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{{Short description|Surya Temple in Gujarat, India}}
{{About|the temple of the sun at Modhera|the list of sun temples in the world|Temple of the Sun}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2015}}
{{Infobox building
| name = Modhera Sun Temple
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| former_names =
| alternate_names = Modhera Surya Mandir
| status = Destroyed
| image = File:Surya mandhir.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| location = [[Modhera]], [[Mehsana district]], [[Gujarat]]
| address =
| coordinates = {{coord|23|35|1.7|N|72|7|57.67|E|region:IN|display=inline,title}}
| cost =
| floor_area =
| top_floor =
| floor_count =
| embed =
| embedded = {{Infobox Hindu temple
|name =
|image = Plan Modhera Sun Temple Gujarat India.jpg
|image_size =
|alt =
|caption = Plan of temple complex: (''from top to bottom'') ''Gudhamandapa'', the shrine hall; ''Sabhamandapa'', the assembly hall and ''Kunda'', the reservoir

| deity = [[Surya]]
| primary_deity_Godess = 
| utsava_deity_God = 
| utsava_deity_Godess= 
| facade_direction = East-facing
| temple_tank = Suryakund
| tower = Ruined
| Poets = 
| Prathyaksham = 
|festivals = [[Modhera Dance Festival]]

|architecture = [[Māru-Gurjara architecture]] (Chaulukya)
|architect =
|temple_quantity =
|monument_quantity = 3
|inscriptions = Yes

|established =
|year_completed = after 1026-27 CE (shrine proper)
|creator = [[Bhima I]]
|temple_board =
|governing_body =
|website =
}}
| references =
| map_type = India Gujarat
| map_alt =
| map_caption = Location in Gujarat
| map_dot_label = Sun Temple, Modhera
| relief =
| altitude =
| architectural_style =
| structural_system =
| current_tenants =
| height =
| architectural =
| roof =
| observatory =
| other_dimensions =
| elevator_count =
| designations = [[Archeological Survey of India|ASI]] [[Monument of National Importance]] (N-GJ-158)
| logo =
| logo_size =
| logo_alt =
| logo_caption =
| alt = 
| image_caption = ''Suryamandapa'' of temple
| map_size =
| etymology =
| cancelled =
| topped_out =
| type =
| classification =
| town =
| location_country = India
| namesake =
| diameter =
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| weight =
| material = Sandstone
| size =
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| known_for =
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| footnotes =
}}

The ''' Sun Temple''' is a Hindu temple dedicated to the solar deity [[Surya]] located at [[Modhera]] village of [[Mehsana district]], [[Gujarat]], India. It is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati. It was built after 1026-27 CE during the reign of [[Bhima I]] of the [[Chaulukya dynasty]]. No worship is offered now and is protected monument maintained by [[Archaeological Survey of India]]. The temple complex has three components: ''Gudhamandapa'', the shrine hall; ''Sabhamandapa'', the assembly hall and ''Kunda'', the reservoir. The halls have intricately carved exterior and pillars. The reservoir has steps to reach the bottom and numerous small shrines.

