Famous Sundarnath Temple Araria Bihar | Sundar Nath Dham
Sundarnath Temple, Araria, and it’s a destination filled with incredible stories, old secrets, and plenty of positive vibes. Picture yourself with me as your friendly tour guide, eager to introduce you to all the awesome aspects of this great temple!
Hello friends! Welcome to the great Sundarnath Temple in Araria, Bihar. This is not just any ordinary building; it’s an extremely old and extremely significant location where people come to feel near to Lord Shiva, one of the strongest gods of Hindu mythology. It’s situated in a quiet place named Kursakanta, close to the Nepal border. Individuals from all parts of India and even Nepal visit here to present their prayers and soak in the serenity and peaceful energy of this unique location.
Contents
- 1 The Wonderful Story of Sundarnath Temple
- 2 History of the Temple
- 3 Legend of the Temple
- 3.0.1 Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Dwaraka: 7th CE Temple with Divine Powers
- 3.0.2 Grishneshwar Temple: Wealth and Pleasure at Shiva’s Feet
- 3.0.3 Kedarnath Temple: One of Jyotirling & Char Dham
- 3.0.4 Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
- 3.0.5 Sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple: 11th Jyotirling of Liberation
- 3.0.6 Aundha Nagnath Temple: 8th Jyothirling with Divine Serpents
- 4 Why is Sundarnath Temple So Important? (Significance of the Temple)
- 5 Special Poojas and Rituals
- 6 The Beauty of Sundarnath Temple: Architecture
- 7 Mysterious Myths and Beliefs
- 8 When to Visit: Temple Timings and Peak Days
- 9 Places to Visit Around Sundarnath Temple, Araria
- 10 How to Reach Sundarnath Temple
The Wonderful Story of Sundarnath Temple
Every old site has a story, isn’t it? And the Sundarnath Temple boasts one of the most incredible stories ever! It is so old that its history is traced back to a period long, long past, when courageous princes known as the Pandavas existed.
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History of the Temple
The birthday of the Sundarnath Temple is a little mystery, like a treasure lost in time. No one knows exactly when it was constructed, but everyone agrees that it’s really, really old. What we do know is that it has been here for centuries and centuries, guarding everybody who comes to see it. It’s like a smart old grandparent who has lived through lots and lots of seasons and has heard hundreds of stories. The temple has been a worship place for a very, very long time, and to this day, new things are being added to make it even more beautiful and welcoming for all of us.
Legend of the Temple
And now, for the really fun part – the legend! Here’s this: a long, long time ago, there were five very good and brave princes named the Pandavas. They had to hide from some evil persons for one year, and it was a really difficult period for them. They required a lot of protection and strength before they went into hiding. So, what did they do? They came directly here, to this place itself, and prayed to Lord Shiva, who is referred to here as Baba Sundernath.
They requested His blessings to remain strong and safe. And guess what? Before they departed, they even concealed their mighty weapons, known as astra and shastra, beneath a large tree in front of this temple! So, this temple is not only a worship place; it is a juncture of history and mythology, and where you can sense the vibrations of old prayers. Isn’t that amazing? This is a tale as old as a whispered secret passed through the ages, linking us to the era of heroes and deities.
Why is Sundarnath Temple So Important? (Significance of the Temple)
The Sundarnath Temple is not significant merely due to its ancient tales; it’s significant for numerous reasons! It’s a site where individuals feel extremely connected to Lord Shiva. When you visit here, you feel at peace and experience a type of energy that fills you with positivity and hope.
Most people think that if you pray here sincerely, Lord Shiva will hear your desire and bless you. It is as if you send a special message to the divine! The temple is also a community hangout. It is where individuals meet, share their happiness and concerns, and feel a sense of belongingness. It is a center of faith and friendship within the heart of Araria, Bihar.
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Special Poojas and Rituals
In the Sundarnath Temple, devotees do various forms of poojas (which are akin to special prayers and offerings) and rituals to exhibit their faith in Lord Shiva. One of the most common forms of worship is offering Bilva leaves, fresh milk, water, honey, and curd to the Shiva Lingam. A Shiva Lingam is a special icon that symbolizes Lord Shiva. Individuals also burn incense sticks and diyas (small lamps) to make the ambiance pure and enchanting.
