Modhera Sun Temple: Gujrat’s Mozart

Modhera Sun Temple is the finest examples of Indian temple architecture that reminds of the Sun Temple at Konark and the carvings at Khajuraho. The Modhera sun temple, even in its ruined state is a majestic one, bearing testimony to the art of the ancient Chalukyas of Gujarat, India. This sun temple is one of the few shrines that are dedicated to the Sun God. Situated on the banks of Pushpavati River in Modhera, Sun Temple is easily accessible from Ahmedabad. The temple is built in such a manner that the sun light, peeping into the temple from all sides, falls directly on the statue of the god.




Modhera Sun Temple

 


Night View of Modhera

 

History:

The Sun Temple at Modhera dates back to early 11th century CE and was built by King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty (believed to be the descendants of the lineage of Sun God) in 1026 CE. Turning in the pages of history, one can notice the mention of Modhera in the scriptures like Skanda Purana and Brahma Purana. The surrounding area of Modhera used to be known as Dharmaranya (forest of righteousness) and the place was blessed by Lord Rama.



Entrance of Temple




Pillars Craved with God and Goddess



Architecture:

The brilliant architecture of the temple is one of its own class. The design of this temple resembles Sun Temple at Konark in Orissa as this shrine is designed in a manner, so that the first rays of the Sun cast on the image of the Lord Surya.  The temple encompasses three different yet axially-aligned and integrated constituents. Erected on a high platform, the Temple appears majestic with its grand structure. The main entrance is a look-a-like of the gate of Torana, which is beautifully carved. The arches mount on a kirti stambha. The temple also features a beautiful garden and is situated near the banks of the river Pushpawati. The exterior walls are engraved with intricate carvings, boasting about the mastery of art in those times. Every single inch of the structure is covered with the sculptural patterns of Gods, Goddesses, birds, beasts and flowers. The exterior of the sanctum has many carved images of the Sun God, portrayed as wearing a belt and long shoes as in the Dakshinaarka temple at Gaya. The Sun Temple is divided into three parts namely Surya Kund, Sabha Mandap and Guda Mandap.

Surya Kund

In front of the temple is a colossal tank, which was once known as Surya Kund or Rama Kund. The tank has a series of carved steps leading to the bottom. Several miniature shrines adorn the steps of the tank – which is an art gallery in itself.



Surya Kund



The tank has two attributes that break up, and fruitfully complicate, what would otherwise be the monotony of steps leading into a pit. One, a number of small shrines, each holding the image of a deity, are built onto the steps on all four sides, giving the tank the air of a self-contained universe. The most striking of these shrines is an enclosure on the east side showing Vishnu reclining on his sesh naga or coiled serpent, surrounded by other forms.



Steps of Kund





Front View of Ku



Festival

Modhera dance festival is the major festival that is observed by the Sun Temple. This dance festival is organized to keep the Indian traditions and culture alive. It is held in the third week of January every year. The classical dance forms in the premises of this temple revive the imperial ambiance during the period. Gujarat Tourism organizes this event to promote tourism at this place.



Modhera Dance Festival



Modhera is now the site of several dance and cultural festivals. The sun temple and the ambience here provide a majestic backdrop for the exhibition of performing arts.

GETTING THERE

Modhera is just over 100 km from Ahmedabad; Patan another 25 km. State transport buses link all three places, and private buses from Ahmedabad to Patan and back are available through the day (Rs.60). The closest railway station to Modhera is Mahesana, which is about 30 km away. A private cab from Mahesana to Modhera, Patan, and back costs about Rs.1000.

Mohiniyattam: Dance of the Enchantress

Mohiniyattam" literally means "dance of the enchantress".  It is one of the well known dance of Kerala. It is a celebration of womanhood and the grace and elegance of femininity. It is considered a very graceful dance meant to be performed as a solo recital by women. The term Mohiniyattam comes from the words "Mohini" meaning a woman who enchants onlookers and "aattam" meaning graceful and sensuous body movements. The striking features of this dance form are the musical melody and rhythmical swaying of the dancer from side to side and the smooth and unbroken flow of the body movement. The dance is focused on feminine moods and emotions.

