On the Saturday that we visited the Step Wells, we also stopped at the Sun Temple in Gujarat. It was built in a time frame similar to the wells, in the same area, with similar materials, so the techniques and carvings are somewhat similar.
 |
| Photo by Mark W. Laughlin |
As you enter the park and walk up to the temple, you first come to the edge of the temple pool. Like the wells, the water level rises and falls with the wet and dry seasons. It's in the sun, so it has the color of the emerald green algae.
.
 |
| Photo by Mark W. Laughlin |
Steps are built into the walls, or more like the stones that make up the walls are arranged to form steps. Apparently, the ceremonies would begin with the leaders proceeding down the steps on the side away from the temple, and swimming across. Having crossed the water, they would emerge and walk up the steps, into the temple.
 |
| Photo by Mark W. Laughlin |
There are a half-dozen of these intricate columns in and around the pool area.
 |
| Photo by Mark W. Laughlin |
Carvings on surfaces and columns are just as intricate as at the wells.
 |
| Photo by Mark W. Laughlin |
Lots of folks were sightseeing, taking photos...
 |
| Photo by Mark W. Laughlin |
...photos of the temple, and of people visiting the temple...
 |
| Photo by Mark W. Laughlin |
You can see the size of the pool...
 |
| Photo by Mark W. Laughlin |
By comparison, the temple is actually quite small, just a "1-room" open-air structure in front, and a second 1-room sized building behind it.
 |
| Photo by Mark W. Laughlin |
We take our shoes off before entering.
 |
| Photo by Mark W. Laughlin |
Just look at the carving...!
 |
| Photo by Mark W. Laughlin |
Indian ladies wear such a variety of color !
 |
| Photo by Mark W. Laughlin |
These guys were "hanging out" in the rear of the temple.
 |
| Photo by Mark W. Laughlin |
I think this is my favorite, for showing scale and structure.
 |
| Photo by Mark W. Laughlin |
Even the pigeons were cooperating. They made 3 or 4 tight circles, giving me several opportunities to catch them over the temple.
And then back on the road. We trekked around for 12-13 hours that day, driving from Vadodara, to Ahmedabad, to Patan and back. A most productive Saturday !!
 |
| Photo by Mark W. Laughlin |
Y'all take care,
- Mark
 |
| Borrowed from www.maps.google.com |
 |
| Borrowed from www.maps.google.com |
Sun Temple of Gujarat, near Patan.
Constructed in 1026-27 A.D. during the reign of King Bhimdev I of Patan
http://www.gujaratindia.com/about-gujarat/sun-temple.htm
