History:

is believed to have been built by King Bhimdev I in 1026–27 CE during the reign of the Chalukya dynasty. The temple is dedicated to the Sun god, and shows fine examples of Chalukya artistic work. The temple raised on an elevated plinth is surrounded by a large compound wall which is reached through a deluxe torana or doorway. The temple is now partly in ruins, but the most intricate and ornate carvings can still be admired by visitors. The Sun temple consists of three main components. These are Sabha-mandapam, Guda-mandapa, and the sanctum. The Sabha-mandapam is a large pillared hall built on a high plinth with an intricately carved 40-pillared ceiling. The outer walls are adorned with the stepped windows, balconies, and niches. On either side of the Sabha-mandapa are two sculptures of Nandi bulls. The sanctum represents a structure in the form of a lotus flower. Inside the sanctum is a 16-armed idol of Surya, the Sun god. The idol is flanked by two idols of his charioteer, Aruna, on either side. It is one of the best temple in Gujarat which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Sun Temple is located in the Modhera village in Gujarat, India. 2. The Sun Temple was built during the rule of the Chalukya dynasty in 1026. 3. The Sun Temple reflects the beauty and grandeur of the ancient Indian architecture. 4. The temple is made up of three parts; the main sanctum where the sun god is worshipped in the form of a huge sculpture, a platform in front of the sanctum, and a hall that houses 108 small shrines of other gods. 5. The main shrine is surrounded by a huge lake. 6. The temple was destroyed by Mahmud Ghazni in 1026 due to his suspicion of gold being hidden inside the temple. 7. The temple has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 8. The main attraction of the temple is the carved and ornamented kalash-shaped shikhara, which is 27 meters tall and is believed to be one of the highest spires in India. 9. The temple is surrounded by friezes of Navagraha (nine planets). 10. The temple has a serene and peaceful ambience complemented by the lush green surrounds and soothing ponds. Here are some facts about the Gujarat temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Gujarat

Worship Method:

The traditional worship method at the Sun Temple, Modhera in Gujarat involves a complex ritual of circumambulation (pradakshinam) of the temple and inner and outer sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha and antarala), along with the symbolic offerings of bath, bhog, darshan, and naivedya. The circumambulation of the temple is performed either clockwise or anti-clockwise depending on the direction in which the worshipper is facing—northeast for those facing east, southeast for those facing west, northwest for those facing north, and southwest for those facing south. The circumambulation should be done with slow and steady steps, and devotees should chant mantras dedicated to Surya (sun god) while doing so. Once the outer and inner circumambulation of the temple is complete, the next step is to offer bath to the deities in the sanctum sanctorum with different liquids such as water, raw milk, ghee (clarified butter), and honey, amongst others. After the bath, offerings of bhog such as fresh flowers, fruits, incense, and lighted diyas (clay lamps) are made. After the bhog, the devotee proceeds to the entrance of the inner sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) for darshan, in which he stands in front of the sun god who is installed in the sanctum and paying respects by an act of folding the palms and standing in quiet contemplation for a few minutes. Finally, the plea is made to the deity through naivedya—a traditional offering of food and sweets. This offering is done with great reverence and devotion and is believed to be a method of honoring the deity and expressing gratitude. This most visited temple in Gujarat

Opening Timing:

The Sun Temple, Modhera opens daily from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. top temples in Gujarat

How to reach:

? The Sun Temple - Modhera is located in Gujarat, about 102 km from Ahmedabad. The temple can be reached by road, rail or air. By Road: Modhera is well-connected by road to other cities. One can take a bus or hire a taxi from Ahmedabad to Modhera. By Rail: The closest railway station to the temple is HJ Rajpipla Railway Station, which lies about 27 km from the temple. By Air: The closest airport to the temple is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport of Ahmedabad, which is located about 102 km away. famous temples in Gujarat