Sun Temple

Overview

The Sun temple at Kandaha, located within 3 kilometre radius of famous Shaktipeeth Ugra Tara temple at Mahishi and 17km from Saharsa, is the only Sun temple in north Bihar and draws a large number of devotees every year during Chhath festival.

About The Temple

The site is an old Shiv Temple in Kandaha. This is situated on an earthen hill mound. The statue of the Sun god is very big. King Harisingh Deo of Mithila made the present Sun temple in 14th century AD. It is mentioned in Mahabharata and Suryapurana, so this proves that it is from "Dwapar Yuga".The idol installed in the sanctum sanctorum is huge though considerably defaced and fragmented. However, doorjambs and frames are well preserved. "The frame, with rich, tasteful decoration of floral creepers and divine beings, represents the best of art and architecture of Mithila under the Karnata reign," say historians.

Interesting Facts

This Sun temple has one unique feature, as the statue inside shows Sun with his two wives, Sangya and Kalha, seven horses and fourteen lagaams (reins). Another feature of this statue is that it is made of soft stone like clay, which is very rare. This specialty is nowhere to be seen, be it Konark or Deb. The most striking feature is the lipi (script) that is carved on the doors of the temple, which has not been read till date.

Accessibility

The nearest airport is Patna Airport. There is no railway station near to Kandaha in less than 10 km. It is also well connected by road.

Temple Address

Sun Temple,
Sun Temple Rd,
Kandaha,
Saharsa District,
Bihar,
India,
Pincode – 852216.