The Sun Temple

Location, History and Architecture of The Sun Temple, Visiting hours in The Sun Temple.


Location of The Sun Temple:

This ancient Temple is situated at a distance of 7 Km from Jhalawar City within the old walls of Jhalara Patan town, District Jhalawar, Rajasthan.

History of The Sun Temple:

The Temple is dedicated to Shri Padam Nath Ji.

It was built in 813 A.D. by Maharaja Nagbhatta –II of the Pratihara Rajpoot clan. It was renovated in the year 1679 A.D. during the reign of Kota Maharao Ummaid Singh-I and prince Kishore Singh by Zhala Jalim Singh Deevan. The idol of Shri Padam Nath Ji was installed and a golden Kalash was placed on this Temple on this day. This fact is engraved on a slab at the main entrance of the Temple.

Architecture of The Sun Temple:

The canopy on the main entrance is a blend of the Mughal and Rajput styles of architecture. The Temple has been constructed with finely carved stones and the architecture is also unique and one of its own kind in Rajasthan. This is the only Sun Temple built in Konark style of architecture in Rajasthan State. This temple was called a ‘Second Khajuraho’ by Cunningham, a historian. Its interior and exterior walls are adorned with statues and statuettes. The Pinnacle is 97 Feet in height. The upward blooming eight petalled lotus, Pinnacles and Kalash of other shikhars and domes, the Toran Dwar, Mandap, Nij Mandir, Garbhagriha are beautifully built. The ceiling of the Mandap has carvings of statuettes of Sages. The statues at the back side of the Temple are the best examples of sculpture.

The inner temple is square shaped, built in the Nagar style and has a shikhar. Though this is a sun temple, but the four-armed black stone idol of Padmanathji in a standing posture is installed on a wooden throne. Lord Surya has been conceived as four armed God called Narayan. This idol is in white stone and the first rays of the sun touch the feet of this idol.

Visiting Hours:

The Temple remains open on all days from 7.00 A.M. to 10.30 A.M. and 3.30 P.M. to 6.30 P.M.


Image - The Sun Temple

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The Sun Temple