Women Performing Mohiniyattam

 It is closely related to Bharathanatyam of Tamil Nadu, which was originally called 'Dasiyattam'. Mohiniyattam is a fusion of ' Bharathanatyam ' and ' Kathakali ', as it combines the graceful elegance of Bharatanatyam and dynamism and vigour of Kathakali. The performances are done only by women. In Mohiniyattam, the Lasya element of dancing is predominant, and the mood created is Sringaram (erotic).

Facial expression in Mohiniyattam

According to the legends, Lord Vishnu disguised as a Mohini and he appears as Mohini to lure the asuras (demons) away from the amrita (nectar of immortality) obtained during the churning of the palazhi or Ocean of Milk. Another story says that Mohini’ toward the end of her dance, persuade the Asura to place his own finger on his head unwittingly to his own undoing. This episode seems to be picturesquely represented in the first item of the Mohiniyattam called ‘Cholkkettu’ which begins with a pose of the dancer displaying her right hand, the murder of ‘Suchimukha’ with her first finger pointing to her head. So Vaishnava devotees have take the name and called it Mohiniyattam.  Cholkkettu was also considered to be a dance pattern scattered to Lord Siva. There is a sloka in praise of Siva towards the end of the test used for Cholkkettu in Mohiniyattam.

There is a typical costume for Mohini Attam. It is generally simple and white, or off-white. Usually there is a gold brocade, possibly with a border of red. One of the most characteristic signs of the Mohini Attam dancer is the bun of hair worn off-centre. This is very much a characteristic of women from Kerala.The make up is simple and realistic. Nothing garish or loud is worn; the entire ambiance is one of tenderness and refinement. The performers of Mohiniattam dance usually wear an off-white colored sari with gold brocade borders. Hairs of the dancer are gathered in a bun and decorated with jasmine flowers. The Mohiniattam dancer is adorned with Gold Jewellery including necklaces, bangles, waistbands and anklets. The tinkling of the Jewellery produces music as the dancer performs the dance.

Group of girls performing Mohiniyattam

The mudras or hand gestures followed are from the Hastalakshanadeepika. The movements are languid and swaying suggestive of the rise and fall of ocean waves from which Mohini was incarnated. The accompanying music is Carnatic essentially. The vocal music of Mohiniyattam involves variations in rhythmic structure known as chollu. The lyrics are in Manipravalam, a mixture of Sanskrit and Malayalam. The Mohiniyattam dance is performed to this accompaniment by the subtle gestures and footwork of the danseuse. The performer uses the eyes in a very coy yet sensual manner, the purpose being to enchant the mind without enticing the senses.

The real beauty of Mohiniyattam comes through only when mature ladies enact the romantic padams specially written to present the Ashta Nayikas: Swadheena Bharthruka, Khanditha, Abhisarika, Vipralabdha, Kalahandtharitha, Vasakasajja, Proshithabharthruka, Viraholkhanditha.

Tarkarli Beache: Shining Jewel in the Emerald Beaches of Konkan Belt

Tarkarli is a tranquil and serene beach in Maharashtra and it is known for its crystal clear water. Tarkarli is a narrow stretch of beach with pristine waters, located at the convergence of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea. The beach has silk smooth sand along the stretch and Tarkali is dominated by greenery and sparkling blue water.Again the water is so pure that the seabed is visible even if you venture out at the sea.



Tarkarli Beach



Tarkarli has been bestowed with a long coastline which is ideal for those long romantic and nostalgia filled walks. The feeling of soft sand under your nimble toes and the presence of clear water and sky along with the cleanest of breathing air provides a heady feeling. Not to forget that the beach is also the trusted zone for the female turtles. It is not uncommon to find a turtle lazing on the beach or hatching and protecting its eggs.



White Sand Beach



This place has gained prominence because of its transparently clear seas, where on a fairly sunny day, one can see the sea- bed up to a depth of 20 feet. This beach can be rightly called as ‘Queen Beach’ of Sindhudurg. Sea and sand blending in enchanting natural harmony, gracefully cruising boats in calm and cool river waters add to the beauty of this beach.



