Bihars Ancient Sun Worship Tradition Revived During Chhath Festival

Bhagalpur, November 15 (Daily Kiran) : The Chhath festival, celebrated with devotion, brings to light Bihar’s long-standing tradition of sun worship, particularly in the Bhagalpur region. Devotees offer prayers to the setting and rising sun, a practice rooted deep in history.

Archaeological findings in the area, including ancient sun idols from local hills and temples, reveal the significance of this tradition. Historians note that Bhagalpur has been a pivotal center for sun worship since ancient times. The Mahabharata mentions Karna, the son of the sun, emphasizing the cultural importance of sun worship in this region.

Legend has it that Karna worshipped the sun daily and generously gave to those in need. Even as the king of Ang, his dedication to the sun and his charitable nature became legendary. This narrative is a vital aspect of Ang’s cultural identity. Dr. Ravishankar Kumar Chaudhary, head of the history department at TNB College, highlights the importance of archaeological evidence in understanding the ancient practices of sun worship in Ang.

The presence of ancient sun idols from the Gupta, post-Gupta, and Pala periods in Bhagalpur indicates that the sun was revered as an independent deity. Significant sites include Ajgaibinath Hill, Murli Hill, Champanagar, Vikramshila, Mandar Hill, and Bateshwar Hill. While Ajgaibinath is primarily known for Shiva worship, the sun and planetary sculptures found here are also noteworthy.

Murli Hill near Bhagalpur has yielded sculptures related to Vishnu, Shiva, the sun, Ganesha, Durga, Buddha, and the planetary deities, some dating back to the 6th century. The area surrounding the ancient capital of Ang, Champa, also preserves the legacy of sun worship, including a black stone idol depicting the sun god on a chariot drawn by seven horses.

Additionally, ancient sun idols have been discovered near Mandar Hill and Bateshwar Hill in Banka district, as well as in villages like Olapura and Tadara near Kahalgaon. Excavations at Vikramshila Buddhist Monastery have revealed six sun idols, further demonstrating the prevalence of sun worship in the area. These idols, crafted from black stone and limestone, depict the sun god adorned with a crown and traditional attire, surrounded by various figures and horses.

Historian Shiv Shankar Singh Parijat notes that the tradition of sun worship in Ang, the land of Karna, has persisted since ancient times. Findings from Vikramshila and surrounding areas illustrate the depth of this tradition. A temple in Bhagalpur’s Naya Bazar houses a sun idol that is nearly a century old. The Sun Dev Narayan Temple located on Sakhi Chand Ghat Road in the city also plays a crucial role in this tradition.

Local sources indicate that this temple, situated beneath a peepal tree, features a white marble sun idol. Traditionally, during Chhath, devotees would bathe in the Ganges and circumambulate the temple after offering prayers to the sun. Dr. Chaudhary emphasizes the need for systematic surveys, dating, and preservation of these historical sites. Developing these locations as part of a sun worship heritage circuit could enhance the cultural history of the Ang region. The practice of offering prayers to the setting and rising sun during Chhath conveys gratitude towards nature, water, light, and life, keeping the tradition of sun worship alive in the agriculturally rich Ang region.