==History==
The shrine proper of the Sun Temple was built during the reign of [[Bhima I]] of [[Chaulukya dynasty]].{{efn-ua|The decoration of ''Torana'' and columns resembles that of Vimala Vasahi Adinath temple of [[Dilwara Temples]] built-in 1031-32 which confirms its period.}}<ref name="Sankalia1941">{{cite book|author=Hasmukh Dhirajlal Sankalia|title=The Archaeology of Gujarat: Including Kathiawar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fvAdAAAAMAA|archive-url=http://www.dli.ernet.in/handle/2015/51876|archive-date=2015|year=1941|publisher=Natwarlal & Company|pages=70, 84–91}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sun-Temple at Modhera (Gujarat)|url=http://ignca.nic.in/nl002206.htm|access-date=9 April 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429110946/http://ignca.nic.in/nl002206.htm|archive-date=29 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Kapoor2002">{{cite book|author=Subodh Kapoor|title=The Indian Encyclopaedia: Meya-National Congress|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ncL8Ve9FqNwC&pg=PA4871|year=2002|publisher=Cosmo Publications|isbn=978-81-7755-273-7|pages=4871–4872}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/annualreportofth014526mbp|title=Annual Report of the Director of Archaeology, Baroda State, 1934-35|last=Sastri|first=Hirananda|date=November 1936|publisher=Oriental Research Institute|location=Baroda|pages=[https://archive.org/details/annualreportofth014526mbp/page/n19 8]–9}}</ref> Earlier, during 1024–1025, [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] had invaded Bhima's kingdom, and a force of around 20,000 soldiers had unsuccessfully tried to check his advance at Modhera. Historian A. K. Majumdar theorizes that the Sun Temple might have been built to commemorate this defense.<ref>{{cite book |author=Asoke Kumar Majumdar |title=Chaulukyas of Gujarat |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ffAdAAAAMAAJ |publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan |year=1956 |oclc=4413150 |page=45 }}</ref> On a block in western wall of cella, there is an inscription "[[Vikram Samvat]] 1083" upside down carelessly incised in [[Devnagari script]] which correspond to 1026-1027 CE. No other date is found. As the inscription is upside down, it evidences the destruction and reconstruction of the cella. Due to the position of the inscription, it is not firmly considered as the date of construction. On the stylistic ground, it is known that the ''Kunda'' with its corner shrines was built earlier at the beginning of the 11th century. The inscription is rather considered as the date of destruction by Ghazni instead of the construction. Soon after Bhima had returned to the power. So the temple proper, the miniature and the niche shrines in the tank were built shortly after 1026 CE. The dancing hall was added much later in the third quarter of the 12th century along with the gateways, the porch of the temple proper and the doorframes of the temple and the cella during the reign of the [[Karna (Chaulukya dynasty)|Karna]].<ref>{{cite book|first=Wibke |last=Lobo|title=The Sun Temple at Modhera: A Monograph on Architecture and Iconography|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=89EjAAAAMAAJ|year=1982|publisher=Verlag C.H. Beck|isbn=978-3-406-08732-5|page=32 }}</ref>

The temple is built on 23.6° latitude (approximately near [[Tropic of Cancer]]).{{efn-ua|The Tropic of Cancer position is not fixed, but varies in a complicated manner over time. It drifts south almost half an arcsecond (0.47″) of latitude per year (it was at exactly 23° 27′ in year 1917 and will be at 23° 26' in 2045).<ref>[http://www.homepage.montana.edu/~geol445/hyperglac/time1/milankov.htm Montana State University: Milankovitch Cycles & Glaciation] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806021244/http://www.homepage.montana.edu/~geol445/hyperglac/time1/milankov.htm |date=6 August 2011 }}</ref> See [[axial tilt]] and [[circle of latitude#Movement of the Tropical and Polar circles|circles of latitude]] for further information.}}<ref name="BhatnagarLivingston2005"/><ref name="Kumar2003">{{cite book|author=Brajesh Kumar|title=Pilgrimage Centres of India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qqei_Wo1qXwC&pg=PA163|year=2003|publisher=Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd.|isbn=978-81-7182-185-3|page=163}}</ref><ref name="Rastogis2009">{{cite book|author1=Rajiv Rastogi|author2=Sanjiv Rastogi|title=Surya Namaskar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ziJIwTfPtzoC&pg=PT17|date=1 January 2009|publisher=Prabhat Prakashan|isbn=978-81-8430-027-7|pages=13–14}}</ref><ref name="Bhattacherje2009">{{cite book|author=S. B. Bhattacherje|title=Encyclopaedia of Indian Events & Dates|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oGVSvXuCsyUC&pg=SL1-PA24|date=1 May 2009|publisher=Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd|isbn=978-81-207-4074-7|page=A24}}</ref> The place was later known as ''Sita ni Chauri'' and ''Ramkund'' locally.{{efn-ua|In 1887, [[Alexander Kinloch Forbes]] described in his book ''Rasmala'' that the place was known by locals as ''Sita ni Chauri'' and ''Ramkund'' associated with [[Rama]] and [[Sita]] of ''[[Ramayana]]''.<ref name="Lobo1982"/>}}<ref name="Lobo1982">{{cite book|author=Wibke Lobo|title=The Sun Temple at Modhera: A Monograph on Architecture and Iconography|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=89EjAAAAMAAJ|year=1982|publisher=C.H. Beck|isbn=978-3-406-08732-5|page=2}}</ref> No worship is offered here now.<ref name="Kapoor2002"/> The temple is the [[Monument of National Importance]] and is maintained by the [[Archeological Survey of India]].

