Destination Modhera

-
The rich history of India can be discovered across different states of India and Gujarat is no different. I was told that the legacy of Solanki's rule has been left behind in nook and corners of Gujarat. Modhera is one such place and the Surya Mandir  is considered to be one of the most magnificent monuments of the state. The  temple offers a glimpse of the architectural marvel that is 10 years short of 1000 years. As one is transported back in time by the guide, an Architect can only be amazed at the ingenuity of Himatnagar sandstone artistry.

A comfortable drive through the rural landscape from Ahmedabad and one is enveloped in the past in an instant. The lush green carpet around the complex welcomes one towards the rectangular Ramakund. Now a storage tank of stagnant rain water was once upon a time a place for ceremonial ablutions . The 108 god and goddesses in their miniature shrines along the Kund showered their blessing to one who cleansed before entering the Sabha mantap Twelve pillars in the sabha mantap representing the different interpretation of sun god radiates the aura of positive light.From mantap one enters the Guda mantap or the Grabha griha. The mantap housed the idol of golden sun god who majestically reflected the rising and setting  counterpart on the day of equinox. As with vaastu shastra, the idol was placed on a underground platform of precious metal. The history has it that Mohmmad Ghazni and Allauddin Khilji looted the temple and damaged the magnificent edifice.













As with any place of historical importance, along with architecture , it is the stories associated with the monument that makes it more colorful. Modhera Sun Temple has its share of legends, epics and tales carved into its walls. Add to it scenes from daily life and "instructional"  figurines , throw in a good story teller and you have wonderful trip back to the past!

http://www.coa.gov.in/mag/Archi_Oct09_Lowres%20pdf-Web/34-39_Oct09.pdf



Date : August 2015
Place : Modhera, Gujarat

Tip: Always hire a guide
First: Surya Mandir
The Travel Connection: If not now, when?
Location: Modhera, Gujarat 384212, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Destination Great Rift Valley

-
Image
The one Sunday we had during the visit did not allow us to visit Masai Mara but the trip to Lake Nakuru more than made up for it. I have always associated Africa with a lone tree standing majestically in never ending expanse of openness. My excitement on the possibility of seeing such a tree was limitless.We started the drive from Nairobi early morning and slowly started leaving the buildings behind. The buildings were slowly and steadily replaced with species of trees I was seeing for the first time. Maybe it was that lonesome tree in my dreams, but the changing landscape was something I had never experience before. Yes! I was in Africa! We were told by our driver cum guide that we had to drive through the Great Rift Valley to reach Lake Nakuru National park. I was clueless what it was till the plains showed itself through Acacia trees. The breath taking expanse of nothingness is broken only by the escarpments. We were told it contains multitude lakes, active and dormant  vol
Read more

Destination Aihole

-
Image
The cradle of Hindu temple architecture, Aihole or Aryapura was the destination to learn and experiment on the temple architecture. Under the patronage of early Chalukyan kings, the Chalukyan style of temple architecture was refined here between  the 5th and 8th century.  The preview of Aihole given to us by the guide at Pattadakal was enough to excite me about visiting the ancient school of architecture, You wonder if you have arrived at Aihole as the narrow lanes leads you into the chaos of a village life but the complex of ancient structures in various states of disintegration  make you think you have time traveled. The proximity of the timeworn stone monuments and the present day village dwellings raised a lot of questions. The encroachment of these temples was even more intriguing. Be it the cattle housed in these structures, smoke bellowing out or the colorful clothes drying on a line between intricate carved column, all of it just amazed me. When we arrived at one of the b
Read more

Destination Punakha Dzong

-
Image
If I had to choose my favorite structure, It would be the bridges without any hesitation. Bhutan renewed my fascination for bridges with their traditional cantilever bridge called the Bazam. Tintin's knowledge about architecture was limited. My questions on the location of  the toilets, kitchens inside the Dzong  or how the water supply/ drainage worked  and other queries must have driven him mad or made him think that the mountain air had made me go bonkers. So my hopes of understanding the bridge through Tintin was futile. Punakha Dzong is undoubtedly one of the most elegant structures in Bhutan.  To get to the main building , one has to cross Mo chhu through one of the most beautiful bridges I have come across so far. Most buildings in Bhutan are a replica of their ancient self. Due to natural calamities or fire, almost all the prominent sites in Bhutan have been rebuilt in the recent years. The Punakha bridge is no different. You can read more about it here. http:/
Read more