Visiting is the Modhera Sun Temple is one of my favourite places to visit near Ahmedabad for one day. Read why Ahmedabad to Modhera Sun Temple is an easy and must-do trip.

India is famous for its temples; their architecture, their cultural importance and how they existed through centuries declaring them as UNESCO Heritage Sites. Indian temples worship a lot of things and one of them is the Sun! Modhera hosts one of the Sun temples in India. The sun has been so important to the village that now a 6 MW solar plant, coupled with a 15 MWh battery energy storage system, is installed to meet the town’s day and night electricity requirements. Modhera is India’s first solar village.

Sun God or Surya Dev: Why is the Sun worshipped?

Sun god is worshipped across cultures and for many centuries. Most ancient cultures worshipped the sun in and of itself, regularly bowing before it as the most potent force in the universe, to which they owed gratitude, obedience and adoration. The Egyptians respect the deity Ra (‘sun’), depicted in their sculpture as a falcon-headed god with a solar disk over his head. The Aztecs enchanted sacred poetry to Tonatiuh, the sun god, and the ancient Celts expressed piety to Grannus, god both of the sun and wisdom. In the Native American cultures, such as the Iroquois and Plains peoples, the sun was recognized as a life-giving force. Many of the Plains tribes still perform a Sun Dance each. In MesoAmerican cultures, the sun was associated with kingship, and many rulers claimed divine rights by way of their direct descent from the sun.

In India, according to Hindu mythology, Hindus refer to the sun as unlimited energy storage. Hence in olden times, sun temples were constructed to revere the sun god. Over 10 temples are present in various parts of India for sun salutation. Having been to Konark Sun temple already, I eagerly wanted to visit Modhera Sun Temple.

History of Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat

The Sun temple of Modhera was built by Rishabh Bhimdev – I of the Solanki dynasty. The Solankis were great architects and their creations are a testament to the bygone era that still stands strong. The Solankis were considered to be the descendants of the Sun God and the Modhera Surya Mandir was constructed as an offering to the Sun God. The temple was designed in such a way that the first rays of the sun illuminate the sanctum during the equinox. 

The Surya idol was robbed by Mahmud Ghazni who took the original idol that was carved in gold. And then later the temple was destroyed by Allauddin Khilji. Due to this, no ceremonial worships or offerings take place in the present day. However, the temple walls still maintain a grandeur that is enough to mesmerize visitors.

My visit to Sun Temple Modhera

I knew I had to take a guided tour to know about the architecture in detail. As soon as I entered the complex, I was surrounded by guides who offered themselves to educate me with all the information about the temple. After a good deal, I caved in.

Architecture of Modhera Sun Temple

The guide informed us all about the Modhera Sun Temple. The temple is divided into three parts namely Surya Kund (stepwell), Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and Guda Mandap (sanctum sanctorum). The main temple faces east so that the rays of the sunlit the idol carved in the main shrine. The temple is a depiction of the sun and its unity with earth’s elements – air, water, soil & space. 

The temple is made using lime mortar and is a classic example of art on the wall. The temple follows the principles of Vastu Shilpa.  The temple structure is designed in such a way that it resembles a flowering lotus.

We started our exploration of the complex with Surya Kund.

Modhera Sun Temple is a popular spot for photography, painting pre-wedding photoshoots

Surya Kund

Surya Kund – is the perfect example of geometry from the 11th century. Surya Kund is a stepwell which is 4 stories below the ground. This water reservoir’s rectangular design and innumerable steps leading to the water base reminded me of the Panna Meena ka Kund, Jaipur. There are three main shrines on the three sides of the kund dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva’s avatar Natraja. The kund is adorned with 108 miniature temples carved in the corners and in between the steps that are dedicated to gods and demigods.

During its glory when the temple deity was present, devotees were required to perform ablutions before entering the temple.

The guide requested us to spend time at the kund after the entire visit was over.

Sabha Mandap

The pillared hall welcomes the visitors on entering the main temple. Also known as the hall of religious gathering, it is open from all sides and has 52 intricately carved pillars that represent 52 weeks in a year. The carvings are scenes from important events from Ramayana, Mahabharat and Krishna Leela.