==Architecture==
[[File:Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat.jpg|thumb|Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat]]
The temple complex is built in [[Māru-Gurjara architecture|Māru-Gurjara style]] (Chaulukya style). The temple complex has three axially aligned components; the shrine proper (''garbhagriha'') in a hall (''gudhamandapa''), the outer or assembly hall (''sabhamandapa'' or ''rangamandapa'') and a sacred reservoir (''kunda'').<ref name="Sankalia1941"/><ref name="Ward1998">{{cite book|author=Ward|title=Gujarat–Daman–Diu: A Travel Guide|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P7EHTBl_pyQC&pg=PA153|date=1 January 1998|publisher=Orient Longman Limited|isbn=978-81-250-1383-9|pages=153–155}}</ref>

The ''Sabhamandapa'' is not in continuation with ''Gudhamandapa'' but is placed little away as a separate structure. Both are built on a paved platform.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/> Their roofs have collapsed long ago leaving behind a few lower-most courses. Both roofs are 15' 9" in diameter but are constructed differently.<ref name="Dhaky 1969"/> The platform or plinth is inverted lotus-shaped.{{citation needed|date=August 2016}}

===''Gudhamandapa'' and ''Garbhagriha''===
[[File: Sun Temple, Modhera - Guda Mandap 02.jpg|thumb|'' Gudhamandapa'']]
The ''Gudhamandapa'' measures 51 feet 9 inches by 25 feet 8 inches. It is almost equally divided into ''Gudhamandapa'', the hall and ''Garbhgriha'', the shrine proper. Both are rectangular in plan with one projection on each of the smaller sides and two projections on each of the longer sides. These projections on the smaller sides form the entrance and the back of the shrine. The three projections of the outer wall of ''Gudhamandapa'' had windows on each side and the east projection had the doorway. These windows had perforated stone screens; the northern is in ruins and the southern is missing. ''Pradakshinamarga'' is formed by the passage between the walls of ''Garbhgriha'' and the outer walls of ''Gudhamandapa''. The roof of passage has stones slabs carved with rosettes. The ''Shikhara'' of it no longer exists.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/>

====''Garbhagriha''====
The ''Garbhagriha'', the shrine proper or sanctum sanctorum is square measuring 11 feet from inside.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/>

The shrine had two cells; a cell below the level of the upper cell. The floor of the upper cell is now fallen which once housed the image of a deity. The seat of the image is now in a pit. The lower cell was probably used for storage.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/>

The walls inside the shrine are plain and the outer wall is decorated. The doorway has carved figures of seated Surya in panels surrounded by dancers and amorous couples. All figures are mutilated and the images on the door-lintel are completely destroyed.{{efn-ua|It may have had [[Ganesha]] as in other Surya or Vishnu temples.}}<ref name="Sankalia1941"/>

The sanctum sanctorum is designed in a way that the first rays of rising sun lit up the image of Surya during solar [[equinox]] days<ref name="Ward1998"/><ref name="Kapoor2002"/><ref name="DeshGujarat2007">{{cite web | title=21st March brings special sunrise to Modhera Sun temple(Video) | website=DeshGujarat | date=25 March 2007 | url=http://deshgujarat.com/2007/03/25/21st-march-brings-special-sunrise-to-modhera-sun-templevideo/ | access-date=9 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="Rastogis2009"/> and on [[summer solstice]] day, the sun shines directly above the temple at noon casting no shadow.<ref name="BhatnagarLivingston2005">{{cite book|author1=Arvind Bhatnagar|author2=William Livingston|title=Fundamentals of Solar Astronomy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PLfUCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA29|date=7 April 2005|publisher=World Scientific|isbn=978-981-4486-91-0|pages=28–29}}</ref>

====''Gudhamandapa''====
[[File:Sun Temple, Modhera Gudhamandapa with annotation of exterior mouldings.jpg|thumb|'' Gudhamandapa'' with annotation of exterior moldings ''(click to enlarge)''|left]]
;Base moldings
The outer walls of the shrine is highly decorated.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/>
The base and walls of the shrine and hall are divided into several stretches with unique carvings. the ''Pitha'' or ''adhisthana'', the base has the two square members called ''Bhat'' followed by a cyma recta carving (lower part convex and upper part concave). It is followed by ''padma'' or ''padmaka'', the molding in form of an inverted lotus. The next is ''antarita'', a fillet or an astragal with a sharp edge between two recesses. Above this is ''patta'' having thin molding called ''chhaja'' at its lower edge. The next is another ''chhaja'' separated by neck, ''alinga''. The next broad band, ''patti'', is ''gajathara'' carved with elephants. The following band ''narathara'' has figures of men in different attitudes.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/>

