Surya Mandir
The Surya Mandir (Sun Temple) in Bargaon is an ancient and highly revered Hindu temple dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. It is strategically located near the Nalanda University Ruins and the sacred Surajpur Pond (or Surya Pokhar). While the current temple structure is relatively modern, the site itse lf has immense historical and religious significance, suggesting a long tradition of Sun worship in the Magadha region, possibly predating the flourishing of Nalanda as a major Buddhist center. The temple houses several ancient and intricately carved stone images of Hindu and Buddhist deities, recovered from the local area, suggesting a cultural and religious overlap. The temple is especially famous for being a major center for the celebration of the Chhath Puja, one of Bihar's most important and iconic festivals, dedicated entirely to the Sun God. Devotees flock here in large numbers twice a year, in the Kartik (October/November) and Chaitra (March/April) months, to offer prayers at the sacred pond and the temple. The visit offers a stark contrast between the academic atmosphere of the ruins and the vibrant, living tradition of local Hindu worship.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
45 Minutes to 1 Hour:Place Type:
Religious Site, Hindu Temple, Festival Center:Entry Fees:
Indian Nationals: Entry is generally Free as it is an active place of worship. Voluntary donations are accepted for the temple maintenance. :
Foreign Nationals: Entry is Free. All visitors are welcomed to observe and offer prayers, but resp...Indian Nationals: Entry is generally Free as it is an active place of worship. Voluntary donations are accepted for the temple maintenance. :
Foreign Nationals: Entry is Free. All visitors are welcomed to observe and offer prayers, but respect for the religious practices is mandatory. :
Festival Period Fees: During the massive Chhath Puja festival, there are no special entry fees, but traffic and parking control might involve nominal charges for vehicles in the surrounding area. :
Special Rituals: Fees may apply for specific, personalized rituals (Puja) or the donation of specific items to the temple, but general Darshan is free. :Timing:
Regular Timings: Open daily from Sunrise to Sunset (approximately 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM), in line with the worship of the Sun God. :
Ideal Visit Time: Sunrise is the most ideal time, especially on a clear day, to witness the first prayers offere...Regular Timings: Open daily from Sunrise to Sunset (approximately 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM), in line with the worship of the Sun God. :
Ideal Visit Time: Sunrise is the most ideal time, especially on a clear day, to witness the first prayers offered to the rising sun, which is a powerful spiritual experience. :
Festival Timings: During Chhath, the temple and pond are active throughout the night and early morning for the main Arghya rituals, often involving continuous crowds for over 48 hours. :Special Events:
Chhath Puja: The most famous special event, held twice a year. The main celebration is the Kartik Chhath (October/November), which attracts a massive crowd of millions of devotees, followed by the smaller Chaitra Chhath (March/April). :
Makar Sa...Chhath Puja: The most famous special event, held twice a year. The main celebration is the Kartik Chhath (October/November), which attracts a massive crowd of millions of devotees, followed by the smaller Chaitra Chhath (March/April). :
Makar Sankranti: Special prayers and rituals are held on Makar Sankranti (mid-January), a Hindu festival that marks the Sun's transit and is a significant day for sun worship. :
Surya Saptami: Special offerings and worship are performed on Surya Saptami (usually in the Hindu month of Magha), which is dedicated to Lord Surya's birthday, drawing a significant number of local devotees. :Best Photo Spots:
Sunlight on the Shrine: The best photographs are taken during sunrise or sunset, capturing the orange and golden light on the temple structure, reflecting the nature of the deity. :
The Sacred Pond View: A wide-angle shot of the Surajpur Pond...Sunlight on the Shrine: The best photographs are taken during sunrise or sunset, capturing the orange and golden light on the temple structure, reflecting the nature of the deity. :
The Sacred Pond View: A wide-angle shot of the Surajpur Pond, including the temple on the bank and the surrounding greenery, providing a serene landscape and a sense of the site's layout. :
Chhath Puja Scenes: (Only during the festival, with respect) Capturing the unique and powerful ritualistic bathing and standing in the water during Arghya (offering water to the sun), showcasing the immense faith of the devotees. :
Ancient Idol Close-up: A detailed photo of the ancient Surya idol or the large Parvati idol (if permitted and without flash), focusing on the carving and historical style. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Participate in Darshan: Offer prayers and seek blessings from the main deities, Lord Surya and Goddess Parvati, in the temple's sanctum. :
Walk Around the Pond: Perform a spiritual walk (Parikrama) around the sacred Surajpur Pond (Surya Pokhar), which is central to the temple's spiritual significance. :
Observe the Ancient Idols: Take time to study the intricate carvings and artistic style of the various ancient stone idols (both Hindu and possibly Buddhist) displayed within the temple premises. :
Attend a Morning Aarti: Witness the daily early morning or evening prayer (Aarti), which is a devout and vibrant Hindu ritual, offering a genuine feel of local religious life. :
Reflect by the Water: Sit quietly by the pond for contemplatio...
