Sun Temple

The Sun Temple in Jhalrapatan is a 10th-11th century CE temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the Sun God. Standing 97 feet tall with an intricately carved Bhumija-style shikhara, it is considered one of the finest examples of medieval Rajput temple architecture in Rajasthan. The temple features elaborate sculptures on its 52 pillars and outer walls, depicting various deities and celestial beings.

Visitors can explore a magnificent 97-foot tall medieval temple located in the center of the congested old town of Jhalrapatan. The temple features intricate carvings on its pillars and walls, a pillared mandapa hall, and statues of both Vishnu and Surya. The structure is surrounded by residential houses and markets, making it difficult to view the entire temple from a distance. The inner sanctum contains deity statues, though photography may be restricted.

The Sun Temple was founded in 813 AD (Samvat 870) by Maharaja Nagbhatta-II of the Pratihar Rajput clan. It was built during the 10th-11th century CE and later renovated in 1831 during the reign of Maharao Ummaid Singh-I and Prince Kishore Singh. Until the mid-19th century, a gold idol of the Sun God was housed in the sanctum but was carried off during the 1857 Mutiny. The temple represents one of the oldest and finest examples of medieval temple architecture in Rajasthan.

The temple is dedicated to both Lord Vishnu and the Sun God Surya, reflecting the syncretic nature of Hindu worship. It follows the Pushtimarg tradition for daily rituals including Mangla, Gwal, Bhog, and Shayan Aaratis. Jhalrapatan is known as the 'City of Bells' due to its historical association with 108 temples, and the Sun Temple remains the town's most prominent religious and architectural landmark.