Monday, October 3, 2016

Surya Kund, Modhera

Sun Temple at Modhera is the architectural marvel of the 11th century built by rulers of Solanki Dynasty. The temple is dedicated to Sun God and in front of the temple is a beautiful step well known as Surya Kund.



It is a rectangular step-well that approximately measures 1962 sq meters and a flight of steps through kirti-torana on the west leads to this step-well. This is primarily used for storing water and perform ceremonies for worshipping the Sun God. 



The architecture showcases the symmetry in the layout and beautiful carvings. There are four terraces and recessed steps through which one can reach the bottom of the tank. The steps on each terrace are at right angle to steps on the next terrace. These steps are rectangular or square except the first step of each flight of steps which is semicircular. 



There are numerous miniature shrines and niches in front of terrace-wall that have images gods. There are supposed to be 108 small shrines all throughout the steps in the tank. The gods and goddesses adorning the steps of the tank include Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, and other locally worshipped forms.



22 comments:

Cloudia said...

So remarkable to see, Rajesh!



Warm ALOHA to You,
ComfortSpiral

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

What beautiful and intricate steps this temple has! So much workmanship went into making these amazing places you show each week.

Lady Fi said...

That stair well is amazing!

Barb said...

Rajesh, this is such a feat of sculpture and engineering. The pattern and texture are amazing. I do see the semi- circular step at the beginning. This as an interesting Temple to visit.

Little Wandering Wren said...

Those steps are certainly a talking point!
Wren x

Jeevan said...

Great perspective on the unique step well! Impressive architecture and detail

carol l mckenna said...

Always intriguing photos ~ lovely ancient buildings ~ thanks for visiting!

Wishing you a happy week ~ ^_^

Al said...

Very impressive and beautiful.

Ruth said...

Now, this is gorgeous! I have never seen architecture like this before. So unique! I assume visitors cannot get over the structure. Is that correct?

Rajesh said...

Ruth, this place is accessible to the public.

Amit Agarwal said...

Beautifully captured!

MelodyK said...

wonderful and intricate details, beautiful photo's well captured.


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Roger Owen Green said...

interesting amphitheater

ROG, ABCW

Aarti said...

oh wow, was recently talking about this place to another friend.. Should put on my to visit list... :)

NatureFootstep said...

amazing construction :)

s.c said...

A well known monument even here in Holland nicely shown.

Forest Dream Weaver said...

Fascinating....last image especially!

Jeanne said...

Such amazing architecture this is, and your shots are lovely

Fun60 said...

Beautiful architecture reflected in your photos.

Unknown said...

Beautiful structure and magnificent capture!!

Yogi Saraswat said...

Fascinating Architect !!

Abhijit Ray said...

I had visited this place. Nice photo.