Modhera Sun Temple

Sun Temple at Modhera 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 largest city of Gujarat.  It was built in 1026-27 AD during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty. No worship is offered now and is protected monument maintained by Archaeological Survey of India. Earlier, during 1024-25, Mahmud of Ghazni had invaded Bhima's kingdom, and a force of around 20,000 soldiers had unsuccessfully tried to check his advance at Modhera. Historian A. K. Majumdar theorizes that the Sun Temple might have been built to commemorate this defence.

In 1026, the temple was built by King Bhimdev of the Solanki dynasty (believed to be the descendants of the lineage of Sun God). This ancient temple revives the reminiscences of Sun Temple at Konark in Orissa. 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.

Legendary Past

Although the districts of Patan and Mehsana are best remembered for the historical lineage of the Solanki dynasty, the area around Modhera traces its origins to antiquity. Puranic references refer to the place as ‘Modherak’ or ‘Moherak’ meaning mounds of the dead, and the locale has seen layers upon layers of settlements. Jain Manuscripts refer to the land as ‘Bhagvad Gram’. The Brahmapurana and the Skandapurana, alludes the legendary land of ‘Dharmavanyakshetra’ or land of righteousness to the area around Modhera.

Legend narrates that after vanquishing Ravanain battle, Lord Rama and Sita halted here on their way back. After due consultations with sage Vashishtha, Lord Rama decided to conduct a yagna here to cleanse himself of the sin of killing a Brahmin, namely Ravana who was a Shaivite and one of Shiva’s most glorious disciples. This yagna was performed by a local Brahmin belonging to the Modh community thus originated the name Modhera. There is even a temple of Modheshwari, a manifestation of the mother goddess near by.

Architecture

The brilliant architecture of the temple is one of its own class. The temple encompasses three different yet axially-aligned and integrated constituents. As per the Konark Temple, 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 was plundered by Mahmud Ghazni; still the architectural grandeur is not vanished. No matter what is left, yet the remnants provide a great enchantment to behold.

Erected on a high platform, the Temple appears majestic with its grand structure. However, the spires are out of the scene, but the 'Toranas' (Archways) that lead to the main halls overshadow the absence of spires or shikhars. 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. Actually, the Sun Temple is divided into three parts namely Surya Kund, Sabha Mandap and Guda Mandap.

Surya Kund

Surya Kund is a deep stepped tank in the front of the temple. The tank was named after the Lord Surya (Sun God). In the earlier times, this 100 sq meter rectangular tank was used to store pure water. The devotees used to take a halt here for ceremonial ablutions before moving towards the temple. Not less than 108 shrines mark the steps of this tank including the shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Sheetala Mata and many others. In front of this tank, a huge 'torana' (archway) leads to the Sabha Mandap.

Sabha Mandap

Literally, Sabha Mandap refers to an assembly hall where religious gatherings and conferences are conducted. This hall is open from all the four sides and has 52 delicately carved pillars. The intricate carvings depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata (Indian Epics) and scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. In order to get into the Sanctum Sanctorum, one has to cross the passage with pillars and arches.

Guda Mandap

Guda Mandap is the sanctum sanctorum that is supported by a lotus-base plinth. Once, this hall used to house the idol of the Sun God. The designing of the hall was done in a way, so that the idol gets the first glimpse of the Sun at equinoxes. However, the idol was plundered by Mahmud Ghazni yet the walls represent the Sun God in his 12 different facets of each month. The carved walls also depict the aspects of human life like the vicious circle of birth and death. The façade of this hall was renovated in the recent years, despite the fact that the roof over the Guda Mandap had already been shattered.

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.

Decline

With the waning of the Solanki dynasty and a decline in Sun worship, vagaries of time'Islamic iconoclasts and devastating' earthquakes have all chipped at this structures form. Mehmood Ghazni during his raid of Gujarat marched into the Solanki Empire creating mayhem and after a great deal of loot and plunder was finally attacked by a regrouped Solanki army under Bhimdev which through knowing the terrain well destroyed almost half of the Muslim army and Mehmood and his shattered remnants had to flee to Ghazni where his death occurred in Ad 1030.

