Rahila Sagar Sun Temple, Rahiliya, Uttar Pradesh

Rahila Sagar Sun Temple, Rahiliya, Uttar Pradesh

Rahila Sagar Sun Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Rahiliya Village near Mahoba City in Mahoba Tehsil in Mahoba District in Uttar Pradesh, India. This temple is situated on the western end of the Rahiliya Sagar. This temple is an excellent example of early Pratihara style of architecture and predates the famous Konark temple in Odisha. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple is believed to be built by King Rahila (885 – 905 CE) of Chandelas of Jejakabhukti, an Indian dynasty ruled Central India particularly much of the Bundelkhand region (then called Jejakabhukti) between the 9th and the 13th centuries. This temple is considered to be the inspiration behind the design of the Konark Sun temple. This temple suffered destruction at the hands of Qutb ud-Din Aibak, the found of Mamluk dynasty in 1203 CE. The Rahila Sagar, a man-made lake, was also excavated by King Rahila.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a low raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa with entrance porches on eastern, southern and northern sides. The sanctum enshrines a 4.5 feet tall sandstone image of Surya. It also enshrines a smaller idol of Vishnu. The shikara over the sanctum follows nagara style architecture. The exterior is decorated with Hindu deities, floral motifs and geometrical patterns.

There is a shrine for goddess Kali in the temple premises. Idols of Brahma, Vishnu, Ganesha and Shiva can be seen in the temple premises. There is a huge temple tank called Suraj Kund situated beside the temple. The tank is square in shape and measures 15 metres in length, 15 metres in breadth and 15 metres in depth. It is said that the king used to bathe in this tank every day before entering the temple. 

Festivals

An annual fair is held on embankment of Rahiliya Sagar on the Karthik Purnima. People used to take bath in Rahiliya Sagar and Suraj Kund during this fair.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Mahoba Junction Railway Station, 7 Kms from Mahoba Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Srinagar, 48 Kms from Chhatarpur, 73 Kms from Khajuraho and 76 Kms from Khajuraho Airport. The temple is situated on Mahoba to Chhatarpur route.

Location