Sun Temple

Sun Temple

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  • akshayvir
    Mumbai, India31 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice
    It was a nice overall experience. The place is clean with lively gardens as one enters. The pathway leads to the Temple complex with two structures and a water body in front of it. It is a pity that access to the water body is restricted. The Sun Temple has ornate carvings and the two structures have a distinct carvings and pillars. One should not compare it to Konark Temple - it being much more grander. But Modhera Sun Temple holds up quite well. Visitors should keep around 45 mins to an hour to enjoy the place.
    Visited November 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 25 November 2024
  • Tathya
    Ahmedabad, India40 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cultural heritage and rich of cultural stories. Every piece of carvings contains stoires of our heritage...consider the place in
    We visited the place 2 times on year as a normal visit and 2nd time specially for the "uttarardh mahotsav". A place with rich history and cultural stories. Surely i recommend you to hire the guide after checking the official ids the guide tour will help you to understand the whole place The place is made with perfect planning where you will see architectural excellence. Uttarardh mahotsav is cultural festival held 2 days in year. Where you can experience cultural performance from all over the india.
    Visited January 2025
    Travelled with family
    Written 21 January 2025
  • John K
    Frankfurt, Germany2,015 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful temples with a large temple pond
    In Gujerat there are some sun temples dedicated to the god Surya. The temple was built about between 1026 and 1030 by the Solankia Dynasty (also called Chalukya Dynasty). It is considered one of the most beautiful and important temples of Gujerat and is no longer used as such. The complex consists of the main temple whose sandstone facade shows beautiful stone carvings. There are depictions from Indian mythology, but also many scenes from everyday life, especially erotic depictions. The main temple is adjoined by a meeting hall and a large rectangular temple pond. A very small and newer temple serves as an active sanctuary for visitors and pilgrims. If you are interested in another sun temple, the small temple in Kutai near the city of Bhuj is recommended.
    Visited December 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 January 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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The Travel Curry
New Delhi, India194 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Couples
A replica of Konark Sun Temple, Modhera Sun Temple is also dedicated to the Solar God. The temple has no idols in the sanctum, so you can enter the shrine with footwear. A stepped kund next to the temple is absolutely photogenic. The architecture, carvings, sculptures and design of the temple is quite notable. The best time to visit Modhera temple is after 4pm when the sun starts cooling off. Stay back for the light and sound show in the evening after 7pm and the stunning view of the temple when the lights are turned on.
Written 4 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Saurabh Srivastav
Bhopal, India1,127 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Solo
Ancient monuments be they be a Fort, a Palace or some old Temple always thrill because they are living examples of architecture of that era and their interiors recreate centuries old moments in our minds. The Sun temple of Modhera in Gujrat was constructed in 1026 B.C. by king Bhima of the Chalukya Dynasty and is an example of the unique architecture in the area in the B.C. era. There are some Persian & some Greek elements also visible in the Architecture here. Pushpavati river used to flow in the back of this temple till some centuries back but has now dried up. As there is no statue of any deity in the temple one need not remove his shoes to enter the temple. The temple is 35 kms. from Mehsana and 101 kms. from Ahmedabad. There is a 'kund' in front of the temple called Ramakund and has 108 shrines to various Gods though three main shrines on each flank are dedicated to Lords Shiv, Vishnu and Ganesh. There is a staggered configuration of steps leading to the Kund and this itself looks lovely. There are 52 pillars in the temple and the pillars are adorned by exquisite stone carvings of various figures like child being delivered by mother, costumes , performing arts and even some love making. Sprawling gardens with shady trees surround the temple and there is ample parking, eateries and even a Electric vehicle free charging station for the temple visitors. Minor fee of Rs. 25/- per person is charged for Indians. For the foreigners the fee is Rs' 300/-.Overall it is a nice historical as well as a Religious place full of lovely views.
Written 21 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mayank Tyagi
Noida, India53 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 • Family
If you are willing to see the real art and the rich culture of India. The structure which speaks it's grand history and you may feel the unbeatable power and strength of this country. A must visit place with your family. A wonderful green garden with big trees to take rest in the lap of nature after the trip of Grand Sun temple. If you in Ahmedabad or any nearby location then don't take a chance to miss it. Start your trip by 5pm and attend the lazer show in the evening from 7pm to collect the complete information and the show of the trip.
Written 26 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Madhulika L
Noida, India6,855 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
The Sun Temple at Modhera was built in about 1026-7 CE, in the reign of the Solanki King Bhimdeva I (whose consort, Rani Udayamati, is credited with having built the famous Rani ki Vav at Patan). The temple complex consists of three separate but proximate sections: the sabhamandapa (used as an assembly hall and a venue for dance performances); the tank, in the form of a stepped well, with steps leading down from the sabhamandapa; and the garbhagriha, the sanctum sanctorum, which has a narrow corridor ringing it, to allow circumambulation.