Owing to this ignomous defeat Gujarate njoyed immunity from foreign invasion for a period of 160 years. This peace was disturbed by the arrival of Allauddin Khilji, who after occupying Delhi and the north looked towards Gujarat as an ocean link for trade. Master pieces of Solanki architecture including Modhera once again defaced and plundered. Not content with just looting the temple marauding soldiers under royal command placed gun powder in the Garbagruha and set fire to it creating an explosion that damaged and caused the main shikhara to collapse.

In spite of it all and a shikhara missing the Modhera sun temple is still a magnificent work of art in stone and if your Itinerary allows you only one town in this region, then by all means make it to Modhera.

How to get there-

By road: Distance from Ahmedabad to Modhera is 101 km and it takes around 1.45 hours. From Mehsana it is 26 km.

By rail: The train can take you as far as Mehsana (1.5 hours).

By air: Nearest airport is Ahmedabad

Vasant Panchami

Vasant Panchami is a famous festival that marks the end of the winter season and ushers in the springtime. As 'Diwali' – the festival of light – is to Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity, and 'Navaratri' is to Durga, goddess of power and valor, Vasant Panchami is to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and arts. This festival is celebrated every year on the 5th day or ‘Panchami’ of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Magha, which falls during January-February, (see calendar). ‘Vasant’ comes from the word ‘spring’ as this festival heralds the beginning of the spring season.

The significance of the day lies in the worship of Goddess Saraswati, symbol of wisdom and also the onset of spring season.

According to the popular belief, the origins of this festival lie in Aryan period. Aryans came and settled in India through Khyber Pass, crossing the Saraswati River among many others. Being a primitive civilization, most of their development took place along the banks of the River Saraswati. Thus, River Saraswati began to be associated with fertility and knowledge. It is then that the day began to be celebrated.

According to mythology, a popular associated with this day is connected with poet Kalidasa. After he was married off to a beautiful princess through trickery, the princess kicked him out of her bed as she learned that he was foolish. Following this, Kalidasa went to commit suicide, upon which Saraswati emerged from the waters and asked him to take a dip there. After taking a dip in the holy waters, Kalidasa became knowledgeable and began writing poetry. Thus, Vasant Panchami is celebrated to venerate Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of education and learning.

In today's times, the festival is celebrated by farmers as the on-coming of the spring season. The day is largely celebrated in Northern Parts of India. Here, people offer food to the Brahmins and organize rituals in the name of Goddess Saraswati.

The color yellow is the predominant color associated with the festival, the origins of which are supposed to be the fields of mustard which can be seen in Punjab and Haryana during this period. Kite flying is also commonly associated with this festival. Children as well as adults fly kites on this day to celebrate freedom and enjoyment. Young girls wear bright yellow dresses and participate in the festivities. The color yellow holds a special meaning for this celebration as it signifies the brilliance of nature and the vibrancy of life. The whole place bursts with yellow during the festival.

People dress in yellow and they offer yellow flowers to others and to the gods and goddesses. They also prepare and feast on a special pastry called kesar halwa or kesar halva, which is made from flour, sugar, nuts, and cardamom powder. This dish also includes saffron strands, which gives it a vibrant yellow color and mild fragrance. During the Vasant Panchami festival, India’s crop fields are filled with the color yellow, as the yellow mustard flowers bloom at this time of the year. Pens, notebooks, and pencils are placed near the goddess Devi's feet to be blessed before they are used by students.

It is believed that on this day goddess Saraswati was born. The Goddess Sarasvati is the goddess of intellect and learning. She has four hands which symbolize ego, intellect, alertness and the mind. She carries a lotus and scriptures in two of her hands and she plays music on the veena (an instrument similar to a sitar) with her other two hands. She rides on a white swan. Her white dress is a symbol for purity. Her swan signifies that people should have the ability to discern the good from the bad.

