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Chief Minister joins G20 representatives in their visit to Modhera Sun Temple

2nd Conference of G20 Chief Science Advisers (27th August to 29th August)

Delegates visit Modhera Sun Temple, Sujanpura Solar Power Generation and Storage Project

The representatives were spellbound by the sculpture, architecture and art of the Sun Temple along with the light and sound show

They were overwhelmed by the astronomical, scientific and religious significance of the Sun Temple

Delegates were impressed by the Bhatigal culture of Gujarat and Chandrayaan-3 theme in the cultural program.

Gandhinagar, August 27: It’s a moment of pride for India as the country has assumed the G20 presidency and is hosting several meetings, thanks to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The second meeting of the Chief Scientific Advisers is being held in Gujarat from August 27 to 29.

On the first day of this second roundtable conference, the participating delegates visited the Sujanpura Solar Plant and the Modhera Sun Temple. They were joined by Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel.

The delegates were overwhelmed by the sculpture, architecture and aesthetics of the Sun Temple. They were dazzled by the light and sound show at the temple and were briefed about its uniqueness and importance.

They were impressed by the video presentation which detailed the origin of the Sun as described from the Vedic period and its influence on humans.

Located at a distance of 25 km from Mehsana, the famous Modhera Sun Temple gives a glimpse into the golden era of the Solanki dynasty. The inscription of Samvat 1083 is engraved in the garbhgrah of this temple from which it can be inferred that it was built in 1027 AD.

Modhera was considered an important pilgrimage in ancient times. The sun temple is currently without a spire, but with the garbhgrah, rangmandap, and gudhmandap which has a total length of about 145 feet. Both the garbhgrah and gudhmandap are 70 feet long and 50 feet wide. The garbhgrah is believed to have six floors with a 176-foot-long and 20-foot-wide sunroom, decorated with artistic carvings.

The rangmandap is in front of the sun temple, located a foot lower than gudhmandap. The rangmandap is studded with exquisite sculptural carvings that are life-like artwork and a sight to behold.

The guests were also apprised of the Uttarardh Mahotsav held every year at this temple.

A performance on Chandrayaan-3, India’s outstanding success, was also presented, which was appreciated by the delegation.

State cooperation minister Shri Jagdish Vishwakarma also accompanied the Chief Minister.

Representatives of Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, EU, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the UK, and the USA were present among the G20 countries.

In addition, representatives of the invited countries including Bangladesh, Oman, the Netherlands, and Nigeria were also present while representatives from the World Health Organization and UNESCO also joined.

Several government dignitaries including Member of NITI Aayog Dr. Vinod Paul, Prof. Ajay K. Sood, Dr. Balasubramaniam, Dr. Parvinder, Dr. Rajiv, and other dignitaries were also present.

Chief Secretary Shri Raj Kumar, Principal Secretary of Panchayat Department, Smt. Mona Khandhar, and Principal Secretary of Department of Science and Technology, Shri Dhananjay Dwivedi were present on the occasion.

Others included Mehsana District Collector Shri M Nagarajan, District Development Officer Dr. Om Prakash, District Superintendent of Police Shri Achal Tyagi, Resident Additional Collector Shri Indrajitsinh Vala, officials of GPCL, TCGL, iNDEXTb and Council of Chief Scientific Advisers were also present.

Source: Information Department, Gujarat