Konark Sun Temple, Odisha – Suryanar Temple, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu – Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat – Martand Sun Temple, Kashmir – Katarmal Sun Temple, Uttarakhand – Dakshinaarka Sun Temple, Gaya, Bihar – Surya Pahar, Goalpara, Assam – Martand Surya Mandir, Bijapur, Karnataka – Surya Narayan Temple, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Introduction:
India’s Sun temples are magnificent tributes to the Sun God, Surya, symbolizing energy, power, and enlightenment. The most renowned among them, the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its chariot-shaped architecture and intricate carvings. In Gujarat, the Modhera Sun Temple glorifies Surya with its precision-aligned sanctum and stunning stepwell. Near Kumbakonam, the Suryanar Temple is another significant Sun temple, dedicated to Surya and the Navagrahas (nine celestial bodies), where devotees seek blessings for astrological harmony. The ancient Martand Sun Temple in Kashmir, with its grand ruins, stands as a reminder of India’s rich heritage and deep reverence for the Sun across different regions. These temples reflect India’s profound spiritual connection to the Sun and its vital role in life and culture.