Sun Temple - Modhera

About Sun Temple - Modhera

Modhera or Modherapura also known as Mundera is said to have been the original settlement of modha Brahmans. Having its legendary past relating to the Ramayana it is further believed that modha Brahmans received Modhera as a krsnarpana on the occasion of the marriage of Rama and Sita. According to the Skanda Purana (3.2.40-67) after defeating Ravana, Lord Rama consulted Muni Vasishta to show him a place of pilgrimage where he could go and purify himself of the sin of Brahma hatya (the slaying of a Brahman). The Muni showed him dharmaranya.

From the point of view of structural designing, the sun temple at Modhera is truly the one of its kinds. The Modhera sun temple encompasses three main chambers, namely Surya Kund, Sabha Mandap and Guda Mandap. Surya Kund is basically a beautifully carved stepped tank that was named after Sun God. Sabha mandap is the hall, where people gather for discussions on religious topics. Guda Mandap is the sanctum sanctorum, also known as the main temple.

One of the most striking features of the Modhera Sun temple is that the first ray of the sun falls on the deity at the time of the equinoxes. The temple has a unique architecture and consists of a number of other magnificent buildings in the vicinity. The main buildings are the Surya Kund, the Sabha Mandap and the Guda Mandap (Sanctum Sanctorum). Apart from this, there is a beautiful hall in between the Sabha Mandapa and the Sanctum Sanctorum. It has remarkable pillars and arches and shows the different aspects of the Sun God in each month.

History of Sun Temple

The Sun Temple was built by Raja Bhimdev I of Solanki Dynasty in AD 1026. This was the time when Somnath and the adjoining area was plundered by Mahmud Ghazni and reeled under the effects of his invasion. The Solankis, however, regained much of their lost power and splendour. Anahilvad Patan, the Solanki capital, was restored to glory. Royalty and traders jointly contributed to build grand temples.Solankis were considered to be Suryavanshis, or descendants of Sun god. The temple was so designed that the first rays of the sun fell on the image of Surya, the Sun God, at the time equinoxes.

Interesting things to Visit Sun Temple

Sabha Mandap:
Literally, Sabha Mandap refers to an assembly hall where religious gatherings and conferences are conducted. This hall is open from all the four sides and has 52 delicately carved pillars. The intricate carvings depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata (Indian Epics) and scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. In order to get into the Sanctum Sanctorum, one has to cross the passage with pillars and arches.

Guda Mandap:
Guda Mandap is the sanctum sanctorum that is supported by a lotus-base plinth. Once, this hall used to house the idol of the Sun God. The designing of the hall was done in a way, so that the idol gets the first glimpse of the Sun at equinoxes. However, the idol was plundered by Mahmud Ghazni yet the walls represent the Sun God in his 12 different facets of each month. The carved walls also depict the aspects of human life like the vicious circle of birth and death. The façade of this hall was renovated in the recent years, despite the fact that the roof over the Guda Mandap had already been shattered.

Nearest Visiting places from Sun Temple

Sahastralinga Talav:
Sahastralinga Talav, an artificial tank, was built by the Siddhraj Jaisingh (1093 -1143 AD), the Chalukyan ruler of Gujarat in Patan. This tank is situated on the north-western part of Patan, on the banks of the Saraswati river. The architecture of this tank integrated the great sense of water management and sanctity of water in Hindu religion. The tank used to receive water from a canal of the Saraswati river and had spread about five km with masonry embankments.

Khan Sarovar:
Khan Sarovar is located outside South Gate. This is a water tank from Solanki period with stone steps and masonry. Mirza Aziz Kokah renovated this tank using the stones from ruined structures.

Hemachandracharya Gyan Mandir:
Hemachandracharya Gyan Mandir contains thousands of rare ancient manuscripts in Sanskrit and Prakrit. Hemachandracharya was a great scholar and grammarian, the first one to formulate the grammar of the Gujarati language.

Mahavir Swami Temples:
There are 100 Jain temples in Patan. The most important Jain temple is the Mahavir Swami Derasar in Dhandherwad with exquisitely carved wooden dome. The important Hindu temples are Kalika Mata, Sindhwai Mata, Harihareshwar Mahadev and Brahma Kund.

Langhanaj locality:
The Langhanaj locality of Mehsana is an interesting place. It is an excavation site, where 14 fossilized skeletons and monoliths were unearthed. The locality bears evidence to the life of early man of Langhanaj. It bears close affinity with the East Africans.

Help Line/Phone Number

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Location info

• **Address:**Pushpavati river in Modhera,Gujarat,India

• District: Mehsana

• Nearest City: Ahmedabad

• Best time to visit: October to March

Climate & weather

Summers 23°- 44°C. Winters 10°-36°C

Things to do at Sun Temple - Modhera

Festival:
Modhera dance festival is the major festival that is observed by the Sun Temple. This dance festival is organized to keep the Indian traditions and culture alive. It is held in the third week of January every year. The classical dance forms in the premises of this temple revive the imperial ambiance during the period. Gujarat Tourism organizes this event to promote tourism at this place.

