Modhera Surya Mandir, also known as the Sun Temple of Modhera, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Sun God, located in the Modhera village of Gujarat, India. It was built in the 11th century during the reign of the Solanki dynasty.

The temple was built by King Bhima I of the Solanki dynasty in 1026-27 AD. The temple was designed in such a way that the first rays of the sun would fall on the image of the Sun God at the time of the equinoxes. The temple was designed as a symbolic representation of the universe according to Hindu cosmology, with the sanctum representing the sun, the outer walls representing the universe, and the water tank representing the cosmic ocean.

The temple was later plundered and destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024 AD, but it was rebuilt by the Solanki kings in the 12th century. The temple continued to be a place of worship until the 15th century, after which it fell into disuse and disrepair.

In the early 20th century, efforts were made to restore the temple. The Archaeological Survey of India took up the restoration work in 1920, and the temple was partially reconstructed. The temple was declared a protected monument by the government of India in 1951.

Today, the Modhera Surya Mandir is a popular tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple's stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and rich history make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Indian culture and history.


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