The Sun Temple, located at Modhera village of Mehsana district, Gujarat, is dedicated to solar deity Surya. Situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati, the Temple was built in 1026-27 CE during the Chalukya dynasty. The entrance gate on the eastern side of this temple is concentrated in such a way that the first ray of the sun falls directly on a gem studded in the middle of the crown of the Sun God. This lights up the entire sanctum, creating a divine atmosphere.
Fact File
Project Type: Heritage
Location: Modhera
Design Credit: Design Factory India
Lighting Designer: ILDL
Products Used: Litolux
The Temple complex is now a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. There are 108 smaller temples surrounding the Central Kund (water tank).
Overall, the complete lighting arrangement of the complex creates a mesmerizing scenic effect when it reflects on the still waters of the Kund.
Aryaman Jain, CEO, ILDL
ILDL had the privilege to illuminate this ancient heritage complex. Luminaires having CCT of 2200K were used for lighting up the façade. The design mimics the warmth of the rising sun. The façade of the Sabhamanapa (assembly hall) and the shrine hall are illuminated with a light grazing effect using linear grazers mounted on the peripheral boundary wall railing.
The entire pavilion wall has been wall-washed uniformly with the help of linear wall washers mounted on the floor. The trees in the background have been illuminated in a very subtle way. The Shikhara of the temple has been accentuated with multiple spot projectors mounted on poles. The Central Kund and the small temples along its periphery have been accentuated with small base-mounted spots.