Between the Sabha Mandap and the Sanctum Sanctorum is another hall with pillars and arches. The walls depict 12 aspects of Sun God in each month of the year.

Sanctum Sanctorum

By this time I was dumbstruck to imagine an engineer who constructed this wonder in the year 1026 and executed it with such skilled craftsmanship.

Upon entering the Sanctum Sanctorum, the guide informed us that the Lotus flower is considered the Sun God’s flower. This is why the temple design is based on the inverted lotus-base plinth.  It was designed in such a way that the sun rays of the rising and setting sun on equinox days (20th March and 21st September) fell on the bejewelled pure gold idol.

Exterior Wall Sculptures

The exterior walls of the temple are extensively carved with idols symbolizing the gods Indra, Varuna and Vishwakarma. There are many erotic carvings on the walls which symbolize the human cycle of birth and death.

Modhera Dance Festival 

Historically known as the Uttarardh Mahotsav based on the planetary and astronomical configuration of the Sun. The festival also marks the rotation of the sun around the earth when winters come to an end and summers start. 

The state government organizes an annual Modhera Dance festival that includes thrilling dance performances and musical programmes overlooking the temple. The Modhera Dance Festival is celebrated in the third week of January after the festival of Uttarayan. It is conducted to celebrate the art, dance form, and culture of India and is a 3 day fair.

The temple is decked up in colourful lights for the festival.

3D Light and Sound show at Modhera Sun Temple

The Indian Prime Minister recently inaugurated the 3D Light and Sound show at Modhera Temple Light Show wherein the entire temple complex including the Surya Kund is illuminated with lights. The history and architecture are explained through 3D lights and sound systems. The Modhera Light and Sound show will run every day between 7 pm to 7.30 pm.

Modhera Surya Mandir timing

Modhera Sun Temple is open from 8 am to 6 pm. 

Sun Temple Modhera entry fee

INR 40 for Indian Nationals and INR 600 for Foreign Nationals. Photography is included in this fee but tripods and drones are not allowed. Prior permission needs to be obtained for drone shooting.

Best time to visit Modhera Sun Temple

Mornings and evenings are the best time to visit the sun temple as the weather is very pleasant.

Month wise, Gujarat is extremely hot during summers with temperatures rising up to 45 degrees. Monsoon is humid making it better than summer but still uncomfortable to walk. Winters are the best season to visit Gujarat.

How to reach Modhera Surya Mandir

By road

Ahmedabad to Modhera is well connected through Mahesana. From Ahmedabad, you can get a GSRTC bus from the Bus stand. The best option is to reach the Adalaj crossroad and hire a bus. If you don’t get a direct bus, you can take the bus to Mahesana (Frequency – 15 – 20 mins). From Mahesana, you can hire a Jeep, and Rickshaw to reach Modhera (30 km). Same for Modhera to Ahmedabad.

By train

The nearest railway station to Modhera is Mehsana. From there, visitors can hire a cab or bud till Modhera.

By flight

The nearest airport to Modhera is the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, at a distance of about 94 kilometres. Ahmedabad has good connectivity to many domestic and international airports. From Ahmedabad, visitors can travel by road to Modhera, either by hiring a cab or by bus operated by GSRTC (Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation).

Hotels near Modhera Sun Temple

Since most people prefer a one day trip from Ahmedabad, the accommodation options in Modhera are fewer. Patan is a bigger town and hence has a few mid-range hotels in case you want to extend your stay. 

Hotel The Grand Piano

The Grand Raveta

Places to visit near Modhera 

Patan

Patan to Modhera is a common travel circuit. Situated only 35 km away from each other it can easily be combined for a visit together.Patan is beautiful offering many places to see. There are temples, such as Panchasara Parshvanath Jain Derasar, the Kapur Mehta Na Pado and Mahavir Swami Derasar. Patan is also famous for Rani-ki-Vav, the stepwell featured on Rs. 100 currency note. Paan is also famous for the heritage Patola saree. One can witness the silk weaving of Patola saree in Patan Patola Heritage Museum.

