Excavations near the coastal town of Dwarka have revealed the foundations of a 6th-century Sun Temple attributed to the Maitraka dynasty of Vallabhi. The site is notable for an intact stone ritual altar located in the center of the garbha-griha, which features rare solar motifs and carvings of the twelve Adityas. The temple's architectural style serves as a vital link between the late-Gupta period and the later Solanki sun temples of Gujarat.
The discovery also includes a series of granite water channels designed to direct the first rays of the rising sun into a reflective pool before the deity. This sophisticated use of light and water demonstrates the early development of solar-aligned architecture in Western India. Archaeologists believe the temple was part of a larger maritime trade hub where sailors would offer prayers to the sun for safe passage across the Arabian Sea.