Modhera
The stunning Sun Temple, located 102km (63 miles) northwest of Ahmedabad, was built by King Bhimdev I in 1026, and is perhaps the state's highlight in religious architecture, and well worth a visit en route to Dasada, or even a day's outing from Ahmedabad together with Patan. In tribute to its solar deity it was designed in the Solanki style so as to capture the dawn sunlight on the image of Surya, the sun god, during the equinoxes. Set in lush peaceful grounds one approaches first to the Surya Kund, a beautifully proportioned rectangular baoli (step well) containing over 100 shrines to Ganesh, Vishnu, and Shiva. There is a wonderful view from the side that looks directly on to the Main Hall and the Shrine's pillared pavilions and one can immediately appreciate the perfect proportions of this intricate, modest complex. Up close the carved detail is especially elaborate and the 52 pillars depict scenes from the Mahabaratha and Ramayana with erotic beauties seeming to pose for your camera. Look out for the interior display of the 12 representations of Surya's different monthly expressions and note the damage where the temple was ruined by the Muslim ruler Mahmud of Ghazni (who effected similar damage to Rani-ki-Vav at Patan).
The stunning Sun Temple, located 102km (63 miles) northwest of Ahmedabad, was built by King Bhimdev I in 1026, and is perhaps the state's highlight in religious architecture, and well worth a visit en route to Dasada, or even a day's outing from Ahmedabad together with Patan. In tribute to its solar deity it was designed in the Solanki style so as to capture the dawn sunlight on the image of Surya, the sun god, during the equinoxes. Set in lush peaceful grounds one approaches first to the Surya Kund, a beautifully proportioned rectangular baoli (step well) containing over 100 shrines to Ganesh, Vishnu, and Shiva. There is a wonderful view from the side that looks directly on to the Main Hall and the Shrine's pillared pavilions and one can immediately appreciate the perfect proportions of this intricate, modest complex. Up close the carved detail is especially elaborate and the 52 pillars depict scenes from the Mahabaratha and Ramayana with erotic beauties seeming to pose for your camera. Look out for the interior display of the 12 representations of Surya's different monthly expressions and note the damage where the temple was ruined by the Muslim ruler Mahmud of Ghazni (who effected similar damage to Rani-ki-Vav at Patan).
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