Sun Temple

Arrive at dawn during the spring or autumn equinox (around March 21 and September 21) to see the first rays of the sun strike the innermost sanctum’s central pillar, a precise feat of Solanki-era astronomy. The effect lasts only a few minutes, so position yourself near the main shrine’s east entrance.

Circle the main temple structure (garbhagriha) and locate the carved niches that mark the positions of the sun’s rays at different times of the year, including the winter and summer solstice markers. A local guide can point out the exact carvings, which are subtle but visible on the outer walls.

Walk through the open assembly hall (sabhamandapa) and study the 52 intricately carved pillars, each depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and daily life of the 11th century. Look for the unique bracket figures showing musicians, dancers, and celestial nymphs in various poses.

Descend the 108 steps of the rectangular stepped tank in front of the temple, then climb up the opposite side to get a full view of the temple’s elevated platform and the surrounding arid landscape. The tank’s side shrines to Ganesha and other deities are worth a close look before you ascend.

If your visit coincides with the third week of January, sit in the open courtyard and watch classical Indian dance performances (Kathak, Bharatanatyam) staged against the illuminated temple backdrop. The festival is organized by the Gujarat Tourism department and runs for three evenings, with seating on the temple’s stone steps.

Stand before the two ornate, freestanding torans (ceremonial arches) that flank the temple’s east entrance, and spend time capturing their intricate floral and geometric carvings. These arches are the only surviving examples of their kind in Gujarat, and the best light for photography is late afternoon when the sun highlights the stone’s warm hue.