Revvlog

Indians are truly devoted to their philosophy, spirituality, and religion. That is why you’ll find a special emphasis given to all the Gods mythology speaks of. Naturally, even the Sun God – worshipped by a large number of devotees in India — has numerous temples dedicated to him. 

Important things to consider when visiting the Sun Temples of India

When taking road trips in India and especially to the Sun Temples, just keep in mind these essential factors for super convenient tour.

• Best time to travel to the Sun Temples— The best time to visit the Sun Temples of India is during the early morning time when the sun rays fall directly on the temples.

• Other things to do near the temples — There are innumerable other things to do near these temples as well, and once you have visited and admired the sun temple you are visiting you could also drive to the nearby places to visit for sightseeing (especially since you have the comfort and convenience of your own car!).

1. Beach time
2. Sightseeing
3. Bird watching
4. Adventurous tour

Pay homage to the 10 famous Sun Temples situated in India!

• Konark Sun Temple, Odisha
• Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat
• Martand Sun Temple, Kashmir
• Gwalior Sun Temple, Madhya Pradesh
• Unao Balaji Sun Temple, Madhya Pradesh
• Sun Temple, Jharkhand
• Surya Pahar Temple, Assam
• Surya Narayana Temple, Bangalore
• Dakshinaarka Sun Temple, Bihar
• Suryanar Temple, Tamil Nadu

If you need a proper guide for the tour to the Sun Temples of India, then we have got all the necessary details like the location of the temples, visiting time, and prominent pointers:

1. Konark Sun Temple, Odisha

The Konark Sun Temple located in Odisha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well apart from being one of the seven wonders of India. Wondering why? It is because of the unique architectural design of the temple that resembles a huge chariot with intricate carvings and attention to details (like even the wheels of the chariot). The layout of this temple is such that each morning you will find the direct rays of the sun falling on its grand entrance. 

• Timings to visit the temples — 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
• Location — Konark

2. Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat

The Sun Temple of Gujarat is one of the most ancient temples of the country since it was built in the 11th century. Situated just on the banks of the Pushpavati River, this temple is totally an impressive architectural offering with beautiful archways, doorways, pillars, and porches which house the two components of the temple – the assembly hall (Sabha-mandapa) and the prayer hall with the shrine (Gudha-mandapa). Another salient feature of the temple is the deep step-well (kunda) that also has numerous small shrines once you climb down the long flight of stairs. And you’ll be surprised how ancient builders planned the construction so that the sunrays directly fall on the shrine of Surya in this temple.

• Timings to visit this temple — 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Location — Modhera

3. Martand Sun Temple, Kashmir

If you are taking a safe and sanitized car on rent, visiting the Sun Temple in Jammu and Kashmir won’t be difficult for you. It’s actually one of the oldest temples in the country (built in the 8th century). Apart from being a phenomenal example of Hindu architecture with influence of various periods, the location of the temple on the plateau gives a panoramic view of the valley of Kashmir. But presently, it’s in ruins that’s protected by the State as a monument of India.

• Timings to visit the temple — All day long
• Location —Martand

4. Gwalior Sun Temple, Madhya Pradesh

The Surya Mandir or the Sun Temple of Gwalior was built in the year 1988 and is a replica of the design and architecture of the famous Konark Temple of Odisha. This prominent pilgrimage centre sees a huge rush of devotees round the year. 

• Timings to visit the temple — 6:30 am – 6:00 pm
• Location — Gwalior

5. Unao Balaji Sun Temple, Madhya Pradesh

Hop in a self-drive car rental from Datia District in Madhya Pradesh and reach this iconic and prestigious Sun Temple of the State. Built back in the pre-historic times, this temple exudes classical style architecture. The shrine here is placed on a brick platform covered with black plates. The deity is surrounded by 21 triangular spokes that represent the various phases of the sun. Devotees believe that skin diseases can be cured by praying here. 

• Timings to visit the temple — Open 24 hours
• Location — Unnao

6. Sun Temple, Jharkhand

The Surya Mandir of Jharkhand is an impressive architectural wonder resembling a huge chariot with eighteen wheels and horses at its entrance which look really astounding and almost real. During the Chaath Pooja devotees take a dip in the pond of the temple complex to absolve their sins.

• Time to visit the temple — 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Location — Ranchi

7. Surya Pahar Temple, Assam

The Surya Pahar Temple can be rightly called as the hidden gem of Assam. Having several Shiva-lingas and a sculpture of twelve armed Vishnu, this temple is truly magnificent artistically and also significant for the Hindu Religion. 

• Time to visit the temple — Open 24 hours
• Location — Goalpara Town

8. Surya Narayana Temple, Bangalore

Located in Bangalore, the Surya Narayana Temple is one of the most significant Sun Temples of India. The typical Chola Dynasty architecture of this temple makes it totally a unique monument of the country. 

• Time to visit the temple — 8:00 am -8:30 pm
• Location — Domlur

9. Dakshinaarka Sun Temple, Bihar

The Dakshinaarka sun temple is a very ancient temple located in Gaya, Bihar, that flaunts ancient images of the Sun God Aditya and dome shaped structure with lovely sculptures. The temple finds mention in the ancient scripture Vaayu Purana. Devotees pray for the deceased ancestors near the Surya Kunda or Dakshina Maanas located here.

• Time to visit the temple — Open 24 hours
• Location — Gaya

10. Suryanar Temple, Tamil Nadu

The historic Suryanar Kovil Temple exuding a fine example of Dravidian architecture, dedicated to the Sun God, is also one of the nine Navagraha Temples in South India. The shrines for the nine deities in the temple are worshipped along with the consorts of Surya, Usha Devi and Pratyusha Devi.

• Time to visit the temple — Open 24 hours
• Location — Kumbakonam

Well, the list does not stop here (incredible India!) – the Ibudhou Korouhanba Temple in Manipur, the Katarmal temple near Nainital, Sun Temple at Kalpi (Uttar Pradesh), Soorya Narayana Temple near Mangalore, the two Biranchinarayan Temples in Odisha, Multan Aditya Temple (Punjab), Navlakha Temple in Gujarat, Katarmal sun temple in Uttarakhand – the list can go on. Just be sure to hire a car rental from Revv so that your journey towards these sun temples is seamless.