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Modhera

Sun Temple, Modhera

Project Type: Heritage

Innovative Lighting Designs Limited

The Sun Temple of Modhera is a Hindu temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya located at Modhera village of Mehsana district, Gujarat, India. Situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati, it was built after 1026-27 CE during the Chalukya dynasty. In this temple, a gem was studded in the middle of the crown of the Sun God. The entrance gate on the eastern side of this temple is concentrated in such a way that the first ray of the Sun falls directly on a gem that is studded in the middle of the crown of the Sun God. This lights up the entire sanctum, creating a divine atmosphere. In addition, there are 108 small temples surrounding the outside tank, which creates a pleasant sight at dusk and dawn. The temple complex is now a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

ILDL had the privilege to illuminate such an ancient heritage complex with its range of projects. Luminaires having CCT of 2200K have been used in the façade lighting application of the temple to mimic the warmth of the rising sun. In addition, the façade of the Sabhamanḍapa, or assembly hall and the shrine hall, have been illuminated with a light grazing effect with the use of linear grazers that have been mounted on the peripheral boundary wall railing.

The entire pavilion wall has been wall-washed uniformly with the help of linear wall washers mounted on the floor. The trees in the background have been illuminated in a very subtle way. The Shikhara of the temple has been accentuated with multiple spot projectors, which have been mounted on poles. The central kund and the small temples along its periphery have been accentuated with small base-mounted spots. Overall, the complete lighting arrangement of the complex creates a mesmerizing scenic effect when it reflects on the still water of the kund.