Sun Temple, Madhkhera, Madhya
Pradesh
Sun Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located at Madhkhera village in Tikamgarh district in Madhya Pradesh, India. This temple was built by the Pratihara rulers in the 9th century A.D. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The Temple
This temple is facing towards east and Pancharatha on plan. It is built over a raised platform. The temple consists of Sanctum, Antrala and Mukha Mandapa. The Mukha Mandapa is supported by two pillars and two pilasters. The lintel of the sanctum doorway has an image of Lord Surya riding a chariot drawn by seven horses flanked by Saptamatrikas with Ganesha & Veerabhadra and Navagrahas. River Goddesses Ganga and Yamuna can be seen on the lower portion of the doorjamb.
The Sanctum houses an image of Lord Surya standing in the chariot drawn by seven horses flanked by his consorts Usha and Pratyusha. Aruna is depicted driving the chariot. Two flying Vidyadharas can be seen on either side of Surya. The shikara over the sanctum follows Nagara style architecture. Ashta Dikpalas can be seen in their usual position over the karna niches.
Images of Surya can be seen on all the three bhadra niches on south, west and north side. The niches on adhisthana below the bhadra has Ganesha on south, Kartikeya on west and Parvathi on north. The exterior of the temple are richly sculpted with images of Vamana, Balarama, Parashurama, Krishna, Buddha, Narasimha, Varaha, Durga, Sitala, Sapta Matrikas, Surasundaris and Gaja Lakshmi.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about
16 Kms from Tikamgarh Railway Station, 18 Kms from Tikamgarh, 19 Kms from
Tikamgarh Bus Stand, 47 Kms from Lalitpur, 93 Kms from Jhansi, 148 Kms from
Khajuraho Airport and 298 Kms from Bhopal. The temple is situated on Tikamgarh
to Jhansi Route.
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