Deo Sun Temple or Deo Surya Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Surya, the sun God in Deo City In Aurangabad District of Bihar, India. Deo is located 10 kilometres southeast of Aurangabad. This temple is one of Bihar’s most notable temples and religious places. The temple is said to have been built during the Tretra Yug and has served as a holy shrine for centuries, bringing people the desired results.

Many people from all over the country come here throughout the year to seek Lord Surya’s blessings and pay obeisance to Him for the fulfilment of their wishes. Many believe that on the holy days of Kartik and Chaiti Chhath, there is an exciting sense of the presence of the Sun God around the temple.

The Temple’s main structure is beautifully carved in a pyramid-shaped stone shikhara. The frontal section and courtyard were built later on. It is a 100-foot-tall structure with an umbrella-shaped top. The important custom of worshipping the Sun God and bathing in its Brahma Kund dates back to the reign of King Ayel. The temple is very old and well-constructed. It combines Nagara art design with other contemporary art designs.

Special Significance of Deo Sun Temple Aurangabad

It is considered auspicious to visit the temple during Chhath, a festival in honour of the Sun God that takes place in October-November and involves thousands of devotees performing arduous rituals over four days.

Lakhs of devotees from Bihar and other regions visit the temple to worship, participate in the Chhath Mela, bathe in the holy Surya Kund, and offer arghya.

History of Deo Sun Temple Aurangabad

According to oral tradition, Lord Vishwakarma built the Deo Sun Temple in a single night. A Gupta-era inscription from 642 CE mentions sun worship but does not mention the Deo Sun Temple. However, some inscriptions and local oral traditions indicate the presence of a temple in the 7th or 8th century CE.

Its written history dates back to the Pala and Senua periods, with an inscription from 1437 indicating that King Bhairavendra dedicated the template. The inscription also lists twelve of King Bhairavendra’s ancestors and suggests that the temple is still in its current state thanks to local Hindu chieftains who reclaimed it after Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khalji invaded Bengal. Most sun temples face the rising sun, but this temple faces the west direction.

The architecture of Deo Sun Temple Aurangabad

The temple combines Nagri architecture and Vesara architecture. A dome shape is carved above the Dev Sun Temple, and a gold urn is placed above it. In terms of architecture, the 100-foot-high temple resembles the Konark temple. The Deo temple is unique in that it faces west, whereas traditional Sun temples face east.

The primary structure is a beautifully carved ornamental pyramid-shaped stone shikhara. The frontal section and courtyard were built later on. Currently, there are three idols (Vishnu, Surya, and Avalokitesawara) in the sanctum that are not the original presiding deities. Outside the main sanctum in the front hall section, three broken idols are kept because it is not customary to worship a broken deity.

One of the broken sculptures is of Surya (the Sun God) with seven horses, one of Uma- Maheshwara, and the other of Vishnu. There is also a Shivalinga and a Ganesha sculpture. An ancient inscription stone has been installed inside the temple.

The Surya Kund, located about a kilometre away, is where ritual offerings are made. The two tanks on either side of the road, known as Rudra Kund (left) and Surya Kund (right), are said to cure leprosy and other acute ailments. It is said that Lord Vishwakarma was once instructed to build temples in a single night.

Facts about Deo Sun Temple Aurangabad

• Deo Sun Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Surya in Deo Town, Aurangabad, in the Indian state of Bihar.
• The temple is dedicated to Lord Surya Dev. The temple is regarded as one of the most sacred places to worship Surya Dev.
• It is believed that Lord Vishwakarma built the Deo Sun Temple in a single night. However, some inscriptions and local oral traditions indicate the presence of a temple in the 7th or 8th century AD.
• The temple is known broadly for celebrating the best chatth puja celebration during October / November.
• The important custom of worshipping the Sun God and bathing in its Brahma Kund dates back to the reign of King Ayel.
• The temple is extremely old. It combines Nagara art design with other contemporary art designs. The primary structure is a beautifully carved ornamental pyramid-shaped stone shikhara.
• Currently, there are three idols (Vishnu, Surya, and Avalokitesawara) in the sanctum are placed after destruction during Khilji rule.
• Outside the main sanctum in the front hall section, three broken idols which are said to be the first idols are kept because it is not customary to worship a broken deity.
• This temple is considered very auspicious to visit during the Chatth puja / Adra Nakshatra tithi on Sundays.
• The Surya Kund, located about a kilometre away, is where ritual offerings are made.
• The two tanks on either side of the road, known as Rudra Kund (left) and Surya Kund (right), are said to cure leprosy and other acute ailments.

Famous Festivals In Deo Sun Temple Aurangabad

Millions of people visit this temple yearly to celebrate all of the festivals held here. Some major festivals held here are

• Chhath Puja is a Hindu Vedic festival celebrated in India’s subcontinent, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Nepal. It is celebrated twice a year in honour of the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi (Shashti) Devi or Maiya (Mother), during the Indian months of Chaitra (March-April) and Kartika (October-November).
• Durga Puja. (Winter) – Devotees celebrate Navaratri at this temple in the month of Ashwin (Sep-Oct) and celebrate the triumph of the Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon (Mahishasura).

Best Time to Visit Deo Sun Temple Aurangabad

This place is heavenly and spiritual; you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

How To reach Deo Sun Temple Aurangabad

The Deo Sun Temple is in Deo City, Aurangabad District of Bihar, India.

By Air: The Jayprakash Narayan International Airport, Patna is the nearest airport which is 150 km from the temple and Gaya International Airport is 81 km from the temple. You can also take a government bus Service or Taxi to reach the temple.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Anugrah Narayan Railway Station which is 16 kilometres away from the temple.

By Raod:  Bihar State Public Transport buses connect Deo City to Gaya, Patna, and other cities via National and State highways.

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