Sun Temple, Modhera
The Solanki Shrine to the Sun
Overview
The Sun Temple at Modhera in Gujarat is an 11th-century temple to the sun god Surya, built in the Chalukya or Solanki period. It is admired for its stepped tank, the Surya Kund, lined with small shrines, and for its ornately carved assembly hall, the Sabha Mandapa. The temple is aligned to the sun. It is now an Archaeological Survey of India monument rather than a living temple, and it hosts an annual dance festival. MyTripMyTravel arranges a guided visit to its tank, halls and sculpture.
The Sun Temple at Modhera stands in northern Gujarat, an 11th-century masterpiece of the Solanki dynasty dedicated to Surya, the sun god. It is one of the finest surviving sun temples in India, celebrated for the harmony of its plan and the richness of its carving.
In front of the temple lies the Surya Kund, a grand stepped tank whose terraces are lined with rows of miniature shrines. Beyond it rises the Sabha Mandapa, an ornately pillared assembly hall, leading to the main shrine, the whole complex oriented to the sun.
Worship no longer takes place here; the temple is preserved as an Archaeological Survey of India monument. Each year it becomes the setting for a dance festival. As across Gujarat, a dry state, alcohol is not available in the area.
At a glance
Sun Temple, Modhera in brief
What to see
Highlights
Surya Kund
A large stepped tank lined with rows of small carved shrines.
Sabha Mandapa
An ornately pillared assembly hall covered in fine sculpture.
Main shrine
The sanctum dedicated to Surya, once holding the sun deity.
Sun alignment
The temple is oriented so as to relate to the movement of the sun.
Dance festival
An annual festival of classical dance is staged at the temple.
Visitor information
Our tips
Come early or late for soft light on the carvings.
Walk down into the Surya Kund to see its shrines.
No alcohol is sold; Gujarat is a dry state.
Ask locally if your visit coincides with the dance festival.
Good to know
Sun Temple, Modhera, your questions
Which deity is the temple dedicated to?
Surya, the sun god, in a temple of the 11th-century Solanki period.
What is the Surya Kund?
A large stepped tank in front of the temple, lined with rows of small shrines.
Is it still a working temple?
No. It is preserved as an Archaeological Survey of India monument, not a living temple.
Is there a festival here?
Yes, an annual dance festival is held at the temple each year.
How long should I plan?
About one and a half to two hours to see the tank, halls and shrine.
More in Modhera
Visit with us
See Sun Temple, Modhera, properly.
A private, chauffeured visit with a licensed expert guide, timed for the best light and the smallest crowds. We fold Sun Temple, Modhera into a wider Modhera and West India itinerary, built entirely around you.
- Skip the queue where possible, at the right hour
- Licensed local guide who brings the story to life
- Private car and chauffeur, door to door
Plan your trip
Plan a visit to Sun Temple, Modhera
Free, no obligation quote. Your details stay private.