Both buildings, as well as the shrines surrounding the tank, are beautifully and intricately carved with deities, depictions of apsaras, elephants, and more. The age of the temple being what it is, a lot of the carving has suffered the ravages of time, but still, it's very impressive.

The Sun Temple is located in a large landscaped park. Also part of the complex is a tiny archaeological museum (just a handful of stone sculptures, though beautiful) and a small interpretation centre and museum, which provides basic information about the temple.
Written 1 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ashima J
Pune, India373 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Family
The architecture of the Sun Temple is a harmonious blend of artistry and spiritual significance. The Sun Temple in Modhera is not just a place of worship; it's a living testament to the artistic and scientific achievements of ancient India. The precision in design, the attention to detail, and the spiritual symbolism embedded in every carving make it a destination that transcends time.
Written 30 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gaspard N
Goa, India947 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Solo
Those who come to Modhera to discover a World Heritage masterpiece may be disappointed. Certainly, this monument is a notable example of the sculptural technique of the period before the triumph of Indo-Mughal art and architecture. The building is stocky, with the blunders of this time: the proportions are not perfect (especially the thickness of the columns that clutter the interiors, for lack of technique of the domes), there is a sculptural overload that does not manage to hide the average quality of the execution (except some large statues).The eye is lost, quantity is not quality. There is work here, not genius. Those who seek the erotic representations will also be disappointed: they are small and of a clumsy execution, and one must look well to find them. Better to go to Khajuraho or even to Konarak.
There are many works of art in Gujarat that deserve more to be included in the UNESCO list, such as the jali of the Sidi Sayyed mosque in Ahmedabad, a work of pure genius, or the old town of Junagadh...
Written 17 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dr_tanvi
Ahmedabad District, India146 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
This might be my second review here about this place almost after 12 years...It is a must visiting place to know the rich heritage of combination of science, art and thoughtful building of this monument. Please take guide otherwise one can miss many important aspects... Try to visit at evening so that can not miss the light and sound show
Written 20 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

rahgir_rashmi
World73 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
Built in bright yellow sandstone, the marvellous Sun temple at Modhera is an excellent example of the artistic craftsmanship and advanced technical knowledge of India. It is a monument of national importance.

It was built before the Sun temple at Konark. It is the most earthquake resistant structure owing to its design and engineering.

Structure of the temple is divided in 3 parts:

1. Gundamandapa.

2. Sabhamandapa - The shape is octagonal and it has some 52 pillars depicting the 52 weeks of one solar year. These pillars also depict tales from Ramayan and Mahabharat.

3. Kunda- Pyramid shaped step well, has numerous shrines and sculptures. The one just opposite to the temple has lord Vishnu in Shesh Shaiya. The size of the kund is 21000 square feet.

Legend:

According to Skandapuran, while returning from Srilanka after killing Ravana, lord Ram wanted to do an absolution for killing a Brahmin. For this, he did a yagya at Dharmaranya ( jungle of righteousness, modern Modhera).

From mythological point of view , the walk from Kunda to Gundamandapa is considered to be a journey from death to moksha.

Keep travelling, keep exploring !!
Written 4 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

YubaPrincess
London, UK587 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Steeps in history and art/architecture. The structure, awe-inspiring with its detailed carvings all over, was built by the Solankis. Visit around sunset, and spend at least an hour here contemplating on Hindu iconography, the stepped well beside the temple, the tidy greenery around these structures.
Tip: Pair this stop-over when visiting the Double Ikat Museum at Patan.
Highly recommendable.
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RkRoadie
Pune, India621 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021
Modhera is famous for its ancient sun temple. The location is near to main road with excellent parking facility. ASI has maintained this site nicely with clean lawns and sitting facilitiy.

The temple looks marvelous but more marvelous is the Surya Kund next to temple. This kund is photographers delight. There are symmetrical steps to reach inside but i would not suggest to go down as water seems dirty.

The temples are amazing with beautiful carvings on them. The complex in huge and takes some time to explore. There is small ASI museum inside complex which showcases some structural pieces found by ASI in this area. There is drinking water and washroom facility behind museum.
Written 5 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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