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The Beauty of Sundarnath Temple: Architecture
If you see the Sundarnath Temple, you will see how it is constructed. It is a very beautiful structure of North Indian temple architecture. Think of a cone-shaped tall tower going up into the sky; that’s what a shikara is. It is the crown of the temple. And then there is a large hall where people congregate, and it’s known as a mandap. In front of the temple, you will usually find a koneru, which is a small pond or water reservoir.
The minimalist yet beautiful architecture of the Sundarnath Temple gives it a sense of peace and majesty simultaneously. It’s not too ornate, so you can concentrate on the sense of spirituality of the area. It’s a testament to the talented builders of yesteryear who constructed such a durable and lovely structure.
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Mysterious Myths and Beliefs
Like most ancient temples, the Sundarnath Temple also has its own myths and legends which contribute to its beauty. Apart from the Pandava legend, some individuals are convinced that the Shiva Lingam here possesses magical powers and that it has existed from the dawn of time. Though there may not be a direct reference from the very ancient Hindu scriptures or Puranas to this temple by name, the Puranas do describe the greatness of Lord Shiva and the necessity of worshipping Him in different forms and at different holy places.
Belief in the Pandavas having worshipped here is an overwhelming local tradition, associating it with the ancient history of the Mahabharata, where the exile period of the Pandavas (Agyatvas) and their prayers to Shiva are well recorded. This perpetual devotion to Lord Shiva is a central idea in most Hindu scriptures.
All these beliefs further add to the intrigue of the Sundarnath Temple. It’s a living temple museum of mythology and legend, handed down through generations.
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When to Visit: Temple Timings and Peak Days
If you’re visiting the Sundarnath Temple, here are its timings and peak days:
All Days: The temple is usually open from 09:00 AM to 12:30 PM and then from 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM.
Now, let’s talk about busy days! This temple becomes extremely busy and vibrant on special festival days.
Purnima: On every Purnima (full moon day), thousands of devotees visit the temple. It’s a sight to behold to watch so many gathered here, offering prayers and singing devotional songs.
Maha Shivaratri: This is the largest festival of Lord Shiva, and the Sundarnath Temple is really alive during Maha Shivaratri. The festivities begin on this day and can extend for 15 to 20 days! Picture a huge joyful fair with masses of people, music, and piety all around. It’s a very special time to see.
Makkar Mela: This is another significant festival which begins on the first Sunday of Makar Sankranti and continues for four or five Sundays. These are times when lots of people, particularly the Maldhari community (who are sort of like nomadic herders), visit for trade and cultural exchange. So, if you enjoy large, lively crowds, these are the best times to see Sundarnath Temple at its liveliest!
Places to Visit Around Sundarnath Temple, Araria
Once you’ve had some great time at the Sundarnath Temple, you may want to see a bit more of Araria. Here are a couple of places that may interest you:
Raniganj Vriksh Vatika: It is a lovely garden which is around 30 km from Araria. It is a good place to unwind and relax in nature.
Kusiargaon Biodiversity Park: Bihar’s first park of biodiversity is in Kusiargaon, Araria. It’s a wonderful spot to learn various plants and animals, and it’s even a site for researchers to observe nature.
Maa Khargeshwari Kali Mandir: If you want to go to another temple, there’s the Maa Khargeshwari Kali Mandir in Araria, which is also a religious shrine.
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How to Reach Sundarnath Temple
Reaching the Sundarnath Temple is very convenient! Araria is well-connected, so you can get there in one of these ways:
By Road: Araria is linked by National Highway 57, so you can drive there or get there by bus easily. Buses from various districts and inner blocks are present at the bus station.
By Train: There is a broad-gauge railway track facility, so you can arrive by train. The closest railway station would be Forbesganj or Araria Court, depending on where you’re coming from.
By Air: If you are coming from a long distance away, the closest airport is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal. From there, taxi or bus to Araria.
However you get there, the trip to the Sundarnath Temple is well worth it. You’ll be seeing a destination that has touched the hearts of scores of people for generations, a destination where legend springs to life, and one in which you can sense the serene presence of Lord Shiva.