Modhera

India City: Modhera
	Languages : Gujarati, Hindi, and English Best Time to Visit : October to March STD Codes : 0273484 Modhera is located in the western Indian state of Gujarat. The place is well connected to other places in the region with a good network of roads. The Sun Temple at Modhera has been divided into three main compartments. The first is the Surya Kund, a fascinating massive rectangular stepped tank. Because of the restoration work that is being carried out here by the Archeological Survey of India, the tank now stands dry; but in the days of yore it was believed to be full of nirmal jal (holy water). Devotees on their way to offer prayers to the Sun God would be required to first stop here for ceremonial ablutions and only then proceed for worship towards the temple. Small, miniature shrines dot the steps around the Kund. There are 108 of them to coincide with the number considered auspicious by the Hindus. There are four larger shrines dedicated to Vishnu, Ganesha, Shiva and Sitala Mata, the last mentioned being the goddess of the dreaded disease smallpox. And upon letting the imagination wander, one can almost imagine the intense religious activity that once would have been the hallmark of the place-air thick with a soothing incense smell, flowers floating on the water surface, devotees chanting aloud and offering prayers hoping to be blessed by the Lord Surya, all against the backdrop of the benign twin structures. Near to Kund steps lead up to the enchanting Sabha Mandap commonly described as "a magnificent style of pillared splendor". This is the place that was meant for religious gatherings and conferences. Open on all sides with four doorways, the piece de resistance is its unique walnut-shaped ceiling supported by 52 spectacular pillars. Each of these is intricately carved with every inch of available space recounting scenes form Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Krishna Leela (the childhood antics of Lord Krishna). The artistry and skill of the artisans of the time is charming. Based on a lotus-base plinth, the façade of this structure is also stunning and warrants close attention. Friezes of gods and goddesses cover the walls, besides which one can also see various aspects of human life- the cycle of birth and death and some erotic scenes from the Kama Sutra. The Guda Mandap contains yet another incredible structure, a surang (tunnel), the other end of which is believed to emerge at Patan, the headquarter of the Solankis. In case of attacks, these tunnels provided the ideal escape routes for the kings and members of the royal family to flee to safety. Unjha is a little town and a base for those visiting the Modhera temple. The town of Unjha is known for the marriage customs of the Kadwakanbis who live in this region. Around 10 km from Unjha is Sidhpur where one can find the very fragmented ruins of an ancient temple. Mahesena is around 34 km away from Modhera and a popular base for the tourists visiting Modhera. Accommodation can be a problem in Modhera with not many quality hotels around. However, standard accommodation is available in Mahesena around 34 km away. By Air The nearest airport is Ahmedabad around 102 km away. Ahmedabad is connected by most of the domestic airlines with other important cities in the country. By Rail Becharaji, situated around 16 km from Modhera, is the nearest railway station. Another convenient railway station from this place is Mahesena. There are regular trains to Ahmedabad from this place. By Road There are regular buses from Modhera to other destinations of the region including Ahmedabad and Mahesena.