Surya Dev’s Sunday: Built In 1026-27 CE, This Temple Saw Invasions, Disasters — How To Reach From Mumbai Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 31, 2025, 09:00 IST The Modhera Sun Temple in Gujarat, built in 1026 CE, is a stunning heritage site dedicated to Surya Dev. With Vande Bharat and the upcoming bullet train, reaching this historic marvel is now faster. (Photo Credit: X) The Modhera Sun Temple in Gujarat is one of India’s most stunning architectural marvels. Dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God), it reflects the unmatched artistry of the Solanki dynasty. Surrounded by serene landscapes and built along the Pushpavati River, this sandstone temple stands as a timeless reminder of devotion, craftsmanship and cultural richness. With its finely carved pillars, sculptures and grandeur, the temple offers not just history but also a spiritual experience. Visitors are often struck by the sheer detail of its carvings, which seem to narrate stories on stone. Recommended Stories Today, the temple is not only a heritage site but also a symbol of Gujarat’s pride. The history of the Modhera Sun Temple goes back to the Solanki dynasty The Modhera Sun Temple was built in 1026–27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya (Solanki) dynasty. Historical texts and scriptures such as the Brahmapurana and Skanda Purana also mention the temple, underlining its importance in India’s spiritual and cultural traditions. The complex begins with the famous Suryakund, a large stepwell with 108 shrines dedicated to various gods and demigods. The Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) features 12 sculpted Adityas, representing the Sun God in each month of the year. Though the main sanctum no longer holds an idol, the temple is designed so that during the equinox, the first rays of the sun directly illuminate the sanctum, symbolising eternal energy. The location and timings of the temple make it easy for travellers The Sun Temple is located in Modhera village of Mehsana district in Gujarat, about 99 km from Ahmedabad. The temple is open every day from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. The best time to visit is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant. January is especially significant, as the Gujarat Tourism Department organises the Modhera Dance Festival inside the temple complex. Classical dancers from across the country perform here, transforming the temple into a stage of cultural beauty. Road, air and train options to reach the temple – By Air: The nearest airport is Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, located about 95 km away. From there, the temple can be reached in roughly 2 hours by road. – By Train: Mehsana Junction is the closest railway station (26 km). Regular trains from major cities in Gujarat stop here. – By Road: Modhera is well connected by road, with highways linking it to Ahmedabad (99 km), Gandhinagar (83 km) and Mehsana (26 km). Does Vande Bharat run from Mumbai to a station near Modhera Sun Temple? Yes, the Mumbai Central-Gandhinagar Capital Vande Bharat Express is one of the fastest and most convenient options. The train departs Mumbai Central at 6:00 am and reaches Gandhinagar by 12:25 pm, with stops at Surat, Vadodara, Anand, Navsari, Vapi, Valsad, Borivali and Ahmedabad Junction. Travellers heading to Modhera can disembark at Ahmedabad, which is about 75 km away from the temple. From there, a cab or bus can get you to the temple in about 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, Mehsana Junction is the nearest railway station at just 26 km away from the temple, but Mumbai has no direct Vande Bharat to Mehsana yet. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train will make the journey even faster India’s first bullet train project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is set to further ease travel to Modhera. Running at a speed of 320 km/h, the bullet train will cut travel time to just over 2 hours. Starting from Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex, the train will stop at Vapi, Surat, Anand, Vadodara and Ahmedabad. Once operational, travellers from Mumbai will be able to reach Ahmedabad quickly and then continue by road (around 75 km) to Modhera. This will be a major boost for tourists planning day trips or short stays to explore the Sun Temple and nearby attractions. Best experiences and travel tips for visitors Visiting early in the morning is highly recommended, as the temple looks breathtaking in the golden rays of sunrise. Hiring a local guide can enrich the experience, as they share fascinating legends and details about the temple’s construction and history. While Modhera has a few small eateries, visitors may find better dining options in Mehsana or Ahmedabad. Gujarati thalis, snacks like dhokla and khandvi and local delicacies are worth trying. Accommodation ranges from budget hotels in Mehsana to luxury stays in Ahmedabad. A blend of history, architecture and modern travel top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Modhera Sun Temple is more than just a monument; it is an experience that combines history, devotion and art. With improved connectivity through Vande Bharat and the upcoming bullet train, reaching this thousand-year-old heritage site is becoming easier than ever. Whether you are drawn by its architecture, spiritual aura, or cultural events, the temple promises a memorable journey into India’s past and present. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: August 31, 2025, 09:00 IST News mumbai-news Surya Dev’s Sunday: Built In 1026-27 CE, This Temple Saw Invasions, Disasters — How To Reach From Mumbai Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...

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