The goddess Sarasvati, sitting on a lotus, symbolizes her wisdom. She is also well-versed in the experience of truth. When the goddess is seen sitting on a peacock, it is a reminder that a strong ego can be held back by wisdom.

Hindus celebrate Vasant Panchami with great fervor in temples, homes and even schools and colleges. Saraswati’s favorite color white assumes special significance on this day. Statues of the goddess are dressed in white clothes and are worshiped by devotees adorning white garments. Saraswati is offered sweets which are given away as ‘prasad’ to all people attending the ritual worship.

There is also a custom of ancestor worship, known as ‘Pitri-Tarpan’ in many parts of India during Vasant Panchami

The most significant aspect of Vasant Panchami is that it is also the most auspicious day to begin laying one’s foundations of education – of how to read and write. Pre-school children are given their first lesson in reading and writing on this day. All Hindu educational institutions conduct special prayer for Saraswati on this day. It is also a great day to inaugurate training institutes and new schools – a trend made famous by the renowned Indian educationist Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya (1861-1946), who founded the Banaras Hindu University on Vasant Panchami day in 1916.

Here is the text of the popular 'pranam mantra' or Sanskrit prayer, Saraswati devotees utter with utmost devotion on this day:

Om Saraswati Mahabhagey, Vidye Kamala Lochaney |
Viswarupey Vishalakshmi, Vidyam Dehi Namohastutey ||
Jaya Jaya Devi, Charachara Sharey, Kuchayuga Shobhita, Mukta Haarey |
Vina Ranjita, Pustaka Hastey, Bhagavati Bharati Devi Namohastutey ||

Saraswati Vandana: Sanskrit Hymn:

Yaa Kundendu tushaara haaradhavalaa, Yaa shubhravastraavritha|
Yaa veenavara dandamanditakara, Yaa shwetha padmaasana||
Yaa brahmaachyutha shankara prabhritibhir Devaisadaa Vanditha|
Saa Maam Paatu Saraswatee Bhagavatee Nihshesha jaadyaapahaa||
English Translation:

"May Goddess Saraswati,
who is fair like the jasmine-colored moon,
and whose pure white garland is like frosty dew drops;
who is adorned in radiant white attire,
on whose beautiful arm rests the veena,
and whose throne is a white lotus;
who is surrounded and respected by the Gods, protect me.

May you fully remove my lethargy, sluggishness, and ignorance."

शुक्रवार को करें इन में से करें कोई भी उपाय

शुक्रवार के दिन मां लक्ष्मी की पूजा और उनके निमित व्रत रखा जाता है। इस दिन व्रत रखने से और कुछ खास उपाय करने से आपके धन में वृद्धि होगी। घर की सुख-समृद्धि बनी रहेगी और आपकी सभी मनोकामनाएं पूरी होंगी। साथ ही बिजनेस में बढ़ोत्तरी होगी, आर्थिक स्थिति बेहतर होगी और आपकी किस्मत के सितारे आपका पूरा साथ देंगे।

