India’s first “solar village” was established at Modhera. A 6 MW solar energy system, including a 15 MWh battery energy storage system on 12 hectares of land approximately 3 kilometres from the town, provides the village with all of its electrical needs. Out of the 1600 homes in the community, 271 had rooftop solar systems installed.
Details of the Project
- The solarisation of Modhera Sun Temple and the town was started by the national and Gujarat governments to supply 24-hour solar electricity powered by a solar power plant combined with Battery Energy Storage System at a place called Sujjanpura in the district Mehsana, around 5 km distant from the Sun Temple.
- 12 hectares of property were given for this project’s implementation by the Gujarati government. The state and Union governments split an expenditure of Rs 80.66 crore into two parts 50:50. Rs 69 crore made up the first stage, and Rs 11.66 crore in the next phase.
Modhera village in the Mehsana district of Gujarat was continuously established as the nation’s first hamlet to be powered by solar energy on October 9 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to Modi, Modhera, well-known for its ancient Sun temple constructed during the Chalukya period, would become recognised as a “solar-powered community.”
According to the Hindustan Times, When addressing a large crowd, Modi remarked, “We shall no longer pay for electricity, but will instead sell it and earn from it. Earlier, the government supplied power to residents; now, with the installation of solar panels, citizens will now produce their own electricity.”
“A new energy of growth has been infused in Modhera, Mehsana, and the whole region of north Gujarat. From electricity, and water to road and rail. Many projects related to dairy, skill development and healthcare have been inaugurated and foundation stones have been laid today,” Modi added.
Historical Background of Modhera
- Modhera is a hamlet in the Gujarat district of Mehsana. The Sun Temple from the Chaulukya dynasty is the town’s most famous landmark. On the Pushpavati River’s bank is where the town is situated.
- In the Puranic era, the settlement was referred to as Dharmaranya. Rama is said to have done a yajna here to atone for the evil of murdering the Brahmin Ravana. He constructed Modherak, which eventually became Modhera. In the years 1026–1027, during Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty, the Sun Temple was built at this location.
- The settlement has the Gyaneshwari stepwell, which dates to the 16th and 17th centuries. Instead of the traditional temple at the end of the stepwell, this one features one at the first pavilion.
About the Sun Temple
The Sun Temple of Modhera is a Hindu place of worship in Gujarat, India that honours the sun lord Surya. It is situated in the Modhera hamlet in the Mehsana district. It is situated near the bank of the Pushpavati River. It was constructed following 1026–1027 CE, during Bhima I’s rule over the Chaulukya dynasty. Currently, no ceremony is performed at this protected site, which the Archaeological Survey of India maintains.
The Temple structure has three components:
- The shrine chamber
- The assembly hall
- The reservoir
The pillars and outside of the halls are artistically carved. There are countless little shrines and steps leading down to the reservoir’s base.
