This article deals with a short history of the famous Sun Temple at Modhera.
The History of the Sun Temple at Modhera in Gujarat begins in 1025 AD. The temple was built during 1025 – 1026 AD by King Bhimdev of the Solanki Dynasty. The area where the sun temple is located is mentioned in the Puranas and the place was then known as Dharmaranya. It is believed that Bhagavan Sri Ram performed penance here on the advice of Sage Vasishta to get rid of the sin of killing Ravana.
The History of the Sun Temple at Modhera in Gujarat begins in 1025 AD. The temple was built during 1025 – 1026 AD by King Bhimdev of the Solanki Dynasty. The area where the sun temple is located is mentioned in the Puranas and the place was then known as Dharmaranya. It is believed that Bhagavan Sri Ram performed penance here on the advice of Sage Vasishta to get rid of the sin of killing Ravana.
Mahmud of Ghazni, the barbarian, plundered and destroyed Somnath
Shiv Mandir and numerous other Hindu temples in the region in 1025 AD. The attack
weakened the Solanki Dynasty. It lost its power and glory. The Solankis, the
merchants and the Hindus of the region decided to win back their glory and self
respect by raising beautiful Hindu temples.
Solanki’s belong to the Sun Dynasty and therefore they
decided to build a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Surya, their family
deity.
The intricately carved temple, the finely carved pillars
with sculptures of Adityas and the magnificently sculpted temple pond are
jewels in the art of masonry of the Solanki period apparently which was also
known as the Golden Age of Gujarat.
The temple was attacked, ransacked and destroyed by another barbarian
Alauddin Khilji in 1300 AD.
The temple was in a dilapidated condition for several thousand years before it was discovered and appreciated.
Currently the temple is managed by the Archeological Survey
of India.