Wondering what to do this weekend or which place to explore in order to rejuvenate your souls then I have a just the perfect answer for you. It is the Sun Temple situated at Modhera in Mehsana district of Gujarat state in India. The Sun Temple is just 102 kilometres away from the largest city of Gujarat, Ahmedabad. This grand temple is an example of architectural excellence even in today’s time of technology. The architectural style used in the temple is known as Solanki style. Solankis were the ruler of the region at that time. This magnificent Sun Temple is built in the early eleventh century in the year 1026 on the banks of River Pushpavati by the King Bhimdev I from Solanki dynasty. The main deity of the shrine is Hindu Sun God, Surya. During the eleventh century Mahmud Ghazni was ransacking and attacking Somnath and nearby areas. At that time Solanki dynasty resumed their lost power and shined in the region. Their capital Patan came to glory once again. The royals and the traders both jointly created several splendid temples. Being the Suryavanshi which means descendants of Sun God Solankis created the Sun Temple. Alladin Khilji tried to destry the beautiful temple that is why you can notice the ruins of some of the portion of the temple structure.The architecture of the temple is brilliant and it is built in such a way that the Sun God, Surya baths in the first rays of the sun on Equinoxes that come on 20th march and 21 September. Even after ten centuries the place is capable of amaze you with its stunning architecture. The temple can be divided into three major aligned but integrated parts known as Surya Kund, Sabha Mandap and Guda Mandap. Surya Kund which is extremely massive in size is a rectangular shaped water reservoir with multiple steps. Also called Ramakunda it is 53.6 x 36.6 meter in size and was used to store pure water. It is said that the devotees were used to do ceremonial ablutions before they worship the Sun God. This kund is the best example of geometry as the placement of stone is in such a way that it not only looked spectacular but also proved to be the best for practical use. It can be called great work of art. Inside the tank you can count hundred and eight (108) miniature temples of different Hindu gods like Vinshnu, Lord Ganesha, Lord Natraj, Sitalamata, etc. These are beautifully carved on the stone. You can imagine the architectural excellence present in Solanki period. From a distance you can notice the two huge intricately carved arches known as Toran creating entrance to the Sabha Mandap. The entire structure of Sabha Mandap is carved beautifully. The pillars, ceiling, dome all are great work of art. The 52 pillars indicate the 52 weeks in a year. In the carvings on stone you can see the events of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Krishna life, etc. There is a hall between Sabha Mandapa and Sanctum sanctorum. The Sanctum Sanctorum is the main temple based on an inverted lotus base plinth in order to symbolise the Sun’s Flower, Lotus. The exteriors of the temple are adorned with twelve different positions of Sun God along with eight Dikpals and these are Lord Vishwakarma, Varundev (God of water), Agnidev (God of fire), Ganesh (god of starting), Sarasvati Devi (goddess of education & wishdom) and Samudramanthan event.There is a major classical dance festival organised by the Gujarat Tourism Corporation in order to promote tourism here. Another motto of the festival which is held in the third week of January every year is to keep alive the Indian traditions, rich culture and the ancient history at the Sun Temple. Well known Indian artists give their performances here. One can easily reach here from any part of Gujarat by Buses or private vehicles. Mehsana is just 25 kilometers away from Modhera.Ruchi Mahajan