Rs 100 Commemorative Coin Celebrates 1,000‑Year Legacy of Gujarat’s Modhera Sun Temple

The Finance Ministry announced on Friday that a special Rs 100 commemorative coin will be struck to mark a truly remarkable milestone – the thousand‑year anniversary of the Modhera Sun Temple in Gujarat. It’s not just any coin; it’s meant to be a tiny piece of history that lovers of heritage and collectors alike can hold in their hands.

On the obverse, the design features the Lion Capital of the Ashoka Pillar, centred proudly with the national motto “Satyameva Jayate” beneath it. You’ll also see “Bharat” written in Devanagari on the left, “INDIA” on the right in English, and, of course, the rupee symbol ₹ followed by the numeric “100”. It’s a blend of classic symbols that instantly tells you you’re looking at an Indian coin.

The reverse side is where the magic happens for anyone who knows the temple. A stylised motif of the Modhera Sun Temple sits right in the middle, framed by the years “1026–2026” at the top and the inscription “1000 YEARS OF MODHERA SUN TEMPLE, GUJARAT” at the bottom. The design tries to capture the temple’s graceful arches and its famed step‑well, the Surya Kund, in a miniature but elegant sketch.

Why the thousand‑year celebration? The Modhera Sun Temple, dedicated to Surya dev, the Sun God, is a jewel of Indian architecture. Built around 1026 CE, its intricate carvings, lofty shikhara and the impressive water‑tank have drawn travelers and scholars for centuries. This coin, therefore, isn’t merely a monetary token; it’s a nod to a living piece of cultural heritage that continues to inspire awe.

The issuance comes under the Coinage Act, 2011, formalised through the “Coinage (Issue of commemorative coin on the occasion of 1000 Years of Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat) Rules, 2026”. Once minted, the coins will likely be released to the public through banks and designated outlets, offering both a collectible for numismatists and a souvenir for devotees of the temple.