Insights of Modhera Sun Temple: Architectural Design and Its Site Significance

Abstract

The Sun has been worshipped as a significant deity in India for centuries. The Hindu religion's Vedic scriptures refer to the sun as a source of energy, vitality, and life that governs the course of our lives. Many temples in India are dedicated solely to the Sun, including Martand in Kashmir, Katarmal in Almora, Osia in Rajasthan, Konark in Orissa,and Modhera in Gujarat. Sun temple of Modhera is gaining attraction among tourists, architects, and astronomers. The Sun temple Modhera was built in the architectural style of “Maru Gurjara” The same architectural design is unique, and the association of it concerning water bodies makes it a marvel of engineering design. The present paper discusses the geometrical configuration of the Sun temple, Sabhamandapa, and Suryakunda. Architectural design has studied the axis of symmetry, proportion, scale, relation, dimensional planning, and fractal architecture. The design of steps, intervals in it, and miniature shrines make it different from the rest of the sun temples. The significance of the location of the sun temple, which is the basic purpose of its kind is discussed exclusively. It has been proven that the knowledge of ancient astronomy was applied in its orientation to create an equinox event in the sun temple.