Sun Temple, Modhera

The Sun Temple at Modhera is a stunning 11th-century temple built by the Solanki dynasty king Bhimdev I in 1026 CE. Although no longer an active place of worship, it is an architectural masterpiece featuring three sections: the Surya Kund (a massive stepwell with 108 miniature shrines), the Sabha Mandapa (assembly hall with 52 intricately carved pillars), and the Guda Mandapa (main shrine). The temple is designed so that the sun's rays illuminate the sanctum on the equinox days. The carvings depict scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata with extraordinary precision.