The Modhera Sun Temple is a stunning temple dedicated to the Sun God located in Modhera, Gujarat. It was built in 1026-27 AD by King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty. The temple complex consists of three axially aligned components - Gada Mandap, Sabha Mandap, and Surya Kund.

The Gada Mandap is the first hall that houses 12 elaborately carved pillars. The pillars feature images of various deities as well as scenes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Sabha Mandap is the main hall that houses a shrine with a four-armed Surya idol. The walls and ceilings of the hall are intricately carved with geometric and floral patterns.

The Surya Kund is a large stepwell located in front of the temple. It is one of the finest examples of stone architecture in Gujarat. The stepwell has three ornate entrance gates leading to a flight of steps. The steps end at a rectangular pool of water. The walls of the stepwell feature beautiful sculptures as well as pillars with carvings of dancing nymphs.

The Sun Temple of Modhera is an architectural marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a must-visit destination for those interested in history, architecture, and art. The best time to visit is during the annual Sun Festival held around the equinox in March.

Photo by Hardik Joshi on Unsplash

How to Reach Modhera Sun Temple

Modhera Sun Temple is located in Mehsana district in Gujarat, about 103 km from Ahmedabad. The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad which is well connected to major cities in India. You can hire a taxi from Ahmedabad to reach Modhera Sun Temple. It takes about 2 hours to cover the distance.

Buses are also available from Ahmedabad to Modhera. The bus journey takes around 2.5 hours. Some private bus operators offer Volvo and AC bus services on this route. Modhera also has a railway station which receives a few trains from Ahmedabad. However, the frequency of trains is limited. It is better to travel by road to Modhera.

Once you reach Modhera, the Sun Temple is just 1 km from the bus stand and railway station. You can take an auto-rickshaw or hire a taxi to reach the temple complex. The temple remains open from 6 am to 6 pm every day. The entry fee for Indians is ₹5 and for foreigners is ₹100. You need at least 2-3 hours to explore the temple and the stepwell leisurely.

The nearby attractions include Rani Ki Vav stepwell in Patan (40 km), Hutheesing Jain Temple (45 km), Vadnagar (50 km) and Lothal (85 km). You can combine a visit to these places along with the Modhera Sun Temple. There are a few hotels and resorts in Modhera and nearby towns where you can stay overnight.