Sunset at Tarkali Beach



Laze in the hammock or stroll around, this beach is definitely the right place to recharge your senses in complete sanctity. While on a walk, the travelers if fortunate enough could figure turtle laying eggs on the beach side which can bestow the revelers a chance to click some photographs and capture them in the camera.



Tarkarli Beach



How to Reach Tarkarli:

The distance from Mumbai to Tarkarli is 475 km by the NH17 Mumbai-Panvel-Goa highway, or 546 km away if the NH4 Mumbai-Pune-Kolhapur route is chosen. The nearest railway station to Tarkarli beach, is Kudal railway station which is on the Konkan Railway Mumbai-Goa route. You can take a Mumbai-Goa train and get down at Kudal which is just 45 kms away from Tarkarli.

Omkareshwar: An Island of OM

On the banks of river Narmada, there is a huge island on which the fourth of the JyotirLinga “Omkaram Amaleshwar” is situated. This island shaped like the most sacred of Hindu symbols, the Om, a mountainous region covered with ancient temples, the sacred Narmada flowing on either side, smoothening the rough rocks into pebbles to be carried away by pilgrims and venerated as Shiva Lingams, Omkareshwar is all that and more. Omkareshwar, the sanctified island, is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh in central India.




Omkareshwar Temple

 This is the sole reason why the place has drawn to itself hundreds of generations of pilgrims. Omkareshwar is at the conflux of the River Narmada and River Kaveri. The temple of Shri Omkar Mandhata stands on the island, one mile long and half mile wide, which was formed by the fork of the Narmada River. Shri Omkar Mandhata has one Jyotiralingam of Lord Shiva, which is one among the twelve Jyotiralingas throughout India. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit this temple every year just to kneel before the shrine and offer prayer



According to Legend: Once upon a time Narada (son of Lord Brahma), known for his non-stop comic travel, visited Vindhya parvat. In his spicy way Narad told Vindhya Parvat about the greatness of Mount Meru. This made Vindhya jealous of Meru and he decided to be bigger than Meru. Vindhya started worship of Lord Shiva to become greater than Meru. Vindhya Parvat practiced severe penance and worshipped parthivlinga (A linga made from physical material) along with Lord Omkareshwar for nearly six months. As a result Lord Shiva was pleased and blessed him with his desired boon. On a request of all the gods and the sages Lord Shiva made two parts of the lingas. One half is called Omkareshwara and the other Mamaleshwar or Amareshwar. Lord Shiva gave the boon of growing, but took a promise that Vindhya will never be a problem to Shiva's devotees. Vindhya began to grow, but did not keep his promise. It even obstructed the sun and the moon. All deities approached sage Agastya for help. Agastya along with his wife came to Vindhya, and convinced him that he would not grow until the sage and his wife returned. They never returned and Vindhya is there as it was when they left. The sage and his wife stayed in Srisailam which is regarded as Dakshina Kashi and one of the Dwadash Jyotirlinga.

Omkareshwar Island: Omkareshwar is a 6 km long narrow stretch of an island in the river Narmada. It is connected by a bridge. It has many places of interest.

Shri Omkar Mandhata: The temple stands on a one mile long, half mile wide island formed by the fork of the Narmada. The soft stone of which it was constructed has lent its pliable surface to a rare degree of detailed work, of which the frieze figures on the upper portion are the most striking. Also intricately carved is the stone roof of the temple.

Omkareshwar Parikrama: While it is for the temples that most pilgrims visit Omkareshwar, the most interesting thing about the island is the island itself. With its unique shape, the island itself has been venerated, and over centuries, scores of temples have been built on it. The ancients not just built the temples, but also made a path so that one could visit all the temples while circumambulating the entire island.




Veiw of Omkareshwar Temple

 

The Siddnath Temple: A classic example of early medieval Brahminic architecture, this one is well worth a visit. Its most eye-catching feature is a frieze of elephants over 1.5m high carved on a stone slab at its outer perimeter. Elaborate carved figures decorate the upper portion and the roof of the temple. The shrine is encircled by verandahs with columns carved in circles, polygons and squares.

