Exploring India's Top 5 Sun Temples: A Must-Do Journey

Some of the most magnificent temples ever constructed can be found in India, a country that is a fusion of different religions, spiritual practices, civilizations, and traditions. No matter where you go in the country, you will undoubtedly come across a stunning temple. In India, there has been sun worship since the Neolithic era.

It is proven by the roughly carved pictures of the sun in a rock shelter in the Sundargarh area of Odisha. The heavenly body’s brilliant splendour must have astounded the early Man, who must have bowed in awe at it. Sun temples may also be found outside of India in places like China, Egypt, Peru, Japan, and many more countries.

Although the Sun, or Surya, continues to play a significant role in Hindu rituals and religion, few temples are solely devoted to his worship. The majority of these temples, where the Sun had held the Sanctum’s highest dignity, are now in ruins. There are only a few active Sun temples where worship is still practiced today.

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Why Were Sun Temples Constructed in India?

India’s construction of Sun Temples shows how pre-modern people felt that existence depended on the Sun. All of the earth’s life forms derive their initial energy from the sun. Life is not possible without the Sun. Most natural forces that affect and are influenced by the earth originate from it. The sun has developed into the earth.

The very reality was known to our ancestors. They understood how crucial the Sun is to our survival. Because of this, various ancient civilizations engaged in Sun worship. The Sun now holds a vital place in India’s socio-religious landscape thanks to the advancement of human intelligence. It was a prominent member of the Indian pantheon in the Rigveda.

Later, this “universal” living god found a seat in the shadowy sanctum sanctorum of temples, and sun worship started there in a completely novel form: anthropomorphic idols. There are ancient remnants of Sun temples in various Indian states, either continuously used for worship today or long since abandoned.

Having said that, let’s have a look at some of the important ancient Sun Temples in India.

List of the 5 Most Famous Sun Temples in India

1. Sun Temple Konark, Odisha

The Sun Temple at Konark, Odisha, is considered to be among the finest temples ever constructed for the Sun God. It is regarded as one of India’s most important Sun Temples. It is a huge building shaped like a huge chariot pulled by seven horses. The Konark Temple in Odisha, also known as the Surya Devalaya, is a prime example of Kalinga architecture.

Due to its asphalt, European tourists began referring to the temple as the Black Pagoda. The temple is a tribute to the architects’ and artists’ understanding of astronomy and electromagnetic, in addition to being a masterpiece of architectural and artistic design. UNESCO decided that the Konark Sun temple remains a World Heritage Site.

King Narasimhadeva I of the Ganga dynasty oversaw the construction of the current building, which was constructed in the 13th century. Even though a large portion of the temple was destroyed, what is still left of the enormous structure provides a glimpse of its former splendour.

Of course, one of the temple’s highlights is the well-known Konark wheel. The 24 wheels—12 on either side of the temple—can still be used to determine the time of day. It takes 72 km to get from Bhubaneshwar to the Konark Sun Temple. The distance to Puri, a temple town famous for the Rath Yatra and the Jagannath Temple, is 36 kilometers.

Address: Konark, Puri District, Odisha, 752111, India

Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Subject to changes based on local rules)

How To Reach: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar, approximately 64 km away. From there, taxis are available. The nearest railway station is in Puri, about 35 km away. Regular bus services also connect Konark with Bhubaneswar and Puri.

2. Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat

Gujarat’s Modhera Sun Temple is a magnificent example of Hindu temple design. The Maru Gurjara architectural style was used to construct the temple. The temple was constructed during the peak of the Indian temple building, which was at its highest point. In the years 1026–1027 AD, Bhimdev I, the Chalukya ruler, constructed this temple

Three main components made up the overall temple building. The stepwell known as Suryakund will be the first thing you encounter. Beyond this stepwell lies the Sabha Mandapa, an octagonal hall with 52 sculptured pillars, an intricately carved roof, and magnificent decorations on the walls.

The main temple, known as Guda Mandapa, is located farther away from this hall. The sun idol was built into the structure, which is also known as Garbhagruha so that the first sunrays landed on it. The outside and inner walls have various carvings that show the sun god in several different positions.

The looters took the primary idol of the sun deity when Mahmud Ghazni and Allauddin Khilji repeatedly looted and destroyed this temple. However, the remnants of this temple’s structure are sufficient to display the magnificent architectural splendour of India’s ancient temples.

Address: Modhera, Mehsana District, Gujarat, 384212, India

Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Subject to changes based on local rules)

How To Reach: The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, approximately 102 km away. The closest railway station is Mehsana, about 25 km away. Regular bus services connect Modhera with other towns in Gujarat.

3. Suryanar Kovil, Tamil Nadu

Suryanar Kovil Temple is one of the well-known sun temples in Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India. The temple was built during Kulothunga Choladeva’s reign in the 11th century. The Suryan sun god is the subject of this temple. He is the primary god in this temple, and his idol features his wives, Usha Devi and Pratyusha Devi.

One of Tamil Nadu’s most well-known Navagraha temples, it contains different shrines for each of the nine Navagraha deities. The temple is well-known for its Dravidian-style construction. The gopuram is beautifully decorated with carvings and sculptures of Hindu gods and other symbols.

People from neighbouring villages travel to this temple for regular pujas and to get rid of their Navagraha doshas. Temple priests perform the Abhishek and religious pujas according to the guidelines outlined in the holy texts. Religious celebrations of a vast scale are held for holidays like Ratha Saptami.

