Common questions about IAS, our mission, and how you can be part of this spiritual movement.
There is no exact official count of Surya (Sun God) temples in India. There are hundreds of temples and shrines dedicated to Surya Dev, ranging from famous historical monuments to small local temples.
Some of the most famous are:
- Konark Sun Temple — Odisha
- Modhera Sun Temple — Gujarat
- Martand Sun Temple — Jammu and Kashmir
- Deo Sun Temple — Bihar
- Katarmal Sun Temple — Uttarakhand
These temples reflect the ancient Indian tradition of worshipping Surya Dev as the source of light, energy, and life.
Surya Dev is connected to both the Mahabharata and the Ramayana through important characters and stories.
- Mahabharata: Surya Dev is the divine father of Karna, who receives his divine armour and earrings from him. He also blesses Yudhishthira with the Akshaya Patra, a vessel that provides unlimited food.
- Ramayana: Surya Dev is associated with Sugriva, the monkey king, as his spiritual father. Lord Rama also worships Surya through the Aditya Hridayam hymn before fighting Ravana.
Chhath Puja has become an important part of Bihar’s culture because it has been celebrated for generations. People worship Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, observe strict fasting, and offer Arghya to the setting and rising Sun. The festival represents faith, purity, family unity, gratitude to nature, and Bihar’s cultural identity.
Chhath Puja is generally celebrated 6 days after Diwali (Kali Puja), on the sixth day of the lunar fortnight in the month of Kartik. It usually falls in October or November.
Chhath Puja and Kali Puja are both Hindu festivals celebrated around the time of Diwali, but they honor different deities. Kali Puja worships Goddess Kali, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, while Chhath Puja worships Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, expressing gratitude for life, health, and prosperity. In Bihar, Chhath Puja usually takes place a few days after Kali Puja.
Chhath Puja is directly connected to Surya Dev (the Sun God) because devotees offer Arghya to the setting and rising Sun. They thank Surya Dev for providing light, energy, and life and pray for good health, prosperity, and family well-being.