Vadnagar

Vadnagar is 65 km away and offers many heritage places. The fanous Kirti Toran of Vadnagar,

Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Mehta ni Vav Sharmishtha Lake Vadnagar and Tana Riri Garden are some of the places to visit in Vadnagar. Read more here: Heritage places in Vadnagar

Sidhpur

Sidhpur is a humble little town that has a powerful place in history and mythology. It was here on the banks of the Saraswati River that the great warrior Parasurama performed the last rites of his mother, making Sidhpur a sacred pilgrimage among Hindu devotees honoring their maternal ancestors. Sidhpur has two protected national monuments namely: Ruins of Rudra Mahalaya Temple and the Jami Masjid that attract tourists here.

Vohravad

Built in a distinctive architectural style, the Vohrawad are rows of narrow, deep mansions, about three to four storeys high, along the main street. These houses belong to the Vohra community, a Shia Muslim trading community from Gujaratin. These houses are peculiar as they have a strong European character with gabled roofs, ornate balconies, columns, decorated doors and are painted in pastel shades. 

FAQs

Is a combined visit possible to Modhera and Patan?

Yes. Most visitors combine a visit to Modhera and Patan. It is a perfect one day trip from Ahmedabad.

Which is the deity in the Modhera Sun Temple?

The Modhera Sun Temple is dedicated to Sun God. But since the idol was robbed there is no deity in the temple at present.  as the name suggests is dedicated to the Sun God. 

The Sun temple in Modhera was built during the reign of the Solanki king, Bhima I, however, there is no record of who the architect of the temple was.

Sustainable travel tips for Modhera Surya Mandir

• Being an ancient heritage site which is already dwindling with age, respect the structures by not sitting on them. Sit outside the temple in the garden.
• Do not harm the structures by carving or writing on it
• Do not enter places which are closed off, there’s a reason why they are closed.
• Throw your garbage in the dustbins located at the entrance of each temple.

Read about other posts in Gujarat

• Statue of Unity Guide- Day trip from Ahmedabad
• Bhuj – Gateway to Rann Utsav
• Rann Utsav at Tent City
• Places to visit in Jamnagar
• Things to do in Vadodara
• Girnar Ropeway

Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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I passed it when I visited the Anokhi Museum Jaipur, which is bang in fron,t but I could never have guessed there was a stepwell here! I guess most stepwells have a humble existence.

What is Stepwell or Baori?

A stepwell is a type of ancient water storage tank where water was accessed through a series of steps. They served as a source of drinking water, especially during deficient rainfall, which was quite often in the region.

Stepwells have different names around the country. In Delhi, they are called Baoli, in Rajasthan Kund, and in Gujarat, they are called Vav.

With around 2000 ancient stepwells in India, approximately 100 of these can be found in Rajasthan. Most of the stepwells in Rajasthan were built in medieval times around the 15th and 16th centuries. 

Read about the stepwell in Delhi: Agrasen ki Baoli or from Gujarat: Sevasi Vav, Vadodara

History of Panna Meena ka Kund

Although there is no confirmed history on how this Panna Meena ka Kund got its name. However, there are two local legends that go this way: a eunuch named Panna Miah was instrumental in constructing this stepwell. Another theory is that the Meenas were the original There is yet another theory: it is built in remembrance of the Meenas, a local tribe residing in Amer before the Rajputs arrived.

About Panna Meena ka Kund Architecture

Unlike the Chand Baori of Abhaneri, which is massive in size and also has a rather interesting history, Panna Meena ka Kund is a baby stepwell. Panna Meena Ka Kund is also called Panna Mian Kund, Panna Meena Baori, Panna Meena Bawri and is one of the best-restored stepwells or Baori in Jaipur and is extremely accessible to all tourists visiting Amer. It is one of the must visit places in Jaipur.

Panna Meena ka Kund is an eight-storeyed stepwell that is 200 feet deep with 1800 symmetrical steps. It is believed to have been built during the 16th century. These staircases are geometrical in shape but organised in a unique crisscross way. Octagon-shaped pieces have been used in the core of the Kund and terrace on two floors. Its zigzag geometrical pattern makes the Panna Meena Kund of Jaipur extremely unique.

