The Sun Temple, Modhera, Mehsana

[giteshsharma]

Dear Local Guides,

Greetings!!

Today, I am going to tell you the story about prestigious Sun Temple Modhera (reviews), which is located in Modhera village, Mehsana, Gujarat. Sun Temple of Modhera was earlier a part of Patan District in 2013 and later it was made a part of Mehsana District. Now, it is now a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

About Sun Temple, Modhera

The Sun Temple of Modhera is a significant historical and architectural marvel located in the village of Modhera in the Mehsana district of Gujarat, India. The Sun temple of Modhera, which ranks next only to the Sun temple of Konark is one of the finest examples of temple architecture in Gujarat.

Built in 11th century A.D., this temple is located in Bechraji taluka of Mehsana District, on the left bank of river Pushpavati, a tributary of river Rupen situated at a distance of 30 kms from Patan city.

It is built on a platfrom (jagati) facing east, in the reign of Solanki ruler Bhimadeva-I (1022-1063 A.D.). This place finds mention in Skanda Purana as Bhaskar region. The temple complex is an assimilation of three separate elements L.e. Sanctum (garbh-griha) with an ambulatory (pradakshina-path), a main hall (Gudha-mandapa and detached assembly hall (Sabha-mandapa or Nritya- mandapa) with a gateway (torana). In front of the torana is a large rectangular tank, of 175 X 120 feet decorated with numerous miniature shrines, which is locally known as Ramakunda.

Surya Kund

It is situated to the east of the sadha-mandapa. This is approached through a grand flight of steps from all four sides. The tank has about 108 small temples which contain the relief of various deities like Ganesha, Sheshashayi Vishnu, Nataraja and Sitala Mata.

Gudhamandapa (the shrine hall)

The “Gudhamandapa” at the temple is the main shrine hall, housing the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha) where the deity (Sun God) was once consecrated, and it’s designed to allow the first rays of the sun to illuminate the deity during the equinox.

Sabhamandapa (the assembly hall)

The Sabha Mandapa at the temple is the assembly hall, a key part of the temple complex, featuring intricate carvings and 52 pillars, and was used for meetings and dance performances.

Inside the Garbhagriha

Two Pillars

The two standing pillars at the temple are all that remains of a magnificent “kirti-torana” (also called triumphant arch) that once graced the northeast entrance. While the pediment and torana are now absent, the intricately carved pillars still stand proudly, telling a story of the temple’s glorious past.

Lord Shiva Temple

Specialty

On June 21, the rays of the Sun directly enter the sanctum sanctorum, which does not cast a shadow on the temple. Because of the temple is located near the tropic of cancer, the northernmost latitude on Earth where the Sun can appear directly overhead.

Museum

There is a small museum within the temple complex that showcases ancient sculptures and carvings.

@giteshsharma

The Archaeological Museum at the Sun Temple in Modhera is located just outside the temple complex. It houses a collection of intricate stone carvings and artifacts recovered from the site and surrounding areas. These exhibits offer visitors a deeper understanding of the temple’s history, architecture, and the Solanki dynasty that built it.

Information & Sign Board

There are sign or information boards installed at almost every place in the temple grounds, so that it becomes easier for you to understand everything.

Accessible Area in The Temple

Wheelchair Accessibility - The Sun Temple, Modhera, Mehsana GJ | Merahi #Shorts #Wheelchair

A wheelchair ramp has been built for the disabled to enter the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Although its condition is bad, it can be used.

The toilets area, which is behind the museum, also has wheelchair accessibility.

Reading Accessibility

Park

Parking

Ticket or Charges for Visiting

• Indian Visitors: Total Rs.25/-(Cash), Rs.20/-(Online) per head
• Other Foreign Visitors: Total Rs.300/-(INR Cash), Rs.250/-(INR Online) per head

How to Reach

Modhera Sun Temple is 26 km from Mehsana Bus Stand , 95 km from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport Ahemdabad and 28 km from Mehsana Railway Station .

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Video about Modhera Sun Temple made by @AnmolAadi.

Sun Temple, Modhera, Mehsana, Gujarat | Daily Vlogs with Anmol

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What do you think about this place? Please share it in the comments. If you find something wrong in the whole story or want to edit something then you can send me a personal message with article link. I will try to remove or edit it immediately.

#AccessibleGujarat
#letsguide
##SunTempleModhera

[TusharSuradkar]

Truly…! India’s history and glory are carved in stone
Wonderful photos @giteshsharma

[giteshsharma]

Yes, I never forget this experience. You can also visit here for this experience. @TusharSuradkar sir.

