Richly and profusely carved, it stands on a high plinth, and is designed in such a way that the rising sun at the equinoxes shines into the sanctum sanctorum creating a serene atmosphere. The main deity of the temple is missing, but there are 12 images of the Sun-God, fascinating and significant, as scholars find in them the stamp of the Iranian concept of the Sun-God's appearance, but new researches have proved that these twelve manifestations of the sun are completely of Indian (Hindu) origin.
The temple of Modhera dedicated to Sûrya, the solar god, was built in the 11th century (consecrated in 1026-1027) by King Bhima Deva of the Solanki dynasty of Patan (8th to 11th centuries), to commemorate his victory over The illustrious and sinister Mahmud of Ghazni. This consecration of the temple of Sûrya at Modhera is rather rare. It can be found in the colossal temple of Konarak in Orissa, which dates back two centuries later. Over time, Modhera was ravaged by several earthquakes that, in particular, destroyed the shikara (tower) of the temple. Indeed, the region is located in an earthquake-prone area. This architectural ensemble nevertheless retains a presence, a majesty that one does not forget.
Arriving at the site, one notices first a large ‘kund’ (basin) with ghats (staircase) of stones, the Ramakund (basin of Rama), which stores water to be used for the ritual ablutions of the pilgrims. It is framed at the corners and on the sides, by small temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The outer walls are embellished with erotic sculptures. The ‘kund’ was earlier preceded by a ‘torana’ (portico) of which only a right part remains. A vast hall, the ‘nritya mandapa (hall of the dance), sometimes called ‘sabha mandapa’, comes next. Its interior and exterior walls, as well as exuberant pillars are adorned with an abundant iconography of stone eroded by time, like those of the main temple. It depicts the usual gods and goddesses, celestial nymphs, some small erotic sculptures etc. The statue of Sûrya no longer resides in its sanctum sanctorum, but there are representations on the walls. The god is depicted there, as usually, standing on his chariot drawn by seven horses, represents seven colours in a sun ray.
The main festival of Modhera is the Dance Festival of Modhera. The Dance Festival of Modhera, also called as Uttarardha Mahotsava, is held during the third week of January every year, after the festival of Uttarayan. This festival is celebrated at the Sun Temple in Modhera. The decision to celebrate the annual festival of classical Indian dances was taken by the Department of Culture, West Zone. The idea was to present classical dances in a similar atmosphere in which these were originally presented.