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Modhera
Languages : Gujarati, Hindi, and English
Best Time to Visit : October to March
STD Codes : 0273484
Modhera is located in the western Indian state of Gujarat.
The town extends between the latitude 23.42° in the North
to longitude 72.37° in the East. The place is well connected
to other places in the region with a good network of roads.
Places of Interest
The Sun Temple at Modhera has been divided into three
main compartments. The first is the Surya Kund, a fascinating
massive rectangular stepped tank. Because of the restoration
work that is being carried out here by the Archeological Survey
of India, the tank now stands dry; but in the days of yore
it was believed to be full of nirmal jal (holy water). Devotees
on their way to offer prayers to the Sun God would be required
to first stop here for ceremonial ablutions and only then
proceed for worship towards the temple.
Small, miniature shrines dot the steps around the Kund. There
are 108 of them to coincide with the number considered auspicious
by the Hindus.
Besides these, there are four larger shrines dedicated to
Vishnu, Ganesha, Shiva and Sitala Mata, the last mentioned
being the goddess of the dreaded disease smallpox. And upon
letting the imagination wander, one can almost imagine the
intense religious activity that once would have been the hallmark
of the place-air thick with a soothing incense smell, flowers
floating on the water surface, devotees chanting aloud and
offering prayers hoping to be blessed by the Lord Surya, all
against the backdrop of the benign twin structures.
Several small steps from the Kund lead up to the enchanting
Sabha Mandap commonly described as "a magnificent style
of pillared splendor". This is the place that was meant for
religious gatherings and conferences. Open on all sides with
four doorways, the piece de resistance is its unique walnut-shaped
ceiling supported by 52 spectacular pillars. Each of these
is intricately carved with every inch of available space recounting
scenes form Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Krishna Leela (the
childhood antics of Lord Krishna). One cannot but be charmed
by the artistry and skill of the artisans of the time and,
of course, the Solankis to have recognized it and given them
due patronage.
Based on a lotus-base plinth, the façade of this structure
is also stunning and warrants close attention. Friezes of
gods and goddesses cover the walls, besides which one can
also see various aspects of human life- the cycle of birth
and death and some erotic scenes from the Kama Sutra.
The Guda Mandap contains yet another incredible structure,
a surang (tunnel), the other end of which is believed to emerge
at Patan, the headquarter of the Solankis. In case of attacks,
these tunnels provided the ideal escape routes for the kings
and members of the royal family to flee to safety.
SITES NEARBY
Unjha is a little town and a base for those visiting
the Modhera temple. The town of Unjha is known for the marriage
customs of the Kadwakanbis who live in this region.
Around 10 km from Unjha is Sidhpur where one can find
the very fragmented ruins of an ancient temple.
Mahesena is around 34 km away from Modhera and a popular
base for the tourists visiting Modhera.
WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation can be a problem in Modhera with not many quality
hotels around. Getting bed during the festival time can be
difficult and travelers should have prior reservation. However,
standard accommodation is available in Mahesena around 34
km away.
HOW TO REACH
By Air
The nearest airport is Ahmedabad around 102 km away. Ahmedabad
is connected by most of the domestic airlines with other important
cities in the country.
By Rail
Becharaji, situated around 16 km from Modhera, is the nearest
railway station. Another convenient railway station from this
place is Mahesena. There are regular trains to Ahmedabad from
this place.
By Road
There are regular buses from Modhera to other destinations
of the region including Ahmedabad and Mahesena.
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