[Annaelisa]

Eine interessante Erzählung über diese Tempelanlage und die Bilder mit der Architektur und Figuren des Tempels sind fantastisch @giteshsharma

[NareshDarji]

I visited Sun Temple 3 times, and I’m always impressed by its architecture and stone carving.
Indeed, the Sun Temple of Modhera stands as a testament to the rich architectural heritage of Gujarat, rivaling even the famed Konark Sun Temple.

Thank you for sharing Beautiful pictures and this post with us.

[giteshsharma]

This east-facing temple is built with bright yellow sandstone. It’s miracle of ancient engineering. @Annaelisa

[Gurukrishnapriya]

A well described excellent post @giteshsharma . As you mentioned the architecture is amazing. Now in India the Accessibility is gaining much importance. Thanks for sharing every detail of the Temple as well as the Accessibility. I liked the post very much and your photos are really good. Thanks again for tagging me and sharing the post. Keep this good work going.

[giteshsharma]

@NareshDarji

I’m always impressed by its architecture and stone carving.

Yes you are absolutely right. I was not able to think of getting out of the temple but time was running out. I got a lot of interesting information about it like no puja is performed here, no curtains are made here, the architecture here is very good. While making this the technician must have had excellent knowledge of Vastu Shastra and Geometry, which is an ancient engineering marble. @NareshDarji Sir.

[giteshsharma]

@Gurukrishnapriya

Now in India the Accessibility is gaining much importance.

First of all I thank you (@Gurukrishnapriya) and @Monalisa2 ma’am a lot for telling me about this. I have already visited all the temples around me and am still visiting them. I have seen wheelchair accessibility in almost all the temples. For which all the temples and the administration deserve congratulations. Now coming to the Sun Temple, here the work of temple protection and maintenance is done by the Archaeological Survey of India, so all the credit goes to them. Requesting you both to share it with your friends and family to promote tourism. Thank you .

[KetanChhaniyara]

@giteshsharma This is a wonderful post on the Sun Temple in Modhera!
Your vivid descriptions and captivating photos truly bring out the temple’s architectural splendor and historical depth.

The intricate carvings of the Gudhamandapa and Sabhamandapa are mesmerizing, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of that er. Your insights into the Surya Kund and its numerous small shrines add a fascinating layer to the temple’s narrative.

It’s intriguing to learn about the temple’s alignment with the sun during the equinox, highlighting the advanced astronomical knowledge of its builder.

Your post is a treasure trove for anyone keen on exploring Gujarat’s rich heritage. I have visited the temple in 2019 and its really a marvel of engineering.

Thanks for sharing this enlightening piece!

[Gurukrishnapriya]

Surely will share with my friends @giteshsharma . If possible I would like to visit. After reading @K.K.Sharma reply I really felt I should visit.

[giteshsharma]

Yes, you are absolutely right. This is a wonderful temple. I also did not know much about it, when I went there, I talked to many people and gained knowledge about it, collected some information from the internet, then wrote the post. I was able to see this temple, got to know about it, this is a matter of pride for me. Thank you very much for your feedback. @KetanChhaniyara sir.

[MathanVibranarayan]

@giteshsharma, hats off to your detailed review of The Sun Temple! Your coverage of the architecture, mesmerizing craftsmanship, and accessible features was impressive. The photos you shared were stunning! It felt like I was taking a virtual tour of the place. I’m definitely adding this to my bucket list . Great job, and thanks for the inspiration!

[KetanChhaniyara]

Thank you for your kind words!
There used to be a priest who used to explain the importance and history of the Temple, along with the meaning of carvings and sun dial reading. I don’t know whether he is there nowadays or not.

[giteshsharma]

@KetanChhaniyara

There used to be a priest who used to explain the importance and history of the Temple,

No, I tried a lot to find someone who could give me more information but I couldn’t find anyone. It is possible that the person was absent when I went for the trip. @KetanChhaniyara

[giteshsharma]

@MathanVibranarayan

It felt like I was taking a virtual tour of the place.

Thank you very much for your kind and generous gesture. I am inviting you to visit there physically, whenever you feel like it, give me a call.

[TravellerG]

Ohh… great, dear friend @giteshsharma
Very well documented post… highly appreciate your efforts.
The photos are really impressive…
The narration also is informative…
Is well explained
Thanks for informing these…
Best wishes & regards

[giteshsharma]

Thank you Sir for your appreciation and kind words. @TravellerG

[TravellerG]

You are most welcome, dear @giteshsharma
Regards