Sun Temple
The Sun Temple, also known as the Padmanabha Temple or Saat Saheliyon ka Mandir, is the crown jewel of Jhalrapatan. Built in the 10th Century by the Nagbhatt II of the Pratihara dynasty, it is one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in India. This temple is unique because while it was original ly dedicated to the Sun God (Surya), the presiding deity now worshipped is Lord Vishnu (Padmanabha). The temple stands as a magnificent example of the Indo-Aryan style of architecture, often compared to the Konark Sun Temple of Odisha and the temples of Khajuraho due to its intricate erotic and mythological carvings. The temple's structure is designed to resemble the chariot of the Sun, with wheels and horses carved into the base. The sheer height and grandeur of the temple are awe-inspiring, especially when viewed from the narrow lanes of the surrounding old city. The entrance is marked by a beautiful Toran gateway that leads into a pillared hall (Mandapa). Every inch of the temple's exterior is covered with sculptures of gods, goddesses, celestial dancers, and scenes from daily life in the 10th century. It is not just a place of worship but a living museum of medieval Indian art. Travelers often find themselves lost in the details of the carvings, which have survived remarkably well over a thousand years.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
Duration: 2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Category: Heritage & ArchitectureEntry Fees:
General Public: Entry to the Sun Temple is free for all visitors.
Camera Charges: Usually, there is no official fee, but it is polite to seek permission for professional video recording. ...General Public: Entry to the Sun Temple is free for all visitors.
Camera Charges: Usually, there is no official fee, but it is polite to seek permission for professional video recording.Timing:
Regular Timings: Open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning at sunrise is the most magical time when the first rays hit the temple. ...Regular Timings: Open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning at sunrise is the most magical time when the first rays hit the temple.Special Events:
Kartik Poornima: A major festival where the temple is illuminated with thousands of oil lamps, and a fair is held at the nearby Chandrabhaga river.
Janmashtami: Celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna with great fervor and devotional songs. ...Kartik Poornima: A major festival where the temple is illuminated with thousands of oil lamps, and a fair is held at the nearby Chandrabhaga river.
Janmashtami: Celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna with great fervor and devotional songs.Best Photo Spots:
Photo Spots:
The Shikhara Top: Capture the complexity of the miniature towers that make up the main spire.
Toran Gateway: The entrance gate provides a majestic backdrop for portraits.
Read MorePhoto Spots:
The Shikhara Top: Capture the complexity of the miniature towers that make up the main spire.
Toran Gateway: The entrance gate provides a majestic backdrop for portraits.
The Mandapa Pillars: Use the depth of the pillared hall for stunning architectural perspective shots.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Marvel at Carvings: Spend hours studying the exterior walls which feature thousands of individual sculptures.
Temple Circumambulation: Perform the Parikrama to see the chronological storytelling carved into the temple base.
Spiritual Reflection: Join the locals for the evening Aarti to hear the resonance of the temple bells that gave the city its name.
Architectural Study: Use a guidebook to identify the different mythological figures like Indra, Agni, and Varuna carved on the walls.
Sunset Viewing: Stay until late afternoon to see the golden rays of the sun illuminate the red sandstone of the temple.
Photography Workshop: Practice macro photography to capture the fine details of the jewelry and...
Information
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Why Famous:
Architectural Excellence: Known as the "Konark of Rajasthan," it is famous for its massive spire and the exquisite quality of its stone carvings.
Dual Deity: It is famous for the historical transition from a Sun Temple to a Vishnu Temple, h...Architectural Excellence: Known as the "Konark of Rajasthan," it is famous for its massive spire and the exquisite quality of its stone carvings.
Dual Deity: It is famous for the historical transition from a Sun Temple to a Vishnu Temple, holding significant importance for both sects of Hinduism. -
Architecture:
Nagara Style: The temple is a classic example of Nagara architecture with a massive 97-foot high shikhara that dominates the skyline.
Pillar Art: There are 52 intricately carved pillars in the Mandapa, each featuring unique sculptures of Ap...Nagara Style: The temple is a classic example of Nagara architecture with a massive 97-foot high shikhara that dominates the skyline.
Pillar Art: There are 52 intricately carved pillars in the Mandapa, each featuring unique sculptures of Apsaras and deities.
Unique Base: The foundation of the temple is built in a Ratha (chariot) shape, symbolizing the celestial vehicle of Lord Surya. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Kota Airport is 90 Kms away.
By Train: Reach Jhalawar Road or Jhalawar City station.
By Road: The temple is located in the center of Jhalrapatan, easily accessible by bus from Kota or Bundi. -
Near Tourist Places:
Near Places: Shantinath Temple (0. 5 Km), Dwarkadheesh Temple (1 Km), Chandrabhaga River (1. 5 Kms), Gagron Fort (12 Kms), Jhalawar Fort (7 Kms), Herbal Garden (1 Km), Kalisindh Dam (10 Kms), Bhimsagar Dam (24 Kms), Bhawani Natyashala (7 Kms), Government Museum (7 Kms).
Tourism Tips
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Local Guide: Hire a local guide to understand the complex mythology behind the carvings.
Hydration: Carry water as the temple complex involves a lot of walking and climbing.
Respect: Avoid touching the anci...
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