Page 44 - Seniorstoday April 2023 Issue

= Ishan. ) The outer walls are extensively congregation, singing and dancing its
decorated with images of various forms form is strikingly different from that of the
of Gods. The inner walls are decorated closed hall of the main shrine. The Rang
with sculptures and scenes depicted from Mandap is fronted by a deep and huge tank,
Ramayana and Mahabharata. fed by subsoil water of the Pushmaavati
There are 12 River nearby. Its design is aesthetically
manifestations pleasing. The entire descent is divided
corresponding to the into four terraces with steps in the form of
cycle of 12 months truncated pyramids introduced at regular
in a year which have intervals, forming a pleasing geometric
been depicted here pattern (which also forms the basic design
and worshipped of the weaves of Patan Na Patola.
since Vedic Times. This temple is one of
Lord Surya stands in the remarkable gems
samabhanga pose in of temple architecture
a chariot drawn by 7 in the country and the
horses with two full pride of Gujarat. It has
blown Lotus flowers been designed to allow
held in each hand. the first rays of the sun
Most of the to fall on the image of
sculptures at Surya the Sun God at
Modhera belong the time of the equinox.
to the post Gupta Between the kund and the Rang
period and they Mandapam there is an imposing
represent both ceremonial free standing gate (Toran).
Shavite and Such free standing gates were often erected
Vaishnav sects. in front of temples in Western India. The
The sculptures design consists of two tall columns divided
include Brahma, into many horizontal and vertical bands
Sheshashayi decorated with ornate figures, animals
Vishnu, and etc., ornate beams and other architectural
Vishnu in various members. Here at Modhera the Toran has
incarnations like Varah, Trivikram, been partially preserved.
Narasimha, Krishna and Sudama. Some Every year a Dance
of the sculptures representing Shiva are Festival is held here in
Uma Maheshwara, Shakti, Ganesha, the month of January
Nritya Ganesha, Saptha Matrikas, Durga, to honour the Sun God.
Parvati, Shitala Mata and several other During this festive
mother Goddesses and dancing Apsaras occasion the temple is
like Lilavati, Shubhangini, Hansawali, illuminated at night.
Padmini, Mrigashi, Bhav, Chandra. High quality sound
The Ranga Mandap is an open pillar hall systems and excellent
and must have been the place for religious lighting provide an

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