Maharaja Nagbhatta –II, built the Sun Temple at Jhalrapatan
in Jhalawar, Rajasthan, in 814 AD and the architecture of the temple is quite
similar to the Konark Sun Temple. The sun temple was renovated during the later
part of 19th century. Lord Surya is worshipped here as Shri Padmanathji.
The murti of Surya in the temple is four armed and is in
standing posture. The murti is carved out of white stone.
A unique aspect of the shrine is that the first rays of sun
touch the feet of the idol.
The architecture of the shrine is chariot style. The temple
is crowned with a finely carved shikhara.
The shikhara is built in layers and
the size of the pillars decreases as height increases.
The temple is intricately carved and there are numerous
sculptures on the pillars and on the exterior and interior walls.
Some of the note worthy aspects of the architecture are upward
blooming eight-petal lotus is extremely beautiful. The height of the pinnacle
is 97 feet. Toran Dwar, Mandapa, Nija Mandir, Garbha Griha are beautifully
built.
Jhalawar Sun Temple Timings
The shrine is open for worship daily from 7:00 AM to 10:30
AM and from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Rath Yatra, Janmashtami, Dasara, Viman Utsav, Baishakh or
Makar Sankranti, Purnima and Kartik Purnima are the festivals and important
dates in the temple.
The temple follows Vaishnava tradition – the pushti marg
sect.