Rahila Sagar Sun Temple -Mahoba

The Majestic Rahila Sagar Sun Temple (Locally known as Rahiliya temple) which is ovwr 1000 years old is located 3 km from Mahoba in a southwest direction near Mirtala and Rahiliya village. In this temple, Chandela kings used to worship the sun. In those days the sun was considered as a source of energy, health, and positivity in life and Kings use to worship the sun so they will stay in power for long time.

Rahiliya Sagar Sun Temple was built by 5th Chandela Ruler Rahila dev Varman during his ruling period (890 A.D. – 915 A.D.), which is situated in Rahiliya village which was named after the king Rahila dev. He built a water tank named Rahiliya Sagar and one temple on its bank as well.

The Chandela’s, who also regarded to be Chandravanshi, ruled over much of the Bundelkhand region of central India from the 9th to 13th century. They had their capital city in Khajuraho, which they later shifted to Mahotsava Nagar ( Mahoba).

The garbha griha is adorned with a 1.36 m high sandstone Surya and a smaller idol of Lord Vishnu. The shikhara over the sanctum is tall and curvilinear in shape and design. The intricately carved sculptures, detailing on the base of the walls and pillars and motifs suggests that this temple was completed in the early 10th century. The idols of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesh and Lord Mahesh are stunning and exhibit extraordinary skill and artistry. There is an ancient temple dedicated to Kali Mata also in the complex.

Rahila Sagar sun temple was built in the 9th century by Chandela Dynasty and is considered by experts to be the inspiration behind the design of the Konark temple which was built in the 13th century by Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.