Unlike most stepwells in Rajasthan that have 4-sided steps to climb down to the water,  Panna Meena ka Kund has steps on only three sides. It is plain on the fourth side with a room-like structure overlooking the entire stepwell complex.
On each corner of the complex, there is an umbrella-like structure called Chhatris, where one can sit and relax just the way it happened in olden times.

How to reach Panna Meena Stepwell | Location

Panna Meena Ka Kund is located in Amer town, close to Ambikeshwar Mahadev Temple and opposite to the Anokhi Museum. It is an easy walk away from the Amer Fort if you are not too tired from walking across the fort. Follow Google Maps or ask the locals for directions to reach the stepwell.

Panna Meena ka Kund Timing

Panna Meena Ka Kund is open all the time. However, there have been instances of suicides and eve-teasing incidents due to which the authorities have strict timings. It is now open from early morning to sunset.

Panna Meena Kund Entry Fee

Entry to Panna Meena Kund is free.

Photography at Panna Meena ka Kund | Is going down the steps of Panna Meena Kund allowed?

Unfortunately, no. There is a security guard present in the complex at all times, keeping a close watch. I had seen pictures of many people on these steps before going, so I had assumed it was allowed. Panna Meena ka Kund is one of the extremely popular Instagram worthy places to visit in Jaipur.

However, I was not allowed to go in spite of many requests from the security guard. He cited the reason for ‘Safety’. When I showed him pictures of tourists on Google, he just brushed it off and said I needed permission to go down the steps. Then he gave me the example of a Bollywood unit that got prior permission for shooting at Panna Meena ka Kund, the previous night.

Movies like Dabangg 3 and Dhadak were shot here.

The rules are obviously different for locals. A resident told me that local swimming competitions take place where young boys dive into the water. This usually happens in the monsoon when the water level is high and the water is fresh. He also told me that the only chance of getting down the steps is to go early in the morning and hope there is no guard there. Weekdays and off-season are the best times to get the photos on the steps.

Things to see around Panna Meena Kund in Amer

You can visit the following popular places in Amer:

Ambikeshwar Temple 

Located diagonally opposite, this temple can be seen from the Kund. It is only a few meters away. As per a local legend, Amer town derives its name from Ambikeshwar Mandir, Jaipur.

Jagat Shiromani Temple

The temple has beautiful architecture and is within walking distance of the stepwell. The temple is also called the Meera Bai temple.

Amer Fort

There is really nothing much to say about it, as it is the most popular tourist attraction in Jaipur.

Anokhi Museum

A unique textile museum paying an ode to the hand-block printed fabric of Jaipur (Sanganer).

Hotels near Panna Meena ka Kund | Hotels in Amer, Jaipur

While most people prefer a one day visit to Amer from Jaipur, in case you want to explore all the Amer places at leisure, the following are some of the options.

Luxury hotels: Trident Jaipur, Samode Haveli

Mid-range hotels: Virasat Mahal Heritage Hotel, Trimrooms Mount Blue

Sustainable tips to explore the Panna Meena ka Kund

• Being an ancient stepwell, respect the structures by not defacing them. 
• Do not harm the structures by carving or writing on it.
• Do not dispose of garbage in the stepwell premises or in the water well.
• Wear comfortable shoes and dress modestly.

Read More Jaipur posts:

• Jaipur Blue Pottery
• Must buy easy to pack souvenirs from Jaipur

Read More Rajasthan posts

• Places to visit near Eklingji Temple, Udaipur
• Jawai Leopard Safari
• 3 days Udaipur itinerary
• Kumbhalgarh – Second longest wall in the world
• Ranakpur Jain Temple

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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I am continuing the series of exploring my hometown Vadodara, where I lived for years and yet did not explore or even know about so many amazing places. I have taken backyard travel very seriously and trying to know my city better and visit some beautiful and undiscovered gems. Today’s blog is about my visit to Sevasi Vav, also known as Vidyadhar ni Vav in Vadodara.

I did not know that a Vav (translated to a stepwell) existed in Vadodara till early this year when I read a blog of a fellow blogger. I decided to pay a visit keeping minimal hopes, just like my visit to Tambekar Wada, given its dilapidated state showcased in the photos.

