The Solar AltarThe solar altar called Saura pitha in agamic texts is in the form of a full blown lotus on a square pedestal in two tiers. The upper tier carries eight deities portrayed at eight directions. They are considered the eight planets, which, including the central lotus representing Surya (sun) constitute the Navagrahas, (nine planets) worshipped by the Hindus for the bestowal of good fortune and the removal of obstacles. The lower tier is modelled as a chariot with wheels on either side, drawn by seven horses. Aruna the Charioteer of Surya is shown driving the horses. The seven horses are said to represent the seven days of the week. The wheels are ornamented with twelve petals, representing the twelve months of a year. At the corners are seen flying celestials, gandharvas carrying flower garlands.
The Agamic texts specify the worship of Surya in the form of a lotus altar. Evidently this is a representation of Saura pitha, solar altar, intended for daily worship. This elegant piece is also decidedly a Chalukyan sculpture, probably brought here as a war trophy. In recent years, it has assumed great significance as a large number of devotees worship it as Navagraha for the fulfillment of their vows. When the planet Saturn changes its position once in 27 months, nearly a million people offer worship to this altar.