Triveni Sangam: It is the sacred meeting point of Narmada and Kaveri River. Here every stone is considered as Shivalinga. According to legends, in ancient times a yaksha called Kuber performed penance and pleased Lord Shiva. He got a boon from Lord Shiva to be always a king of yakshas. The devotees come to this place to offer tarpan to their ancestors. This is, for a change, clean and perfect for a bath. The clear water with rounded pebbles forming the river bed invites us to sink our feet into it and enjoy a relaxed dip, while the more devout pilgrims (few, at the best of times, since it is almost an hour’s walk from the bridge) offer prayers.

Related Information:Devotees who visit Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain normally also visit Omkareshwar near Indore. Popularly it is referred as twin Jyotirlinga yatra. The distance between Ujjain and Omkareshwar is about 145 km and it takes 3 and half hours by road. One can also plan a connecting journey of Maheshwar, which is 60 km away from Omkareshwar. It is situated between Mandu and Omkareshwar. MP state Road Transport buses and private vehicles are available from Omkareshwar. It combines a wide and beautiful Narmada, very clean ghats, tranquil temples and scenic fort surrounded by pipal, neem and old banayan trees.

Nahan: A crown nested in the Shivalik Hill

Nahan is a charming and quite hill station at a height of 950 m above sea level in Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by undulated hills and lush greenery, this small village is situated on the Shivalik Hills. Nahan is a well laid-out picturesque town, known for its cleanliness and dust free streets. Situated at the Southern tip of Himachal Pradesh, Nahan can be driven to in about 5 hrs from Delhi.





Picturesque view of Nahan

  According to legends, The city is believed to be founded in 1621 by Raja Karan Praksh in 1621. It is beleived the city takes it name from Nahar (The Lion) who was an companion of a saint who used to live here. Nahan meaning “don’t kill” is believed to have got its name from an incident where the king was about to kill a lion and a saint by the name of Baba Banwari Das stopped him saying “nahan”. There are some other legends as well associated with how this hillside town got its name.


Nahan


Nahan situated amidst nature' lap is surrounded by many beautiful places worth visiting. It is known for its many temples, temple festivals, wild life sanctuary, local markets and beautiful scenery. Nahan  is closer to the plains as compared to the peaks. Nahan is a popular among tourist due to its scenic beauty and picturesque surroundings. The forest routes filled with lush greenery adds to the calm nature of the place. Nahan is a small town in the centre of lush green mountains nearby.




RaniTal Lake in Nahan


 Rani Tal is in the heart of Nahan where a large temple and a tank from the days of ex-rulers of Sirmaur State can be seen. Ducks and cranes are aplenty and Ranital Garden further adds to the charm. Pakka Talab is being developed as another poplar tourist centre in the town itself. There are three lonely but loveley attractions for a quite walk in the hill side town- Hospital Round, Military Road and Villa Round. Suketi fossil park also called as Shivalik Fossil Park where it displays life size fiberglass model of pre-historic animals whose fossils and skeletons were unearthed. The park is first of its kind in Asia to be developed at the actual site where fossils were discovered.




Greenfield Valley in Nahan



The hub of Nahan's activities is Chaugan, Bikram Bagh and Khadar-Ka-Bagh. Gift shops, Rosin & Turpine factory and local temples are among the other major attractions. The Mall Road is one of the favourite places to walk along, especially in evening. The handicraft artisans weave good souvenirs, like woollens items and caps for tourists.


Renuka Lake

 Renuka Lake (38 km) and Paonta Sahib Gurudwara (45 km) are the main tourist attractions here. Renuka also has the protected wild life sanctuary. Renuka offers a lake, wildlife and mountains to boot.




Paonta Sahib Gurudwara

 Abundant green woodlands, eminent mountain ranges, absolutely carved river valleys make Nahan a perfect place to holiday for nature and adventure lovers.

If You Go:

Nahan can be reached in about 5 hrs from Delhi.

Rail: The nearest railway stations are Ambala, Chandigarh and Kalka, these places are also connected by regular bus services with Nahan.

Road:
       1. via Dehradun (Uttrakhand) through Paonta Sahib
       2. via Kalaka-Ambala from Haryana and
       3. via Solan from Shimla ( H.P.)
There are regular bus services linking it to the other towns like Manali, Delhi and Haridwar.