Sander Group of Temples, Gujarat

Sander Group of Temples, Gujarat

Sander Group of Temples is a Hindu Temple Complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Sakthi located in Sander Village in Patan Taluk in Patan District, in the Indian state of Gujarat. The Temple is one of the protected monuments in Gujarat declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The Vishnu Temple in the temple complex was built by King Chamundaraja (996 – 1008 CE) of Chaulukya Dynasty. Inscriptions recording grants made by him as a prince are dated as early as 976 CE, although he ascended the throne much later, sometime during 996-997 CE. The Shiva Temple and the Sanderi Mata temple in the temple complex was built by King Bhima 1 (1022 – 1064 CE) of Chaulukya Dynasty.

The Temple Complex

The Temple complex houses three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Sakthi. All these shrines faces towards east. Two of the shrines retained its originality while the third shrine dedicated to Goddess Sakthi is of recent origin.

Shiva Temple:

This temple is facing towards east. It consists of sanctum, antrala, hall and porch. The superstructure over the porch and hall follows stepped pyramidal style. The hall has an octagonal interior with circular ceilings decorated with eight brackets. The doorway to the sanctum is profusely decorated. The sanctum is empty. The superstructure (shikara) over the sanctum follows Bhumija style. The exterior walls of the sanctum is decorated with richly carved sculptures. Some of the sculptures are Ashtadikpalakas, Mahishasura Mardini, Ganesha, Sitala, Hanuman etc.

Vishnu Temple:

This Temple is facing towards east. It consists of sanctum and entrance porch. The sanctum is pancharatha in plan. The superstructure (shikara) over the sanctum follows nagara style.

Sanderi Mata Temple:

This Temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, ranga mandapa and sabha mandapa. The sabha mandapa is open and provided with three entrance porches on southern, northern and eastern side. The ranga mandapa is open to sabha mandapa on the eastern side. It also has entrance porches on northern and southern side. The sabha mandapa and ranga mandapa are crowned with stepped pyramidal shikara.

The sanctum enshrines an image of Sanderi Mata. The main shikara is built in a steep mountain shape or form, symbolic of Mount Meru which is said to be the mythical source of creation of the world. The shikara has richly decorated roofs which rise in a grand form terminating in the shikara. The temple is of recent construction but the idols and sculptures in the temple dates back to 11^th century CE.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 7 kms from Ranuj Railway Station, 15 Kms from Unjha, 20 Kms from Patan Bus Stand, 21 Kms from Patan, 21 Kms from Patan Railway Station, 26 Kms from Chanasma, 31 Kms from Mehsana, 100 Kms from Ahmedabad Airport and 109 Kms from Ahmedabad. The Temple is situated on Unjha to Chanasma route via Ranuj.

Location