Vadnagar, Sun Temple of Modhera and Unakoti

Why in news?

• Gujarat’s Vadnagar town, the iconic Sun Temple at Modhera and the rock cut sculptures of Unakoti in Tripura have been added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

About Sun Temple of Modhera:

• The Sun Temple of Modhera is located in Gujarat. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya.
• It is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati.
• It was built after 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty (Solanki dynasty).
• The temple complex is built in M?ru-Gurjara style (Solanki style).
• The temple consists of the main temple shrine (garbhagriha), a hall (gadhamandapa), an outer hall or assembly hall (rangamandapa) and a sacred pool (Kunda) which is now called Ramakunda.
• It is built with bright yellow sandstone.
• The temple is the Monument of National Importance and is maintained by the Archeological Survey of India.

About Vadnagar town:

• It is a municipality under Mehsana district of Gujarat. The history of Vadnagar stretches back to nearly 8th century BCE.
• The town has evolved with time and has an early historic fortified settlement, hinterland port, centre for industries of shells and beads, late medieval town, religious centre/temple town, a significant junction on trade routes and mercantile town.
• Vadnagar was visited by a Chinese traveler named Hiuen Tsang, who wrote about the township in his travelogue 1400 years ago.

About rock cut sculptures of Unakoti:

• It is located in the northeastern region of Tripura. It is known as an ancient holy place associated with Shaiva worship.
• The site is a massive gallery set in a forested area displaying a number of towering low relief images in a unique style, making it a masterpiece of human creative genius.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Recently Sun Temple at Modhera was added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding this temple?

1. The temple complex is built in Solanki style

2. It is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati

3. It is built with yellow sandstone.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3

(d) 1,2 and 3

                D

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