;''Mandovara'' or wall moldings
''Mandovara'', the wall moldings start with ''kumbha'', a pitcher. It has a broad undecorated band at the lower part while the middle part is decorated with oval discs. It is followed by ''kalasha'', a pitcher. The next is a broad band with ''chaitya''-windows called ''kevala'' followed by similar called ''manchi''. These two bands are separated by a deep band. There is a thin fillet above which the major paneled face of the wall called ''jangha'' exist. These panels are decorated with figures of gods but the figures of Surya are placed prominently than others as the temple is dedicated to him. Other panels are decorated with dancers and other figures.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/>

The figures of Surya are prominently carved on three niches of shrine proper as well as on each side of three windows in the outer wall of ''Gudhamandapa''. The figures of Surya is in standing position with two arms holding lotuses and driven by seven horses.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/> It has some Persian influences.<ref name="Kapoor2002"/> The walls have 12 niches showing the different aspects of Surya in each month. Other figures include eight Dikpals, [[Vishwakarma]], [[Varuna]], [[Agni]], [[Ganesha]], [[Saraswati]].{{citation needed|date=August 2016}}

Every figure in the panel has a small cornice over it surmounted with a triangular pediment consisting of ''chaitya''-a window which is called ''udgam''. The next projecting band with ''chaitya''-window and ''kirtimukha'' is called ''malakval''. The topmost is the major cornice called ''chhajli''.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/>

This is followed by ''shikhara'' which no longer exist.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/> The ''Vimana'' had horizontal geometrical and figurative bands which rising to create the [[Mount Meru]]-like ''shikhara''. The central spire had ''Urushringa'', the miniature shrines. It is judged by the shrines on the steps of ''Kunda''.<ref name="Kapoor2002"/>

;''Mandapa''
The ''Mandapa'', a hall was roofed by a dome which probably rose in a concentric manner. It is supported by eight principal pillars below arranged in an octagon, four pillars in front of shrine proper and two each in the recesses of windows and door.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/>

===''Sabhamandapa''===
[[File:Sun Temple, Modhera Sabha Mandapa with annotation of exterior mouldings.jpg|thumb|''Sabhamandapa'' with annotation of exterior mouldings ''(click to enlarge)''|left]]
[[File:Sun Temple, Modhera - Sabha Mandap 01.jpg|right|thumb|''Sabhamandapa'' with ornately carved pillars and exterior]]
[[File:Sabha Mandap, Sun Temple, Gujarat.JPG|thumb|ceiling of ''Sabhamandapa'']]

''Sabhamandapa'' or ''Rangamandapa'', the assembly hall or dancing hall is parallelogram in plan with rows of pillars opening entrance on each side diagonally. The extensively carved exterior has a series of recessed corners giving an impression of the star-like plan of it.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/> There are 52 intricately carved pillars. [[Madhusudan Dhaky]] has suggested that the ''sabhamandapa'' may have been later addition based on style and construction.<ref name="Dhaky 1969">{{cite journal | last=Dhaky | first=M. A. | title=The Date of The Dancing Hall of The Sun Temple, Modhera| journal=Journal of Asiatic Society of Bombay | publisher=Asiatic Society of Bombay | volume=38 | year=1963 | pages=211–222 | url=http://vmis.in/Resources/digital_publication_popup?id=38#page/2| access-date=31 December 2016}}</ref>

;Base moldings
The ''pitha'' is almost similar to the ''Gudhamandapa'' but smaller as two courses of fillets are omitted. The ''padma'' is carved richly here with floral ornamentation.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/>

;Wall moldings
Above the ''Narathara'', there is a band with figures of dancers and gods known as ''rajasena''. The next is ''vedi'' which correspond to ''jangha'' of ''mandovara'' decorated with large panels of gods, goddesses, and floral designs. The next is cornice called ''asinot''. It followed by ''kakshasana'' which slopes outwards and forms the back-rests of the bench, ''asana'' which runs around the hall. There are erotic figures on it interrupted by rail-patterns.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/>

;Ceiling and ''torana''
The roof was in shape of the stepped pyramid but it no longer exists. Inside, the walnut-shaped ceiling rises in tiers which has numerous floral girdles. It is 23 feet high.<ref name="Kapoor2002"/> It is supported by pillars arranged in an octagon. These pillars have stilts that support the lintels. ''Torana'' or the decorated cusped arches arise from the lower brackets of the pillars and touch the lintels in middle. There are two types; semicircular and triangular. The semicircular arches have cusped arches with tips while triangular arches have a round apex and wavy sides. Both types have a broad band decorated with figures and tips which are now defaced and damaged. The lower brackets has ''Makara'' which gives the name of ''Makara-Torana'' while decoration gives name of ''chitra-torana''.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/>

