Built in 1027 CE by Bhimdev I, the Sun Temple (entry ₹300) at Modhera is considered the finest work of the sun-worshipping Solanki dynasty, whose rulers were believed to be descended from the sun. It is dedicated to the sun god, Surya – there are 12 carvings dedicated to him around the inner sanctum hall. The rectangular step-well inside the complex contains 108 shrines. Intricately carved demons, deities and erotic scenes similar to those at Khajuraho cover the exterior, with 52 sculpted pillars inside the temple depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The Hindu God of architecture, Vishwa Karma, is immortalized on the back wall of the temple.
Like the better-known Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha, which it predates by 200 years, the Modhera temple was designed so that the dawn sun shone on the image of Surya, the sun god, during the equinox.
A small archaeological museum features stone panel sections and stone carvings of deities dating from the 8th to the 19th centuries.
Around 20 January the temple is the scene of a three-day classical-dance festival featuring dancers from all over India.
The park is vast with many seating areas, and toilet and drinking water facilities. Guides are available (₹500 per group of up to 10).
