The Suraj Kund temple . — The temple known as Suraj Kund is situated near the capital, at the foot of a hill, on the bank of a ravine. The courtyard is paved with stones and towards the west of it stands the temple building which is of stone. In front of the temple door is a masonry tank (kund) 25×25 feet, which adds to the beauty of the temple.
The temple and tank are surrounded by houses of wood and pacca masonry built by the State for the convenience of travellers. Sadhus visit it on pilgrimages to Mani-kain and other sacred places………………….Inside the temple there is an idol of Suraj ji weighing about 36 pakka sers made of eight metals. It is of human form but has four heads. It is flanked by two brass horses, each one balisht in height, thus giving the whole image the appearance of a chariot.
It is surrounded by several other idols of stone wh’ch represent Krishna, Radha, Ram, Balram, Hanuman, etc. It is said that the idol was made in the State by the brass workers of Chirag village. Affixed to the wall of the temple is a large piece of stone which bears an inscription, which runs :
“ In the name of the deity, Ganesh.”
” On the 28th Asar st. 1782, B. Maharaja Garur Sen and Siri Rani Panchamon Dei commenced to build the Suraj Kund temple in order to place the idol of the Sun there.”
“ The building was completed and the idol of the Sun placed in the temple on the 23rd Bisakh, st. 1785 B. He did so for religious purposes.”
