In the small town of Modhera in Gujarat, stands the magnificent shrine to the lord of light and life, Lord Surya or the Sun God. The temple was constructed under the patronage of Bhimdev I in the year 1027 AD. The fall of the Solanki dynasty led to a drop in Sun worship and subsequently the decline of the temple. During the invasion of the area by Allauddin Khilji, Modhera temples were defaced and plundered. The soldiers are believed to have placed gun powder in the Garbagruha and set fire to it creating an explosion that damaged and caused the main shikhara to collapse. Though no worships done Modhera Sun temple is now the site of several dance and cultural festivals.

Location Gujarat, Mehsana, Gandhinagar

Legend

The rulers of the Solanki dynasty were patrons of art and sculptures. They enshrined their love for architectural brilliance as well as their worship of Sun God through  this beautiful shrine in Modhera

Architecture

The temple is a classic example of Solanki style of architecture, with their intricate carvings and use of lime mortar. The main complex is divided into three parts, the entrance which is the 'Sabha Mandap', 'Antaral' the connecting passage and the 'Garbagruha', the sanctum sanctorum. In front of the temple is a colossal tank, which is known as Surya Kund or Rama Kund. The tank has a set of carved steps leading to the bottom. 108 small, miniature shrines dot the steps around the Kund. The exterior of this temple is beautifully sculpted. This temple has been  designed in such a way that the sun's rays light the sanctum at dawn and during the time of the equinoxes.

Culture

Mehsana district is the largest onshore oil producing asset of ONGC in India. Asia's second largest dairy Dudh Sagar is situated in Mehsana. Several Indus Valley Civilisation sites like Loteshwar are located in this district. Modhera is a quaint village in Mehsana district that is well-known for its Sun temple.

Picture Courtesy : commons.wikimedia.org

Darsan Info

Visiting hours - 7.00 AM to 6.00 PM

Modhera Sun temple is now the site of several dance and cultural festivals.

Darsan Dresscode

Any dress can be worn.

Famous Festival

January - Annual Indian Classical dance festival

Temple Rituals

There are no pujas offered at the temple as of now.

Special Rituals

Modhera Sun temple is now the site of several dance and cultural festivals.

Additional Info

 

Ajay Cafe

 

    Supermarket : Available