===Pillars===
[[File: Modhera Sun Temple Sabhamandap Side view.JPG|thumb|Long and short pillars, semicircular and triangular arches]]
[[File: Modhera SunTemple.JPG|thumb|Pillars of ''Kirti-Torana'' and steps leading to ''Kunda'']]
The pillars of ''Sabhamandapa'' and ''Gudhamandapa'' are of two types; short and tall. The short pillars rest on the walls and support the roof. The tall pillars rise from the floor.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/>

;Short pillars
The shaft is square in shape to half of its height followed by the vase and then followed by an octagonal shaft. It is surmounted by a capital and a bracket. The square part has a floral design in a circle on each side of the face. The vase is decorated similarly on its corners. The octagonal part has four bands; the topmost has ''kirtimukha''. The capital has three annulets.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/>

;Tall pillars
They arise from square or octagonal base, ''kumbhi'', with triangular ornamentation on each face. Above it is ''kalasha''. It is followed by a deep band and the next is ''kevala'' decorated with ''chaitya''-windows. the next is ''kirtimukha''. The next is triangular pediment with ''chaitya''-windows.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/>

The next is the beginning of the shaft. It is first decorated with standing figures, mostly dancers, on all eight faces enclosed in ringed pilasters. The next band with scenes of men and beasts is separated from it by the round pillow-like band. It is followed by a still smaller band with sixteen standing human figures separated by small annulet below. The next is a band of leaves. Then the shaft becomes circular and had three or four bands having a row of male warriors, lozenges, circles and ''kirtimukha'' at last. The ''kirtimukha''s are separated by chain and bell ornamentation.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/>

It follows capital similar to small pillars crowned with ''makara'' brackets if eight stilted pillar and dwarfs in the rests. the eight stilted pillars have one more shaft and similar type of capital which is crowned with brackets of volutes and pendant leaves.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/>

===Iconography===
The panels on the ''Gudhamandapa'' is decorated with Surya centrally which indicates that the temple is dedicated to Surya. These images wears peculiar West Asian (Persian) boots and belt.<ref name="Rastogis2009"/><ref name="Kapoor2002"/> The other corners and niches are decorated with figures of [[Shiva]] and [[Vishnu]] in various forms, [[Brahma]], [[Nāga]] and goddesses. The depicted scenes on small flat ceilings and lintels of ''sabhamandapa'' are from epics like [[Ramayana]].<ref name="Sankalia1941"/>

===''Kirti-torana''===
There was a ''kirti-torana'', the triumphant arch, in front of ''sabhamandapa''. The pediment and ''torana'' no longer exists but two pillars remains. The moulding and decoration is similar to that of walls of ''sabhamandapa'' and pillars.<ref name="Sankalia1941"/> There were two more ''kirti-torana'' on each side of the ''kunda'' of which only one exists without upper part.

===''Kunda''===
{{wide image|Sun Temple Panorama.jpg|900px|align-cap=center|Panoramic view of the ''Kunda''}}
''Kunda'', a tank or reservoir is known as ''Ramakunda'' or ''Suryakunda''. The flight of steps through ''kirti-torana'' leads to the reservoir. It is rectangular. It measures 176 feet from north to south and 120 feet from east to west. It is paved with stones all around. There are four terraces and recessed steps to descend to reach the bottom of the tank. The main entrance lies on west. There are steps to reach from one terrace to another on right angle to terrace. These steps are rectangular or square except the first step of each flight of steps which is semicircular. Several miniature shrines and niches in front of terrace-wall have images of gods including many Vaishnavite deities and goddesses such as [[Shitala]].<ref name="Ferrari2014">{{cite book|author=Fabrizio M. Ferrari|title=Religion, Devotion and Medicine in North India: The Healing Power of Sitala|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EHweBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA202|date=20 November 2014|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=978-1-4725-9871-4|page=61}}</ref><ref name="Sankalia1941"/><ref name="Rastogis2009"/><ref name="Kapoor2002"/>

===Stepwell===
The stepwell on the west of ''Kunda'' has one entrance and two pavilion-towers. It is moderately ornamented. The door-frame has lotus and leaves and the ''ruchaka'' type pilasters indicate it belongs to 11th century. The small ''mandapa'' above the ground level and located on the second ''kuta'' of stepwell may belong to tenth century.<ref name="Jain-Neubauer1981A">{{cite book|author=Jutta Jain-Neubauer|title=The Stepwells of Gujarat: In Art-historical Perspective|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=61fSwBF4bbYC&pg=PA89|date=1 January 1981|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=978-0-391-02284-3|page=20}}</ref>

