File:0122121 9th-century Sun temple, Madkhera Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh 012.jpg

English: This 9th-century Sun temple is in Madkhera, sometimes referred to as Markhera – a small Bundelkhand village about 20 kilometers from Tikamgarh town in north Madhya Pradesh, near the Uttar Pradesh border.

Extensively restored, the Sun temple of Madkhera is notable for its exquisite carvings and generally well preserved Hindu artwork from the Saura, Shaiva, Vaishnava and Shakta traditions. The temple also has deities from the Vedic texts.

A high jagati (platform) supports the east-facing Sun temple. The temple has a mukhamandapa, antarala, and a garbhagriha, antarala. The mandapa is supported by front pillars and two rear pilasters, both elaborately detailed. The main structure is in pancharatha style. The adishthana, jangha, varandika, and sikhara comprise its vertical elevation. The adhisthana molding stands on an impressive inverted lotus-petals (jadhya-kumbha) at the temple's base. Small niches display Hindu gods and goddesses, while panels show secular Hindu art such as artha and kama (mithuna) scenes. Aedicules in the Nagara-style of Hindu architecture top the niches.

The Sun temple of Madkhera is also notable for its two-tiered sukhanasa of the Saura tradition. Two niches with Brahma and Vishnu images are near the vyala motifs. Two chaityas highlight the second tier of sukhanasa, with lions standing on top of elephants. There is a two armed deity who holds just a rosary and water container. He may be interpreted as Shiva, to complete the trimurti iconography; or, he can be interpreted as Surya given this is a Sun temple.

The doorway of the Sun temple is intricately carved, as is the inside of the sanctum – something unusual for historic Hindu temples. The entrance is flanked by Ganga and Yamuna goddesses. The lalatabimba shows Surya, where he is accompanied by Danda, Pingala, Usha and Pratyusha. Aruna drives his chariot of seven horses.