How to reach Sun Temple - Modhera

• Nearest Railway Station: Mehsana Railway Station

• **Nearest Airport:**Ahmedabad airport.

• **Road Transport:**State transport buses and private luxury coaches are available to reach Modhera from various cities of Gujarat.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

• **Hotel Gurjari:**Patan,Gujarat,India

**Hotel Siddharaj Place:**Patan,Gujarta,India

Nearest petrol pump

• **Jyothi Petrol Pump:**Mehsana,Gujarat,India

**RM Petrol Pump:**Patan,Gujarat,India

Best time to visit Sun Temple - Modhera

October to March with pleasant temperatures.

Timings & opening hours

6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. Specific Aarti timings vary by temple.

Entry fee & tickets

No entry fee.

Duration needed

1 to 3 hours depending on the temple.

Safety tips

Follow temple security procedures. Remove shoes before entering. Respect religious practices.

Things to carry

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. Offerings can be purchased outside the temple.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport and railway station in the nearest city.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, and Vi all provide good coverage across Gujarat’s major cities and tourist areas. 4G is generally reliable in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and along major highways. Coverage may be weaker in remote areas of Kutch and interior Saurashtra. Most hotels and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Temples and religious sites in Gujarat often have nearby food stalls and thali restaurants. Major pilgrim centres (Somnath, Dwarka, Ambaji) have extensive food options. The nearest town typically offers traditional Gujarati thali and multi-cuisine restaurants.

Frequently asked questions

What are the temple timings? Generally 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

What is the significance of Sun Temple - Modhera? It is a revered pilgrimage site in Gujarat.

What is the best time to visit? October to March.

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Gujarat’s churches (primarily in Diu and Daman) showcase Portuguese colonial architecture. Shoot in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light on the whitewashed facades. The interiors are simpler than Goan churches but the colonial-era details are worth capturing.

Quick facts

• Type: pligrims
• Location: Gujarat, India
• Ideal for: History enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and photographers
• Best time to visit: October to March (pleasant winter season)
• Photography: Allowed at most areas; some sites may have restrictions inside sanctums

Plan your visit to Sun Temple - Modhera with these essential quick facts for a smooth and enjoyable trip to Gujarat.

Visitor information

Planning your visit to Sun Temple - Modhera

• Language: Gujarati is the local language; Hindi and English are widely understood at tourist sites.
• Getting around: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and state transport buses are readily available. Hiring a private vehicle is recommended for comfort.
• What to wear: Light cotton clothing in summer; light woolens in winter. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Modest dress is advised at religious sites.
• Photography: Check for photography restrictions before entering. Some temples and museums may charge a separate camera fee.
• Best time to visit: October to March when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing.
• Local cuisine: Don’t miss Gujarati thali — a wholesome meal with dal, rice, vegetables, roti, and sweets like dhokla, khandvi, and mohanthal.

Nearby facilities

• ATMs: Available in nearby towns and at major tourist sites.
• Medical facilities: Primary health centers and hospitals can be found in district headquarters.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms are available at major tourist spots; carry hand sanitizer and tissues.

Make your visit to Sun Temple - Modhera comfortable and hassle-free with these practical visitor tips for Gujarat.

Map & location view

Sun Temple - Modhera is located in the vibrant state of Gujarat, India. The destination is accessible by road and is well-connected to major cities and towns in the region, making it a convenient addition to any Gujarat travel itinerary.

How to reach

• By Air: The nearest airport is connected to major Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Vadodara with regular domestic flights.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station is connected to the Indian railway network with regular trains from major cities across India.
• By Road: State transport buses, private taxis, and self-drive options are available from nearby cities. Gujarat has a well-maintained network of state highways and national highways.

Use GPS navigation or local maps to find the exact location of this destination in Gujarat. The Gujarat Tourism website provides additional travel resources for visitors.

Photo gallery

Visual highlights of Sun Temple - Modhera

Visitors to Sun Temple - Modhera will find plenty of photogenic spots worth capturing. From architectural details to natural landscapes, the destination offers diverse subjects for photography enthusiasts.

What to photograph:

• Architecture: Intricate carvings, structural details, and traditional Gujarati craftsmanship
• Landscapes: Surrounding natural beauty, gardens, and panoramic views of the Gujarat landscape
• Local life: Candid moments of visitors, vendors, and daily activities around the site
• Details: Close-up shots of carvings, paintings, decorative elements, and textures

Photography tips:

• Early morning (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM) and late afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) offer the best natural light for photography in Gujarat’s climate
• Check if photography is allowed inside buildings before taking photos
• A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing architectural grandeur at Gujarat’s heritage sites
• Mobile phone photography works well in well-lit outdoor areas

Browse through our collection of photographs showcasing the beauty and heritage of Sun Temple - Modhera. New images are added regularly as part of our ongoing content enrichment for this Gujarat destination.