==Modhera dance festival==
[[File:Kathak Danseuse Namrta Rai at Modhera Dance Festival.jpg|thumb|Kathak danseuse Namrata Rai at Modhera Dance Festival]]

The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat organises an annual three-day dance festival known as 'Uttarardha Mahotsav' at the temple during the third week of January, following the festival of [[Uttarayan]]. The objective is to present classical dance forms in an atmosphere similar to that in which they were originally presented.<ref name="Kapoor2002"/>

==Location==
It is located in Modhera village which is 25 km from [[Mehsana]] and 106 km from [[Ahmedabad]] in [[Gujarat]] India.<ref>{{cite web|title=Modhera Sun Temple|url=http://www.gujarattourism.com/destination/details/10/58|access-date=9 April 2016}}</ref>

==In Literature==
{{Wikisource|Letitia Elizabeth Landon (L. E. L.) in Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book, 1835/Hindoo and Mahommedan|'Hindoo and Mahommedan Buildings', <br />a poem by L. E. L.}}
[[Letitia Elizabeth Landon]]'s poetical illustration ''Hindoo and Mahommedan Buildings'' refers to an illustration of "a splendid sculptured Portico of a Temple dedicated to Mahadeo, at Moondheyra in Guzerat" and in it she meditates upon the vastness of this structure.

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed">
File:SunTemple Modhera1.jpg|Back Side of SunTemple
File:Sun Temple Modhera1.jpg|Side View
Image:Sun Temple, Modhera - sanctuary 01.jpg|A sanctuary on the Surya Kund.
Image:Massive_Pillors.JPG|Massive pillars leading to the stepped tank outside the temple.
File:Unique architecture in Modhera Sun Temple.jpg|Two pillars standing alone near the temple.
Image:Sculptures at Modhera temple entrance.jpg|This is one of many sculptures present at the temple.
Image:Sun Temple, Modhera - Guda Mandap 05.jpg|Reliefs on Guda Mandap.
File:Sun Temple Modhera Plaque1.jpg|Sun Temple Modhera Plaque in Hindi
File:Sun Temple Modhera Plaque.jpg|Sun Temple Modhera Plaque
File:Uttarardh mahotsav modhera 2018 P 20180121 194527.jpg|Uttarardh Mahotsav at Modhera Sun Temple
File:Indian Classical Dancer at Sun Temple, Modhera DSCN4459 1.jpg|Indian Classical Dancer at Sun Temple, Modhera
File:Sun Temple - Modhera - Gujarat - 002.jpg|[[Execution by elephant]] carved on a pillar
</gallery>

==See also==
*[[Becharaji]]
*[[Patan, Gujarat]]

==Notes and references==
===Notes===
{{notelist-ua|2}}

===References===
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book|author=Wibke Lobo|title=The Sun Temple at Modhera: A Monograph on Architecture and Iconography (Forschungen zur allgemeinen und vergleichenden Archäologie)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=89EjAAAAMAAJ|year=1982|publisher=C.H. Beck|isbn=978-3-406-08732-5}}
* ''Surya: The God and His Abode'', Parijat, 2010, {{ISBN|81-903561-7-8}}
*Burgess, Jas & Cousens, Henry, The Architectural Antiquities of Northern Gujarat, Bharatiya Publishing House, Varanasi, 1975
*Brown Percy, Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods), D.B. Taraporewala Sons & Co. Ltd. Bombay, 1975
*Sankalia, Hasmukh. D., The Archaeology of Gujarat (Including Katiawar), Natwarlal & Co. Publishers, Bombay, 1941
*Majumdar, Ashok Kumar, Chaulukyas of Gujarat, Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan, 1956.

==External links==
{{Commons category-inline}}

{{Hindu temples in Gujarat}}
{{Sun temples}}

[[Category:Hindu temples in Gujarat]]
[[Category:Surya temples]]
[[Category:History of Gujarat]]
[[Category:Destroyed temples]]
[[Category:Religious buildings and structures completed in 1026]]
[[Category:11th-century Hindu temples]]
[[Category:Cultural history of Gujarat]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Mehsana district]]
[[Category:Monuments of National Importance in Gujarat]]
[[Category:Māru-Gurjara architecture]]

Sun Temple, Modhera - Revision history

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