A shining example of the beautiful Dravidian temple construction is Suryanar Kovil. The temple was constructed during the Chola era, but the Vijayanagara Empire’s rule saw more expansion and embellishment. The structure’s most prominent features are a magnificent five-story Gopuram and granite walls that encircle the sanctuary.

Address: Suryanar Kovil, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, 612 101, India

Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Subject to changes based on local rules)

How To Reach: The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, about 59 km away. The nearest railway station is in Kumbakonam, around 15 km away. Suryanar Kovil is also well connected by bus services with Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, and other nearby towns.

4. Martand Sun Temple, Jammu & Kashmir

Despite being in ruins, Martand Sun Temple nonetheless serves as a reminder that it once stood as one of India’s most impressive sun temples. Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag area is home to the Martand Sun Temple. The sun god, sometimes referred to as Martand in Sanskrit, is the primary deity of this temple.

Even though the temple is in ruins, the construction hints at the existence of an enormous temple complex in ancient India. More than 5000 years ago, in 3007 BC, Raja Ramdev of the Pandya dynasty constructed this temple. However, in the 8th century, Lalitaditya Muktapida, a strong monarch of the Karkota dynasty, renovated this temple.

The temple is an impressive example of Kashmiri architecture. The temple’s architectural design is considered to be among the most impressive in all of Kashmir. The primary temple may be found in a large courtyard in the center. This temple is surrounded by 84 lower shrines on all sides.

Smaller shrines and rooms are so skillfully constructed that they appear to be symmetrical to one another. The main temple’s conical dome and the magnificent statues of gods and other mythological characters adorn its walls. You can get a sense of a larger temple complex by strolling around the temple’s remains.

Address: Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, 192125, India

Timings: Open 24 hours (As the place is a ruin, it does not have specific opening or closing timings)

How To Reach: The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport, about 61 km away. The nearest railway station is Anantnag Railway Station, approximately 9 km away. Local taxis are readily available from Srinagar and Anantnag.

5. Katarmal Sun Temple, Uttarakhand

One of India’s most picturesque states, Uttarakhand, is endowed with amazing natural beauty. There are numerous historic temples and holy sites in Uttarakhand. These include places like Rishikesh, Haridwar, Badrinath, and Kedarnath, as well as sacred places like the Baijnath Shiv Temple and the Katarmal Sun Temple.

India’s little but exquisitely constructed Katarmal Sun Temple is a temple of modest size. It is considered to be one of the most well-known sun temples in all of India. It was a ruler of the Katyuri dynasty named Katarmalla who constructed the Katarmal Sun temple, which is where the name of the temple comes from.

Although the exact century or even year that the temple was built has not been determined, it is thought that the temple was constructed sometime between the 9th and the 13th centuries. A hill covered with lush greenery serves as the backdrop for the Katarmal Sun temple, which is a beautiful sight.

Numerous little temples line the perimeter of the main temple. The temple’s original deity is no longer there, and it is now an ASI-protected monument. Almora is located roughly 19 kilometers from the Katarmal Sun Temple. People still regularly visit the temple, and they have a great deal of faith in it.

Address: Katarmal, Almora District, Uttarakhand, 263601, India

Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Subject to changes based on local rules)

How To Reach: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 125 km away. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, approximately 118 km away. Almora is well connected by road with major cities in Uttarakhand. From Almora, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, India’s spectacular sun temples represent a long and varied history of sun worship. In addition to being architectural marvels, these temples serve as spiritual hubs and provide a window into the people’s prehistoric culture and beliefs.

These sun temples have plenty to offer everyone, whether they are history buffs, culture vultures, or environment lovers. So, make travel plans to one of these five sun temples in India that you really must see to appreciate the sun god’s splendour fully!

Further Insights:

Frequently Asked Questions About Sun Temples in India:

Q1: What are the most famous Sun Temples in India?

A1: The most famous Sun Temples in India include the Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha; the Modhera Sun Temple in Gujarat; the Suryanar Kovil in Tamil Nadu; the Martand Sun Temple in Jammu & Kashmir; and the Katarmal Sun Temple in Uttarakhand.

Q2: Why were Sun Temples built in India?

A2: Sun Temples were built as a form of reverence towards the Sun God, Surya. In Hinduism, the Sun is considered a life-giving and healing deity. These temples were often places of worship, prayer, and sometimes, places of learning as well.

Q3: What is unique about the architecture of Sun Temples?

A3: Sun Temples often feature intricate carvings and architectural styles that depict various elements of the sun, solar deities, and associated mythology. For instance, the Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha, is designed in the form of a huge chariot with detailed stone carvings.

Q4: When is the best time to visit Sun Temples?

A4: The best time to visit Sun Temples in India generally depends on the region’s climate. However, the months from October to March are considered ideal due to the pleasant weather conditions across most parts of India.

Q5: Do I need to follow any specific dress code while visiting Sun Temples?

A5: While there isn’t typically a strict dress code, visitors are advised to dress modestly respecting local cultural norms when visiting religious sites in India, including Sun Temples.

Q6: Are there any festivals celebrated in these Sun Temples?

A6: Yes, several Sun Temples host festivals, usually associated with the Sun God, Surya. For instance, the Modhera Dance Festival is a famous event held at the Modhera Sun Temple in Gujarat.

Q7: Is there any entry fee for these Sun Temples?

A7: Entry fees can vary. Some temples do not charge an entry fee, while others may have a small charge. It’s recommended to check the current details from official sources or reliable travel websites.

Exploring India’s Top 5 Sun Temples: A Must-Do Journey

Why Were Sun Temples Constructed in India?