Sun temple at Modhera
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It is dated to the early 18th century, built by Raja Bhimdev I of the Solanki Dynasty in 1026 CE.
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The Solankis were a branch of the later Chalukyas.
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Features:
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Suryakund:
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There is a massive rectangular stepped tank called the Surya kund in front of it.
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This hundred-square-metre rectangular pond is perhaps the grandest temple tank in India.
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108 miniature shrines are carved in between the steps inside the tank.
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Torana
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A huge ornamental arch-torana leads one to the sabha mandapa (the assembly hall) open on all sides, as was the fashion of the times in western and central Indian temples.
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Carving:
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The influence of the woodcarving tradition of Gujarat is evident in the lavish carving and sculpture work.
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The walls of the little central shrine are devoid of carving and are left plain.
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As the temple faces east and the sun beams directly into this central shrine at the time of the equinoxes every year.
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