What are stepwells?

Stepwells are wells or ponds in which the water is reached by descending a set of steps to the water level. They may be multi-storied, and often ornamented with intricate carvings on its pillars and walls. Stepwells are known as Vav in Gujarati and Baori in Hindi. Read about the haunted stepwell in Delhi – Agrasen ki Baoli and the gem called Panna Meena ka Kund, Jaipur

History of Stepwells

In the yesteryears, stepwells were a source of water as they were away from water bodies and majorly constructed in the arid regions of India. Their water storage effectiveness helped local residents survive for years, in the semi-arid climate and seasonal fluctuations. 

The architecture of stepwells includes a cylinder well that extends down to the water table which provides water for drinking, washing, bathing, and farming. 

Construction of most stepwells had an inspiration or story behind it and was constructed by royal, wealthy, or powerful patrons. They were nothing less than complex engineering feats and stunning examples of both Hindu and Islamic architecture.

Stepwells were also considered women’s spaces’, where women came not just to fill water, but also to talk and sometimes dance, uninhibitedly with other women, without a worry in the world.

Stepwells in India – Present Scenario

While thousands of stepwells were present in India, modernization and a general lack of apathy towards these traditional structures have led most stepwells to ruins. They are now filthy places filled with garbage, crumbling with time. The surviving stepwells can be found in Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

While Adalaj ni Vav, Ahmedabad and Rani ki Vav, Patan are the popular ones in Gujarat, there are an estimated 200 stepwells in the state. Their state is unknown and their survival is even more questionable as authorities have turned a blind eye towards them.

About Sevasi Vav (Vidyadhar ni Vav) Vadodara

Legend has it that Raja Haridas created Vidyadhar ni vav in memory of the legendary spiritual leader, Shri Vidyadhar, in 1543 CE. Since the Vav is located in the Sevasi village, it started gaining popularity as Sevasi Vav.

Legend also says that young girls decked in gold were sacrificed at Sevasi Vav on full moon nights, for prosperity.

Location of Sevasi Vav

500-year-old Sevasi Vav is located just outside the city limits – about 8km towards Sindhrot or New Alkapuri. It can be easily found by following google directions. Look out for ‘Sevasi’ board on your left and turn towards it. The stepwell is on the main road as soon as you turn. There are hardly any signboards so one has to be careful and vigilant.

My visit to Sevasi Vav

I drove down to Sevasi Vav on my motorbike with a local friend who knew the exact location. I reached the Vav in less than 10 minutes on a weekday morning.

There was a bamboo fence at the entrance and my heart sank thinking that it is closed to visitors. On probing a shopkeeper opposite the stepwell, he asked us to lift the bamboo and go inside. He even directed us to park our motorbikes.

I rejoiced, not only because the stepwell was open but also because we were the only visitors there. The perks of going early morning!

As I stepped down a few storeys, it got darker, damper and cooler. The symmetry at each storey astounded me which has been subtly taken over by nature – shrubs have grown all over, enhancing the beauty of Sevasi Vav, one of the must-visit places in Vadodara.

I noticed a large platform with prayer flags, coconuts and diyas, which meant there was an idol there and people visited this vav for religious activities. Many pillars also had diyas, which made me wonder if it is lit up on special days like Dusshera or Diwali, and if it is, how amazing would it look!

I climbed down a few more storeys after paying my respects to the deity. But it was super dark and the stagnant water odour was unbearable to me. I and my friend decided to explore the dome at the end of the alleyway which was visible from the entrance. We exited the main entrance and took the pathway from the side of the stepwell premises to reach the centre of the stepwell, which was the Seventh Storey. The dome has two entrance-exit leading through stairs. The balcony inside the dome gives a vivid view of the stepwell from the top and also of the well on the other side. If you can stand the odour of the stagnant water and putrefying rubbish, you can even take a peek inside the well. I did not want to, so I called it a day.

I spent close to 90 minutes exploring, photographing, climbing and mostly appreciating this age-old structure which should definitely be on your list of must-visit Vadodara tourist places! Read a detailed guide on Things to do in Vadodara.

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