Surya Temple, Budhadeet, Rajasthan

Surya Temple, Budhadeet, Rajasthan

Surya Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Budhadeet Village in Digod Tehsil in Kota District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

This temple is believed to have been built in 9^th century CE. The temple suffered destruction at the hands of Muslim invaders in 17^th century CE and the sabha mandapa was completely destroyed. The sabha mandapa is said to have been reconstructed in 18^th century CE by a Hindu ruler. Due to this sun temple here, this village came to called Budhadit. Budhadit is a combination of words Buddha (Old in English) and Aditya (Sun in English).

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and sabha mandapa with entrances on eastern, northern and southern sides. The sanctum, antrala and shikara are basically the original structure and the sabha mandapa belongs to 18^th century CE. The sabha mandapa is enclosed by parapet on all sides except the entrances. The sanctum doorway is intricately carved.

An image of Surya riding seven horses can be seen in the lintel of the sanctum doorway. The sanctum enshrines a new marble statue of Surya. Images of Surya riding seven horses, Lakshmi Narayana riding on Garuda and form of Surya can be seen on the niches of the exterior wall. The exterior wall is decorated with images of Hindu deities, dancers, musicians, floral motifs and geometric patterns.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 7 Kms from Barod, 21 Kms from Kapren, 26 Kms from Kapren Railway Station, 29 Kms from Digod, 55 Kms from Kota, 104 Kms from Sawai Madhopur and 229 Kms from Jaipur Airport. The temple is situated on the Barod to Kapren route.

Location