Sun temples were built by different dynasties in the past mainly for religious or spiritual activities, such as prayers , rituals, etc.dedicated to the sun or a solar deity Surya(in Hinduism). Different cultures in SE countries follow this tradition in their own way.
There are many Sun Temples dedicated to Surya, the Sun God across India with their rich cultural and religious heritage These temples not only reflect the grandeur of Indian temple architecture but also highlight the significance of Sun worship in the country that has been around for centuries. The most notable Sun temples are spread across various regions, each with its own unique history, style, and ritual practices including architectural features relevant to the Sun god.
Sun temples are distinct in their orientation and design style structure. The most prominent feature of these temples is their east-facing orientation, allowing the first rays of the sun to fall on the main deity. Many temples also have large chariot-like structures symbolizing Surya's chariot drawn by seven horses, representing the seven days of the week. The carvings and sculptures on the walls and pillars often depict scenes from Hindu mythology, astronomical patterns, and intricate solar motifs.
Some of the most renowned Sun temples in India include:
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| Konark Sun Temple (Odisha) dhauli.net |
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| Konark Sun Temple Odisha inditales.com |
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| Konark Sun Temple Odisha melangeoftales.com |
Konark Sun Temple (Odisha) - The 13th-century Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is most famous for its exquisite architecture and carvings. Built in the shape of a colossal chariot with 12 pairs of stone wheels, the temple is dedicated to God Surya and was constructed by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple's orientation ensures that the first rays of the sun illuminate the main sanctum. It is celebrated for its ornate sculptures and intricate design, showcasing the mastery of medieval Indian temple architecture
https://melangeoftales.com/konark-sun-temple/
https://www.dhauli.net/konark.html
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| Modhera Sun Temple gujaratdarshanguide.com/ |
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| Modhera Sun Temple Gujarat gujarattourism.com |
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| Modhera Sun Temple Gujarat templepurohit.com/ |
Modhera Sun Temple (Gujarat) - Built by King Bhima I of the Solanki Dynasty in the 11th century, the Modhera Sun Temple is another marvel dedicated to Surya. The temple complex features a large stepped tank called the Surya Kund and an intricately designed Sabha Mandapa (assembly hall). The temple's sanctum was designed to allow sunlight to illuminate the idol of Surya during the equinoxes, making it a masterpiece of astronomical alignment.
https://www.gujarattourism.com/north-zone/mehsana/sun-temple-modhera.html
https://gujaratdarshanguide.com/sun-temple-modhera-gujarat
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| Martand Sun Temple J and K,cihs.blog |
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| Martand Sun Temple (Jammu and Kashmir) jammu kashmirnow.com |
Martand Sun Temple (Jammu and Kashmir) - Located in the Anantnag district, the Martand Sun Temple was built by King Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota Dynasty in the 8th century. Though in ruins for a long time due to invasions, changing political climate, natural calamity and neglect, it still remains a splendid example of Kashmiri temple architecture. The temple was constructed using local limestone, with grand colonnades and a majestic central sanctum, symbolizing the grandeur of Sun worship in the northern region.
Once a prominent center of worship and pilgrimage in ancient times. the Temple is characterized by its unique blend of Kashmiri and Gandharan architectural styles Efforts are being made by the state government to restore this old sun temple including the installation of Lalitaditya Muktapida in the northern most Indian state.
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| Dakshinaarka Sun Temple (Bihar) ndia.indiatimes.com |
Dakshinaarka Sun Temple (Bihar) Situated in the town of Aurangabad, Bihar- This Sun Temple is dedicated to the southern-facing Sun God, not East facing. This ancient temple is closely associated with the Chhath Puja festival, where devotees offer prayers and perform rituals to honor Surya for health and prosperity Also known as Deo Sun Temple in Deo Town, Aurangabad it is considered to be one of the most sacred places for sun worshiping and Chhath Puja. Some inscriptions and local oral traditions suggest the presence of temple around the 7th or 8th century CE.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/bihar/deo-sun-temple/ps52430772.cms
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deo_Surya_Mandir
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| Surya Narayana temple,AP, .bhaskar.com |
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| Surya Narayana Temple of Arasavalli AP srikakulamads.com/ |
Surya Narayana Temple of Arasavalli - Located 1 km east of Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh, it was built in 7the century by king Devendra Varma, a prominent ruler of Eastern Ganga Dynasty of Kalinga .
The present structure is largely a result of 18th-century renovations.The architectural design is that of the Rekha deula style of Kalinga Architecture like Puri Jagannath temple of Odisha.It is constructed in such a way that on the day of Radha Saptami, the Sun's rays directly fall on the feet of the Sri Suryanarayana Swami, the main deity at the temple
This temple is said to be one of the two major (remaining out of three, as the third temple was destroyed by Sikandar Shah Miri) temples who worship Lord Surya in India. The other two are the Konark Sun Temple, Odisha and Martand Sun Temple, Jammu and Kashmir (union territory).
https://srikakulamads.com/arasavalli-suryanarayana-temple
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arasavalli_Sun_Temple
Sun worship is not confined to temples alone; it also has deep roots in several Hindu festivals and daily practices. Some of the key rituals and festivals associated with Surya include:
The Sun temples, with their stunning architecture and scientific approach continue to attract devotees , historians and tourists alike. They showcase the ancient Indian civilization’s deep rooted tradition of reverence for the cosmic source of light and life. and its link with the Sun's energy. These sun temples are not merely centers of worship and rituals, but they are looked upon as cultural heritage sites that represent India's ancient knowledge of astronomy, architecture, and spirituality.
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