Surya Bhagwan Mandir

Happy Makar Sankranti/Pongal/Lohri/Bihu/Maghi
Surya Bhagwan mandir is an ancient temple dedicated to god Sun also known as Suraj Mandir at Somnath in Saurastra region in Gujarat.It is just one km from Somnath Shiva temple and near to triveni sangam.The Triveni sangam is known for the confluence of three rivers- Kapil, Kiran and Saraswati.

Surya Mandir is believed to be 5,000 years old built by Pandava brothers.The temple architecture is amazing with many images of elephants, lions and other birds and animals. There is also a step well in the temple premises.There is a also a small Surya kund within the campus of the temple.

Surya was born as the son of Sage Kashyapa and Aditi, and was one of the Adityas. He got married to Sanjana (sometimes called Saranya), the daughter of Vishwakarma. But his wife could not tolerate the heat coming from him and went back to her father’s home after creating her shadow called Chaya to take her place.

Surya Bhagwan is the main deity of this temple, just above the entrance doorway lies the image of Surya with his two wives riding on seven horses.The seven horses are named after the seven meters of Sanskrit prosody: Gayatri, Brihati, Ushnih, Jagati, Trishtubha, Anushtubha and Pankti.

He is typically shown as a resplendent standing person holding lotus flower in both his hands, riding a chariot pulled by one or more horses typically seven.

According to the mythological belief the temple was built by pandavas in one day when they stayed here at the time of their Agnyatavas.But the current temple structure is built around 14th century.Panch Pandava cave is just adjacent to Sun temple.

This temple was also attacked by Muslim rulers along with Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple. This is one of the rare holy sites dedicated to the spirits of nature which are praised in the Hindu heritage and religion.