Modhera Sun Templeमोढेरा सूर्य मंदिर

About Modhera Sun Temple

The Sun Temple at Modhera stands on the bank of the Pushpavati river in Mehsana district, north Gujarat. It is dedicated to Surya, the Sun god, and is one of the best-known Sun temples in India, along with Konark in Odisha. Though worship is no longer performed here, it remains a place of deep heritage pride for Gujarat and a fine example of the temple architecture that flourished under the Chaulukya, or Solanki, dynasty.

An inscription found at the site points to the reign of the Chaulukya king Bhima I, and the temple is generally dated to about 1026–27 CE. Local tradition connects Modhera with the Puranic region of Dharmaranya, where Lord Rama is said to have performed penance after the war with Ravana; this is a legend rather than recorded history. The temple was damaged in later centuries, and the sanctum no longer holds its original image. It is now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The complex has three parts set on one axis facing east. In front is the Surya Kund, a large rectangular stepped tank lined with small shrines, its steps forming beautiful geometric patterns. Above it stands the Sabha Mandapa, an open hall of richly carved pillars once used for gatherings and dance. Behind this is the Guda Mandapa with the sanctum, raised on a lotus-shaped base. The walls show images of Surya and other deities and scenes of daily life. The temple is planned so that the rising sun is said to light the sanctum around the equinoxes.

Modhera Sun Temple timings

Usually open from about 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Modhera Sun Temple

Festivals at Modhera Sun Temple

• Modhera Dance Festival (Uttarardh Mahotsav)Jan
• Makar Sankranti (Uttarayan)Jan
• Ratha SaptamiJan/Feb

Visitor tips

Dress code

No formal dress code; modest clothing is recommended. Comfortable footwear helps on the stone steps of the tank.

Entry

ASI entry ticket (separate rates for Indian and foreign visitors). No regular worship is performed, as the temple is a protected monument.

• Arrive early in the morning to see the sunlight on the tank and the eastern face of the temple.
• Wear a hat and carry water; the site is open and gets very hot from March onwards.
• Take care on the steps of the Surya Kund, which can be steep and uneven.
• Combine the visit with Rani ki Vav at Patan and the Bahuchara Mata temple at Becharaji.
• Ask locally about the evening light show, which runs on some days.

Places to visit near Modhera Sun Temple

• Bahuchara Mata Temple, BecharajiImportant Shakti temple of north Gujarat, about 15 km away
• Rani ki Vav, PatanUNESCO-listed carved stepwell, about 35 km away
• Sahastralinga Talav, PatanRuins of a historic Solanki-era reservoir, about 35 km away
• MehsanaDistrict town with markets and temples, about 25 km away

Frequently asked questions