शुक्रवार को करें इन में से करें कोई भी उपाय-

1. अगर आप चाहते हैं कि आपके घर में कभी धन की कमी न हो। तो आप शुक्रवार के दिन सवा किलो चावल को सफेद कपड़े की पोटली में बांधकर अपनी तिजोरी में रख दें। ऐसा करने से आपके घर में लक्ष्मी मां की कृपा से कभी धन की कमी नहीं होगी।
2. सदा लक्ष्मी जी की कृपा आपके ऊपर बनी रहे, इसके लिए शुक्रवार के दिन मां लक्ष्मी को कमल का फूल भी अर्पित करें। माता की कृपा सदा आप पर बनी रहेगी।
3. पैसों के साथ ही घर में कभी अन्न की कमी न हो, इसके लिये शुक्रवार के दिन 5 एकाक्षी नारियल लेकर, एक पीले कपड़े में बांधकर अपने रसोईघर के पूर्व स्थित कोने में रख दें। ऐसा करने से आपको घर में कभी भी अन्न-धन की कमी महसूस नहीं होगी।
4. अगर आपके घर में पैसों की तंगी रहती है तो आप 5 शुक्रवार तक मां लक्ष्मी को सफेद फूलों से बनी माला चढ़ाएं। ऐसा करने से आपकी पैसों से संबंधी परेशानी का हल जल्द ही मिलेगा।
5. अगर आपको अपने जीवन में सच्चे साथी की तलाश है तो आप शुक्रवार के दिन दूध और चावल की खीर बनाएं। ध्यान रहे उस खीर में शक्कर की जगह मिश्री डालनी है । अब इस खीर का भोग देवी मां को लगाएं। भोग लगाने के बाद प्रसाद छोटी कन्याओं में बांट दें। ऐसा करने से आपको जल्द ही अथाह प्रेम करने वाला जीवन साथी मिलेगा।
6. परिवार के सदस्यों के बीच सामंजस्य स्थापित करने के लिए शुक्रवार के दिन 11 कन्याओं को भोजन कराएं और कुछ गिफ्ट करें। अगर 11 कन्याओं को भोजन नहीं करा सकते तो 5 को कराएं, 2 को कराएं और वो भी नहीं कर सकते, तो दो कन्याओं को फल का दान करें। ऐसा करने से परिवार में सामंजस्य की स्थिति बनी रहेगी।
7. यदि आप चाहते हैं कि आपकी सोची हर मुराद आसानी से पूरी हो जाए तो आप शुक्रवार के दिन शाम के समय लक्ष्मी जी के आगे सोने की अंगूठी रखकर या फिर कुम्हार के घुमते हुए चाक से मिट्टी लाकर रख दें और उसकी विधि-विधान से पूजा करें। ऐसा करने से आपका सोचा हुआ काम जल्द ही पूरा होगा।
8. यदि आपके किसी काम में बार-बार अड़चनें आ रही हैं, समय रहते काम पूरा नहीं हो पा रहा है तो शुक्रवार के दिन मन में व्रत का संकल्प करके मां लक्ष्मी के निमित व्रत करें और संभव हो तो आगे के लिये भी शुक्रवार के दिन व्रत जारी रख सकते हैं। आपकी सारी मनोकामनाएं जल्द ही पूरी होंगी।

Shaakambhari Devi

Shaakambhari Devi is said to be an aspect of Goddess Durga.  Shakambhari means She who nourishes by bringing (ambhari) vegetation or herbs (shaaka).  She is also called Vanashankari or the Goddess of the forest.  She is hailed as Shataakshi because She has one hundred eyes, and sees all things.  She is called Durga because she protects the devotees by removing all difficulties.  She is also called Uma (She who Nourishes, Calms, and Supports), Gauri (She who is Brilliant Illumination); Sati (the Source and Embodiment of Truth), Chandi (She who is Fierce and Intense), Kaalakaa (She who is Darkness destroying all difficulties), and Paarvati (the Goddess of the Mountains / Mother Earth).  She is manifest in the plants and especially in the forest.  Shakambhari Devi protects people in all places, averting all sorts of danger, and so people pray to her for safe passage especially at night and through forests.  Shakmbhari Devi is meditated on having a beautiful blue-colored body and eyes like blue lotuses.  She sits on a lotus and carries a bow and arrows, a lotus, grains, flowers, leaves, sprouts, roots, herbs and medicines, fruits and an abundant pile of vegetables.  Her form removes hunger, thirst (desire), and the fear of death.  Meditating on her form quickly removes sorrows, averts difficulties and darkness, and destroys all troubles and sorrows.  She grants eternal nourishment and fulfillment to Her devotees and grants immortality.

