ASI Protected
Modhera Sun Temple
Modhera, Gujarat
11th Century CE
Built by King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty, this temple is designed so that the first rays of the rising sun illuminate the sanctum. The complex includes a stunning stepped tank (Surya Kund) with 108 miniature shrines.
Source: Aitihasik heritage database. Use this as a field guide and verify sensitive historical claims before citation.
Details
- Dynasty
- Solanki
- Style
- Maru-Gurjara
- Primary Deity
- Surya (Sun God)
- Languages
- Gujarati, Sanskrit
- Scripts
- Devanagari, Sanskrit
Historical Significance
Masterpiece of Maru-Gurjara architecture. Perfect solar alignment on equinoxes. Features one of India's finest stepped tanks. Prototype for later Gujarat temples
Architectural Features
Surya Kund (stepped tank) with 108 shrinesSabha Mandapa (Assembly Hall)Intricately carved torana arch52 pillars with carved deitiesKirtimukha motifs throughout