Location

Situated along the Chaudah Koshi Parikrama Marg in the Darshan Nagar area, approximately 4 km from Ayodhya, Suraj Kund stands as a sizable reservoir encircled by ghats, offering a mesmerizing sight to all who visit. According to local beliefs, the Suryavanshi rulers of Ayodhya constructed this kund as an expression of reverence to the Sun god.

History

Ayodhya Ramnagri Tourism

Ayodhya Ramnagri Tourism

In ancient times, this locale was referred to as Ghoshark Tirtha. Legend has it that a king named Ghosh, while passing through the area, witnessed sages and ascetics bathing in the pond. Inspired, he immersed himself in the waters, and miraculously, his body attained a divine aura. Having learned of the sacredness of the place from the sages, King Ghosh worshiped Lord Bhaskar, resulting in a divine manifestation of Suryadev and the installation of his statue.

Attributed to King Ghosh’s construction, the place acquired the name Ghoshark Tirtha. Subsequently, Raja Darshan Singh contributed to the establishment of the Kund and temple, ensuring that he, his descendants, and the people of Ayodhya perpetually received the blessings of Suryadev. The locality was aptly named Darshannagar in his honor. An annual fair, attended by thousands of devotees, is organized here in the month of Bhadra.

Situated just half an hour’s drive from Ayodhya lies the serene suburb of Darshan Nagar. Suraj Kund, a pond recently renovated into a visual spectacle, seemingly appears out of nowhere. Locals believe that it is where the Sun God resides when he descends to Earth. The last recorded instance of Surya Dev’s visit was during the coronation of Shri Ram, the king of Ayodhya.

Delving into Pauranic history, the story traces back to King Dashrath, a formidable ruler of the Kosala kingdom with Ayodhya as its capital. Believed to be descendants of the sun and part of the Ikshvaku Dynasty, King Dashrath’s lineage had a profound connection with solar worship. The Ikshvaku Dynasty was established by King Ikshvaku, one of the ten sons of Shraddhadeva Manu, the first man on Earth. Ayodhya, founded by Shraddhadeva Manu, literally means the unconquerable city.

This lineage gave rise to two Kshatriya dynasties, Suryavamsha (solar worshipers) and Chandravamsha (lunar worshipers). King Dashrath, an exceptional warrior, was instrumental in defeating the asuras and even aided Indra in battles. His favorite wife, Kaikeyi, displayed valor on the battlefield and, during a crucial moment, even used her thumb as a bolt for the chariot’s wheel.

King Dashrath, facing childlessness for a prolonged period, performed a yajna for children, overseen by the young sage Shringirishi. It was during this grand event that Lord Ram was born. The Sun God, Surya Dev, descended to Earth and resided at Suraj Kund for four days during this auspicious occasion. The significance of Suraj Kund in Darshan Nagar, Ayodhya, extends to its presence on the 14-kosi parikrama marg, featuring an ancient sun temple and a pond.

Recently renovated by the government and equipped with a sound and light show, Suraj Kund has transformed into a tourist attraction, anticipating an influx of visitors following the completion of the Ram Mandir in December 2023. Local folklore tells of King Ghosh’s discovery of the miraculous powers of the pond, leading to the manifestation of Surya Dev, and the subsequent installation of the Sun God’s statue. The pond holds cultural, historical, and spiritual importance, symbolizing the confluence of divine energies and human devotion.