History of Dev Surya Mandir (Dev Sun Temple), Bihar
Dev Surya Mandir, located in Dev village of Aurangabad district, Bihar, is one of the most famous and ancient Sun temples in India. It is dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and is considered a very powerful and sacred place.
Ancient Origins
The exact date of its construction is not clearly known, but according to historians and local beliefs, the temple is many centuries old. Some legends even say it was built during the Treta Yuga, the time of Lord Rama, which makes it extremely ancient in cultural tradition.
Archaeologists believe the temple was probably built sometime between the 7th and 12th centuries, which was a time when Sun worship was very popular in eastern India.
Legends and Myths
There are several interesting stories connected with the temple:
- Lord Krishna and Jarasandh Legend
One legend says that after defeating Jarasandh, Lord Krishna and his warriors visited this place to worship the Sun God. - Cure of Diseases
Another belief is that the Sun God here has the power to cure diseases, especially skin problems. Because of this, people come from far-away places to offer holy water and prayers.
Architecture
Dev Surya Mandir has a unique and beautiful structure.
- The temple is built with large stones and ancient carvings.
- The main idol of the Sun God is placed in the sanctum and faces east to welcome the rising sun.
- The temple also has smaller shrines dedicated to other deities.
The present form of the temple may have been repaired or rebuilt many times throughout history.
Chhath Puja – The Grand Festival
Dev Surya Mandir is world-famous for the celebration of Chhath Puja, one of Bihar’s largest festivals. During Chhath, thousands of devotees visit the temple to offer prayers to the setting and rising sun.
The Surya Kund (the sacred pond) near the temple becomes a major center of worship during this time.
Cultural and Historical Importance
- It is one of the rare Sun temples in India.
- It represents ancient solar worship, which has been a part of Indian culture for thousands of years.
- The temple attracts visitors, historians, and pilgrims from all over the country.
Why the Gate of Dev Surya Mandir Is on the West Side
The gate of Dev Surya Mandir is built on the west side mainly because of Chhath Puja and the tradition of worshipping the setting sun.
1. Chhath Puja Importance
In Chhath Puja, devotees offer prayers to:
- The setting sun (west)
- The rising sun (east)
Since one of the most important parts of the festival is offering arghya (water offering) to the setting sun, the temple’s west-facing gate makes it easier for devotees to walk directly toward the west, where the sun sets.
2. Surya Kund (holy pond) is on the west side
The sacred pond used for Chhath Puja and rituals is on the west side of the temple.
To reach this pond easily, the temple gate was built facing the same direction.
3. Ancient Sun-Worship Tradition
In ancient Indian temple architecture, some Sun temples are designed so that the sunlight during sunset enters the temple from the west side.
This was considered sacred because:
- It symbolizes the Sun God returning home after completing the day’s journey.
- Sunset light is believed to be spiritually powerful.
4. Practical Land Layout
The natural ground and village layout also made the west side the best place for the main entrance.
The approach road and open space were on that side, so it became the most convenient direction for devotees.
