The Sun Temple at Modhera was constructed by King Bhimdev I between 1022 and 1063. It was built two centuries before the construction of the Sun Temple at Konark. The temple is counted amongst the finest structures raised by the Solanki Dynasty. Situated on a round hill, the shrine is strategically constructed in a way that during dawn the sunrays fall on the image of Surya inside the temple. The architecture of the temple resembles the Konark Sun Temple in Orissa. The pathway leading to the main hall and inner sanctum of the temple has pillars. These pillars are adorned with carvings of birds, goddesses, beasts and blossoms. The 52 intricately carved pillars in the exterior complex of the temple depict scenes from the Ramayana, Krishna Leelas and the Mahabharata. Having 12 recess walls, the interior hall or the main hall is kept simple and represents Surya's monthly manifestations. The spacious main hall is lined with sculptured panels and stone carved images. The temple complex portrays a fine example of the principles of Vastu Shastra, planning, engineering and astronomy. There is a huge rectangular pond that is surrounded by the shrines of Lord Ganesha, Vishnu, Shiva and Goddess Sitala Mata. The pond is surrounded by 108 small and miniature shrines. The temple’s main entrance is towards its west. The sanctum of the temple stands on a raised brick terrace that has been constructed using stones. A 15 m square pillared hall is accessible through a carved archway. The Guda Mandapa houses a structure called as a surang, which is the safest route to reach Patan, the headquarters of the Solankis. The pillared hall has an inner sanctuary on its western side, along with a stepped pyramid style entrance. The upper storeys of the hall were completely destroyed by the Muslim rulers and the ruins can still be seen there. The best way to reach the temple is through roadways, via the state transport buses and private luxury coaches that are easily available from various cities of Gujarat.