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PM Highlights Gujarat’s Modhera Sun Temple Heritage
The news coverage comprises the Prime Minister’s remarks on the thousand-year history, destruction during invasions, and reconstruction of the Modhera Sun Temple in Gujarat. The remarks also comprise reference to Modhera village’s transformation into India’s first 24×7 solar-powered village.
Modhera Sun Temple:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Location | The site comprises Modhera village in Mehsana district, Gujarat. |
| Dedication | The temple’s religious association comprises dedication to the solar deity Surya. |
| River setting | The site comprises a location on the bank of the river Pushpavati. |
| Construction period and patron | The temple’s construction is established under the reign of King Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty, after 1026-27 CE. |
| Present ritual status | The site’s present use provides for no worship being offered now. |
| Protected monument | The monument’s maintenance is governed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). |
| UNESCO listing | The site’s recognition is established under the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2014. |
| Architectural style | The temple complex’s architectural style comprises the Maru-Gurjara style (Chaulukya style). |
| Main components | The temple complex comprises three components: Gudhamandapa (shrine hall), Sabhamandapa (assembly hall), and Kunda (reservoir). |
| Layout alignment | The complex layout comprises alignment along an east-west axis. |
| Sabhamandapa pillars | The Sabhamandapa comprises 52 pillars, depicting the 52 weeks in a year. |
| Carving themes | The carvings comprise scenes from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. |
| Kunda features | The reservoir comprises steps to reach the bottom and numerous small shrines. |
| Equinox illumination | The solar alignment comprises sun rays entering the main sanctum on equinoxes. |
| Use of diamond for reflection | The illumination arrangement comprises reflection of light to other idols using a correctly placed diamond on the head of the Sun God. |