Sun Temple, Varman, Rajasthan

Sun Temple, Varman, Rajasthan

Sun Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Varman Village in Reodar Tehsil in Sirohi District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. This temple is also called as Surya Narayana Temple / Brahmana Swami Temple. This temple is considered as one of the oldest Sun temples in India. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 7^th century CE. An inscription dating back to 1019 CE records the gift of lands to the temple by one Sohapa. The temple was partially destroyed in 1025 CE by Mahmud Ghazni. The temple was renovated in 1042 CE by Nochaka, son of Sarama during the reign of Paramara King Puranapala. The temple was rebuilt in 1299 CE by Lalita Devi, wife of Pratihara King Vinnada during the reign of Paramara King Vikramasimha of Chandravati. The temple was attacked and destroyed by Alauddin Khilji in 14^th century CE during his Gujarat invasion.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a low raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum with circumbulatory path with three transepts, antrala, sabha mandapa with lateral transepts and entrance porch. There is a carving of a chariot drawn by seven horses, situated on a pedestal, in a niche of the sanctum. The transepts and the porch are enclosed by balustrades.

The roofs and the face-stones of the outer wall are missing. The sanctum door-frame is of the overdoor design with 5 ornate bands and shows on the lintel an image of Surya which is also repeated on the cardinal niches of the sanctum. The sanctum enshrines an image of Surya / Brahma Svamin in standing posture. The temple is rich in its carvings on the pillars, domes and walls.

There are beautifully carved images of the Navagrahas and Ashta Dikpalas in the temple, but these images were badly damaged during the invasion of Alauddin Khilji in 14^th century CE during his Gujarat invasion. The interior pillars, which are tetragonal, are plain below and decorated in the upper half with scrolls, kirtimukhas and makara-heads in roundels, carrying a floral frieze and capital, supporting either double roll or atlantean brackets.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 7 Kms from Reodar, 7 Kms from Reodar Bus Stand, 11 Kms from Mandar, 43 Kms from Abu Road Railway Station, 59 Kms from Sirohi, 65 Kms from Mount Abu and 203 Kms from Udaipur Airport. The temple is situated on Reodar to Mandar route.

Location