Information
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Why Famous:
Chhath Puja Center: It is most famous as one of the primary and most sacred centers for the celebration of Chhath Puja, the major Bihari festival dedicated to the Sun God Surya, attracting hundreds of thousands of pilgrims twice a year. :
Ancient...Chhath Puja Center: It is most famous as one of the primary and most sacred centers for the celebration of Chhath Puja, the major Bihari festival dedicated to the Sun God Surya, attracting hundreds of thousands of pilgrims twice a year. :
Ancient Surya Worship: The temple site is historically significant for its deep-rooted tradition of Sun worship in the ancient Magadha region, making it a living link to one of India's oldest religious practices. :
Ancient Idols Collection: It is known for housing several ancient, well-preserved stone idols of Hindu and Buddhist deities, recovered from the area, which are of significant archaeological and artistic value. : -
Architecture:
Architectural Style and Statues: The present temple is a contemporary structure with a traditional Hindu temple design, featuring a main sanctum (Garbhagriha) and a hall (Mandapa), built with brick and cement. The main attraction, however, is not the modern structure but th...Architectural Style and Statues: The present temple is a contemporary structure with a traditional Hindu temple design, featuring a main sanctum (Garbhagriha) and a hall (Mandapa), built with brick and cement. The main attraction, however, is not the modern structure but the collection of ancient stone idols, including one of Lord Surya, and others like a significant 5-foot-high idol of Goddess Parvati, recovered from the area and now enshrined there. :
Compound Structure: The temple complex is organized around the sacred Surajpur Pond, which is central to the Chhath Puja rituals. The pond is a large natural or man-made water body, and the temple stands prominently on its bank, creating a scenic and purposeful layout. :
Artistic Syncretism: The presence of both Hindu deities (Surya, Parvati) and Buddhist figures among the recovered statues suggests an historical period of religious tolerance and artistic exchange, particularly reflecting the artistic style of the Pala era. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: Gaya International Airport (GAY) (85 KM) and Patna Airport (PAT) (90 KM) are the nearest. Hire a taxi directly to Bargaon village, near the Nalanda Ruins. :
By Train: The closest railhead is Nalanda Railway Station (NLD) (2 KM). The... -
Near Tourist Places:
Nalanda University Ruins (2 KM), Black Buddha Temple (2 KM), The Great Stupa (Sariputra Stupa) (2. 5 KM), Nalanda Archaeological Museum (2. 5 KM), Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall (4 KM), Nav Nalanda Mahavihara (4 KM), Kundalpur Jain Temples (8 KM), Pawapuri Jal Mandir (18 KM), Rajgir (Vishwa Shanti Stupa) (14 KM), Hot Springs (Rajgir) (16 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Be respectful of the devotees, especially during the Chhath Puja rituals, where the area around the pond can be very crowded and sensitive. Be mindful of personal belongings in crowds. :
Packing: Carry a scarf for women to c...
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