Our country has only three main temples of Suraj Bhawan and one is situated in the baned Village in Sundernagar. In today’s blog, we can share the history of Surajund Temple Sunder Nagar
History of Surajkund Temple Sunder Nagar
The Surajkund temple is situated near the capital at the foot of a hill and on the banks of a ravine. The courtyard is paved with stones. To the west stands the temple which is built of stone. In front of the temple door is a masonry tank which enhances the site’s beauty.
The temple and tank are surrounded by houses of wood and pucca masonry built for the convenience of travellers. Inside the temple, there is an idol of Suraj (the Sun), weighing about 22 maunds. It is made from eight metals in the human form but has four hands. Flanked by two brass horses, each one ballast in height, the whole image has the appearance of a chariot.
It is surrounded by several other idols of stone which represent Krishna, Radha, Rama, Balrama, Hanuman, etc. It is said that the idol was made in the State by the brass workers of Charag. Affixed to the wall of the temple is a large stone which bears the following inscription: —
In the name of the deity Ganesh. On the 28th Asarh, 1782 Bikrami, Maharaja Garar Sen and Siri Rani Panchamon Dei commenced to buiid the Surajkund temple in the 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, Sambat 1785, Bikrami. He did so for religious purposes.”
It is said that after he had built the temple and placed the image inside it, Raja Garur Sen ordered a learned Bhat to make the image move with his knowledge. The Bhat said his prayers and the Sun came down and gave 2 1/2(half) turns to the image. The Raja was pleased with him and granted him a revenue-free estate. The temple enjoys a jagir granted by the Raja.
Refrence : Journal and Proceedings of the Asiatic Society of Bengal
History of Suraj Kund Baned
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 ballast in height, thus giving the whole image the appearance of a chariot.
It is surrounded by several other idols of stone which 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 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.”
Reference: Gazetteer of the Suket State
