Saturday, October 30, 2010

Sun Temple, Gwalior

When ever we heard about Sun Temple, then only one place strikes our head, KONARK in Orissa, also known as 'Black Pagoda'.

But recently I found another temple dedicated to Sun God in Gwalior and was quite amazed. This was my first experience to see the statue of Sun God and never before I heard about any other Sun Temple.

The Temple(Vivaswana Mandir) was built by the famous Industrialist Mr. G. D. Birla during the 90s.

All the typical features of the temple resembles the Original Sun Temple in Konark. The whole Temple is assumed as a platform on a Chariot with big big wheels and is pulled by horses. You can notice the sculptures of many Hindu deities being carved outside.
Being a Sun Temple, the technical Sun-path diagram is properly followed for the orientation of the Temple and there are light wells designed in such a way that, it allows the Sun ray to fall on the beautifully carved sculpture of Sun God all the time when it is available.

India,Sun Temple,Vivaswan Temple,Gwalior,Gwalior Sun Temple,Surya Mandir

India,Sun Temple,Vivaswan Temple,Gwalior,Gwalior Sun Temple,Surya Mandir

India,Sun Temple,Vivaswan Temple,Gwalior,Gwalior Sun Temple,Surya Mandir

India,Sun Temple,Vivaswan Temple,Gwalior,Gwalior Sun Temple,Surya Mandir

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How to reach?: This is quite popular and is near cantonment area. You can ask any local GPS for 'Surya Mandir' or Birla Temple. Please do a visit if you are in or around Gwalior. You might find the place bit isolated, but I bet the temple is worth a visit.
Where to Stay!: 'The Central Park' is one of the best hotels there and I personally have a very good experience. Budget hotels can be found near the railway station.
What else to see?: Never ever miss Gwalior Fort if you like 'Historical Architectural Ruins' and the Jain carving on the natural hills on the way to the Fort. My knowledge says it is the biggest Jain statue in India.
Climate: Mostly hot and dry.
Best time to Visit: October to March, means during Winters.
Connectivity: Road, Rail and Air

Photography was not allowed inside, so no photographs from the inner-sanctum.

Complete Photo Album HERE.

2 comments:

tushar said...

BEAUTIFULL IMAGES... there are two - three sun temples in Mharashtra,, One of them is in Mumbai,, WAS CONSTRUCTED IN 1899,, ( Not dat old). and ther is one IN uTTARANCHAL (Ranikhet) (i heard from the locals of Ranikhet,) where Karna (Mahabharat) use to worship.

debarpita mohapatra said...

Thanks for all these information Tushar and thanks for liking the images. After this visit I did some research in Google and came to know that there are 7 ancient Sun Temples in India and also few more around the world. This does not include the newly built temples like this or there in Mumbai. I'll share my findings in another blog-post soon.

Cheers.