Modhera lies just over 100km NW from Ahmedabad, but is less than an hour away from the Rani Ki Vav step-well at Patan, so you can combine the two easily in day from the city. Situated on the banks of Pushpavati River, the Sun Temple at Modhera is one of the few shrines in India dedicated to the Sun God, the other most notable one being at Konark. The temple was built in 1026 C.E. by King Bhimdev of the Solanki dynasty, the construction is aligned so that the first rays of the Sun cast on the image of Lord Surya. The Temple was partially destroyed by Mahmud Ghazni, but so much remains that you can easily imagine what the complex would have once looked like. Upon entering the site you first come to a stepped tank known as Surya Kund. In the earlier times, this 100sq meter rectangular tank was used to store pure water, with devotees halting here for ceremonial ablutions before moving towards the temple. At least 100 shrines mark the steps of this tank, dedicated to Ganesha, Shiva, Sheetala Mata and many others. In front of this tank, a huge torana (archway) leads to the Sabha Mandap. Standing proud in front of the tank, the Sabha Mandap was an assembly hall where religious gatherings and conferences are conducted. This hall is open from all four sides and has 52 delicately carved pillars. The intricate carvings depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. Beyond the Sabha Mandap lies the Guda Mandap. This is where the idol of the sun god once resided that would receive the suns rays at the equinoxes, until it was plundered by Mahmud Ghazni. #swiggywala #localguides @googlemaps #suntemple #stepwell #stepwellsofindia #modhera #suntemplemodhera #gujarati #incredibleindia #gujarat #templearchitecture #templesofindia #ancientindia #gujarattourism #incredibletemples #thegenuineindia #worldhistoricalmonuments https://www.instagram.com/p/CckJLy4vVX9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
