Sun Temple of Modhera :

A. Location:

The Sun Temple is located in Mahesana district of Gujarat.
It is located on the west of Tropic of Cancer and dedicated to Hindu Sun God, Surya.
It shares a special relation with the Sun Temple of Konark located in the eastern part of India.

B. Construction:

• The Sun Temple of Modhera was built in 1026-27 A.D. during the reign of King Bhimdev.
• In terms of carving and architecture, this temple holds a special position among the heritage temples of India.
• The temple is in octave shape.
• Its entrance has beautiful torans.
• The temple is located on a high platform.
• The temple can be divided into three parts: Garbhagruh (inner sanctum), Pradakshina Path and Sabha Mandapa (assembly hall).
• The Mandapa in the front of the Garbhagruh has 52 beautifully carved pillars.
• They represent the 52 weeks of the year.
• They depict the tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• The entire temple has been carved minutely.
• The outer walls have been carved with beautiful paintings.
• The temple has been constructed in such a manner that the rays of the sun pass across the entire
• Sabhamandapa in the Sharad and Vasant months and fall directly on the Garbhagruh.
• There is a rectangular tank at the entrance of the temple.
• It is called Surya Kund.
• There are stone steps leading inside the tank.
• Among these steps are 108 miniature carved shrines.
• The Surya Kund is a beautiful sight in itself.
• The Sun Temple is a major centre of attraction for historians and architects.
• This is why the Sun Temple is considered as one of the best architectures of India.
• The Modhera Sun temple is similar in many aspects to the Konark Sun Temple which is situated on the east of the Tropic of Cancer.