Sun has been revered since Vedic age with many hymns written for the celestial body. It is worshipped as Aditya or Surya. There are many rituals in practice for worshipping the deity. Many temples have also been constructed with Sun as the chief deity. Sun temples are even found in Japan, Egypt, China, etc. Some of the Rajput clans, namely “Suryavanshi”, worship Sun and claim themselves to be the descendants of the deity. Some of the major temples in India are:
1. Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat.- It was built in the 11th century
2. Konark Sun temple, Odisha. - It was made by Narasimhadeva I, the Eastern Ganga king in 13th century. It is in a shape of “Rath”(Chariot) with mandapa on a raised platform.
The intentional-damage theory is supported by Mughal era records that mention the Muslim invader Kalapahad attacking and destroying Jagannath Puri and the Konark temple.
3. Martand Sun Temple, Anantnag, Kashmir
Built in 8th century, the temple is believed to be completed by king Lalitadatiya Muktapida of Karakota dynasty. It was an example of Kashmiri architectural skill. It was destroyed by Islamic ruler Sikandar Butshikan in 15th century and is now in ruins.
4. Brahmanya Dev Temple, Unao (Madhya Pradesh)
5. Suryanaar Kovil, Kumbakonam (Tamil Nadu) was built in 11th century in Dravidian style. It also has shrines of eight celestial bodies, together called ‘Navagraha’. It has beautiful fivelayered Gopuram.
6.Suryanarayana Swamy temple, Arasavalli (Andhra Pradesh). It is said to be made by a Kalinga king in 7th century. The idol is made of granite and holds a lotus.
7.Dakshinaarka Temple, Gaya (Bihar) is said to be built by King Prataparuda of Warangal in 13th century AD. The deity is made in granite and the idol wears Persian attire like waist girdle, boots and a jacket. It has a Surya Kund (water reservoir) nearby.
8.Navalakha Temple, Ghumli (Gujarat) was made in 11th century. It is built in Solanki and Maru-Gurjara style. It faces east and is built on a large platform.
9. Surya Pahar Temple, Goalpara (Assam)
10. Katarmal Sun temple complex, Almora (Uttarakhand)