Story of Shakambhari Devi

The Story of Shakambhari Devi is recounted in the Devi Maahaatmyam (Chandi Paatham / Chapt. 11), the Devi Bhagavata Puranam (Chapt 28), and the Muurti Rahasyam (an addendum to the Chandi Paatham).  In these stories, Goddess Shakambhari is said to be an incarnation (avataara) of the Divine Mother Durga who took birth on Earth without human parents to dispel darkness for the benefit of humanity.  According to the stories a great Demon named Durgamasura (or Durgam) had performed rigorous tapasya (austerities) and had acquired all four Vedas (and all Knowledge, which is said to emanate from the Vedas).  In addition, Durgam was granted a boon from Lord Brahma that all offerings made to the Gods reached him instead, so that any efforts to seek Divine mercy by the people only gave more power to him.  Durgamasura represents the insurmountable ego, and this story describes the way that worldliness, selfishness, conceit, agitation, and confusion effect the world in times of darkness leading to drought.  Drought can be understood figuratively, to mean a lack of spiritual consciousness, but also literally as people’s agitated consciousness does tend to agitate the natural forces.  In dark times when human consciousness is devoid of spiritual qualities like compassion, mercy, generosity, and love, people act out greedy and violent impulses and this does actually cause drought and famine to effect the world.

Durgamasura represents the insurmountable plight of the ego, which causes itself endless suffering on account of the false perception of separation.  Spiritual consciousness knows that all good which is done returns in time to the doer and that serving humanity with compassion and generosity is really serving oneself because all things are interconnected in God.  As a result of Durgamasura’s taspsya, darkness grasped human consciousness and a hundred year drought struck the Earth and a terrible famine ravaged all creatures.  The Sages took refuge in caves in the Himalayas and meditated on the benevolent Divine Mother, who appeared before them with countless eyes and bearing nourishing vegetation.  She was moved by the plight of humanity and tears of compassion fell from Her eyes for nine days, which formed a river which ended the drought and nourished all life on Earth.  In response to the request of the Sages for Her to retrieve the Vedas from Durgamasura, Devi took the form of the Dasha Mahaavidyas (the Ten Great Wsdom Goddesses) and 64,000 other Goddesses and battle with Durgamasura ensued.  Eventually, the Great Mother defeated Durgamasura, slaying him with her Trishula (trident).  Shakambhari Amman is decorated with a variety of fruits and veggies to honor her power of nourishment and abundance.  She is called Durga because she overcame this insurmountable darkness.  Shakambhari Devi is the same as the Vedic Goddess Aranyaani, the Goddess of the forest praised in the Rik Veda (10th Mandala 146th Suktam).

Shakambhari Devi's Mantras

The Mantras and Meditations of Shakambhari Devi are said to give protection, avert danger and difficulties, remove sorrows, dispel demons and darkness, and to provide nourishment, abundance of vegetables, fruits, flowers, roots, medicines, food and drink, grains and wealth.  When nourished by the spiritual shakti of the Goddess a person will never have fear or hunger but enjoy amrita and ananda immortal and eternal bliss.  Devi's mantras have the power to easily overcome insurmountable obstacles and difficulties and to break through impossible impediments.

She is meditated on with a blue body and many eyes and with bow and arrow and surrounded by an abundance of grains.  For worship fruits and veggies are offered.  Her mantras and tantras are needed now to dispel the materialism of people which has led to a spiritual “drought” of consciousness.  Her mantras have the power of the mantras of Goddess Durga and also possess the power of all 10 of the Dasha Maha Vidyas (Great Wisdom Goddesses) who are said to have been generated from Shakambhari Devi.  People chant the mantras of the Maha Vidyas to overcome all difficulties indicated by the 9 planets or the rising sign in a person’s birth chart, and so the mantras of Shakambhari Devi can be used for this purpose also.  May Devi Nourish  all living creation with spiritual fulfillment.