Modhera Sun Temple -

Modhera Sun Temple is finest example of Hindu architecture in Gujarat. The Sun Temple at Modhera dates back to early 11th century CE and was built by King Bhimdev I in 1026 CE. The sanctum was designed to allow the sunlight to illuminate the main statue, no longer in the temple. The quality & quantity of carvings along its walls describing god, other figures & erotic positions are exceptional. In front of the temple is a colossal tank, which was once known as Surya Kund or Rama Kund. The tank has a series of carved steps leading to the bottom. Several miniature shrines adorn the steps of the tank - which is an art gallery in itself.

The Sun temple is of a unique architecture of its own kind.

The temple comprises three separate but axially-aligned and integrated elements.

1. Surya Kund, which is an intricately carved, stepped tank named after Sun god Surya.

2. Sabha Mandap, which is a hall used for religious gatherings and conferences.

3. Guda Mandap, i.e. sanctum sanctorum, which once housed the idol of Sun God.