sometimes I feel I connect more with animals than human. I found this vivid little lady gracefully resting in incise of a shrine, completely not bothered about my present. Shangri la....

Shaba Mandap (The gathering Hall):-
52 pillars depicting 52 weeks of a year buttressed the lotus embossed cupola. Iconographic mythological vignette ornate every inch of the surface, erotic,heroic,mythical carves bewitch the whole edifice.

 Let us just get lost in the surge of pillars:-

 Ingress the ``temple`` from ``Sabha Mandap``:-

Panoramic ``Sabha Mandap`` :-

 The facades of Sabha Mandap (Gathering place) and Sanctum sanctorum faces each other:-

 Sanctum Sanctorum:-
The crepuscular nature of Lotus made it the flower of ``Sun``,so the temple is built on an inverted lotus plinth. It is built in such a fashion so that the first and last ray of Sun of equinox falls on the Idol of ``Suriya Devta``(Sun God). Though no Idol is there at present, thanks to the many invasions happened in India.

This lady kept on asking me  in a desperate self-search of reason, of visiting a temple at 40*c temperature ``Is the temple open for worshiping??`` No my dear lady ``It is not``....``Why.....??`` She exclaimed in desperation. Mayhaps she cursed herself for making such worthless visit.
This temple has transcend to the worship of historical splendor. Please look beyond your self centered ``temple visit`` apecially when you are at beauteous ``Medhora-Sun Temple`` Look at this foreign gentleman standing in the torrid tropical heat. Why he is here? Think dear lady. How insensitive we become sometimes..

The nucleus of the temple is  faintly lit,muggy, full of alerting screeches, amorous coos and harmony. Smell of bats whirls through the alleys of pillars, keeping you squinting through the majestically florid structures.

The harmony - Coexistence of bats and pigeons...!! Indeed they are two complete different species.., but us? Can we learn...

``Keechak``- the mythological character holds the burden of roof for aeon.... (ref: Archaeological museum).

I know it`s being repetitive but the surrounding is so intoxicating you can`t help but behold and admire. If you don`t believe try yourself. ;)

 The river Pushpavati  abuts ...

 Medhora -Sun Temple awaits you...when  are you coming... ??

 On the way back I realised I was walking backward.. The magnificence glued me high...difficult to take off eyes... No?? What do you think?

The way to Archaeological Museum:-

 Full of nice replicas and small echt sculptures of 8th to 12th centuries.Below is Adivarah -Circa 9th century AD:-

Few information:-
Medhora Sun temple is situated at Mehsana district, Gujarat.
It`s
95 kms away from Ahmedabad Airport.
104 kms from Ahmedabad rail station.
101 kms away from Ahmedabad Bus stand (Mumbai-Ahmedabad).

Stay:-

Better to stay at Mehsana city. Distance between Mehsana city and Sun temple is 25 kms.

Conveyance:-
Ac cabs are available. It`s always advisable to book cab in advance through internet. Fare starts from Rs.2500/- (vehicle type: ac- Indica) for a day. Rates varies depending on the type of car.

Best time to visit:- September to January (to avoid heat).

Mehsana district is full of architectures with historic values. It`s always better to club other places along with Medhora -Sun Temple.

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