A 20th century temple to Surya in the Morar area, built in the image of the Konark Sun Temple.
The Sun Temple in Gwalior, usually called the Birla Sun Temple after the family that built it, is a 20th century shrine to Surya in the Morar area of the city. Its design follows the famous Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha, reproduced at smaller scale, so the form is older than the building.
Red sandstone is used outside and white marble inside, and the whole stands in laid out gardens. It is a modern temple rather than a historic monument, which makes it a quiet, well kept stop rather than an archaeological one, and the gardens are as much a part of the visit as the shrine.
The red sandstone exterior follows the chariot form of the Konark Sun Temple, with carved wheels and horses in the same idiom. Seeing it is the closest many visitors to central India get to the original.
Inside, white marble replaces the sandstone and the mood changes completely. The surrounding gardens are well maintained and are where most local visitors spend their time, particularly in the evening.
The temple is in the Morar area of Gwalior, away from the fort, and is a short stop rather than a half day.
October to March is the pleasantest time in Gwalior. Early evening is the best part of the day here, when the gardens are busy and the sandstone warms in the low light. Avoid the midday closing hours in any season.
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