surya mandir (sun temple), gwalior

Introduction:
Surya Mandir, Gwalior is one of the important destinations in the historical city of Gwalior.Well revered among the Holy Places in Gwalior, Surya Mandir in Gwalior in India is thronged by numerous pilgrims and regular tourists every year. Indianholiday offers online travel guide on Surya Mandir, Gwalior.

Having some of the best tourist spots like the Gwalior Fort, Man Mandir Palace, Sas Bahu Ka Mandir and Teli Ka Mandir, the city has a charm of its own.


History:
The Surya Mandir, Gwalior or the Sun Temple was constructed in 1988 by G.D Birla, the famous industrialist of India. It is influenced by the famous Sun Temple at Konark in Orissa. The city of Gwalior dates back to the 8th century and has been witness to some of the greatest Rajput clans like the Prathiharas, the Kachwahs and the Tomars. Stories go around that Maharaja Suraj Sen of the Kachwaha dynesty was down with a deadly disease and was cured by the hermit-saint Gwalipa. It was out of gratitude to him that Suraj Sen built the City of Gwalior.

Description:
The Surya Mandir, Madhya Pradesh is one of the new entrants into the list of the places of interest in Gwalior. The temple is one of the architectural wonders and has a beautiful sculpture of Lord Surya in the temple premises.Surya Temple, Gwalior has captivating exteriors which has been built of red sand stone.The temple interior has white marble and this adds to the exotic beauty of this marvelous creation.

A temple built by Birla group is dedicated to the Sun god, the Sun Temple is located near residency at Morar, Gwalior. It is a facsimile of the famous Sun temple of Konark, Orissa and now this sun temple is one among the significant pilgrimage centers in Gwalior. It is the place which gives best examples of peace and neatness in gwalior.

The temple is located in a serene ambience and a well-maintained garden within the temple premises is very attractive. This holy temple draws the locals and tourists alike who gather here to render their prayers. It makes one astounded that a shrine of comparatively modern origin holds such a highest regard, and became one among the most sought after pilgrimage centers in the city.

When ever we heard about Sun Temple, then only one place strikes our head, KONARK in Orissa, also known as 'Black Pagoda'. 

But recently I found another temple dedicated to Sun God in Gwalior and was quite amazed. This was my first experience to see the statue of Sun God and never before I heard about any other Sun Temple.

The Temple(Vivaswana Mandir) was built by the famous Industrialist Mr. G. D. Birla during the 90s.

All the typical features of the temple resembles the Original Sun Temple in Konark. The whole Temple is assumed as a platform on a Chariot with big big wheels and is pulled by horses. You can notice the sculptures of many Hindu deities being carved outside.

Being a Sun Temple, the technical Sun-path diagram is properly followed for the orientation of the Temple and there are light wells designed in such a way that, it allows the Sun ray to fall on the beautifully carved sculpture of Sun God all the time when it is available.

How to reach?

This is quite popular and is near cantonment area. You can ask any local GPS for 'Surya Mandir' or Birla Temple. Please do a visit if you are in or around Gwalior. You might find the place bit isolated, but I bet the temple is worth a visit.

http://www.mustseeindia.com/Gwalior/how-to-reach

Where to Stay! 

'The Central Park' is one of the best hotels there and I personally have a very good experience. Budget hotels can be found near the railway station.

What else to see?: Never ever miss Gwalior Fort if you like 'Historical Architectural Ruins' and the Jain carving on the natural hills on the way to the Fort. My knowledge says it is the biggest Jain statue in India.

Best time to Visit: 

October to March, means during Winters.

Connectivity: 

Road, Rail and Air