Surya Temple, Mandesar, Rajasthan

Surya Temple, Mandesar, Rajasthan

Surya Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Mandesar Village in Bhinder Tehsil in Udaipur District in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. This temple is believed to have been built in 11^th century CE. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Rajasthan declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and sabha mandapa with entrance porches on eastern, southern and northern sides. The sabha mandapa is enclosed parapet walls on all sides except its entrances. The parapet wall is provided with a seating arrangement in the interior. The sabha mandapa is supported by sixteen half pillars resting on the parapet walls. The superstructure over the sabha mandapa is of domical shape.

The lintel of the sanctum doorway has carvings of Surya at its centre flanked by Brahma on the right end and Vishnu on the left end. The niches on the western, northern and southern sides have images of Surya drawn by seven horses. The exterior of the temple is decorated with images of various deities, celestial beings, dancers, animals, floral motifs and geometric patterns. The sanctum enshrines an image of Surya. The sanctum is crowned with nagara style shikara.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Udaipur Airport, 11 Kms from Bhatewar, 21 Kms from Debari Railway Station, 22 Kms from Kheroda Railway Station, 30 Kms from Udaipur, 40 Kms from Bhinder and 82 Kms from Nimbahera. The temple is situated on the Udaipur to Nimbahera route.

Location