Ulark Sun Temple: A Sacred Hub of Devotion in Bihar Linked to King Samba
The Ulark Sun Temple in Bihar draws devotees from across the country, especially during Chhath Puja, reflecting deep-rooted faith and ancient legends.
Pali Ganj, November 14 (Daily Kiran) : The Ulark Sun Temple in Pali Ganj stands as a significant center of faith and devotion. During Chhath Puja, devotees flock to this sacred site from various parts of India and even abroad to seek the blessings of Lord Sun. Mahant Awadh Bihari Das shared insights about the temple’s rich mythological significance, noting its mention in the Skanda Purana. He described it as a place where sincere prayers are answered by divine grace, which explains the large crowds during the festival.
According to Mahant Das, the temple’s legend is closely tied to King Samba, the son of Lord Krishna and his queen, Jambavati. Samba was known for his extraordinary beauty, which led to arrogance and ultimately caused him to insult sage Gargacharya. Angered by this disrespect, Gargacharya cursed him, resulting in a disfigurement due to leprosy. This affliction brought Samba great sorrow. During this time, the sage Narada visited and, upon seeing Samba’s plight, felt compassion. He sought a remedy from the Lord, who instructed him on a ritual that could cure Samba.
Subsequently, a gathering of priests, physicians, and sages was convened. They concluded that only through the worship of Lord Sun, also known as the deity of health, could Samba be freed from his illness. Thus, the tradition of worshipping at the twelve sacred sites was established, with rituals performed at Ulark. The worship was conducted for twelve months, corresponding to the twelve zodiac signs, as the Sun God partakes in offerings from each sign throughout the year.
Mahant Awadh Bihari Das recounted that after the worship, Samba was cured of his leprosy and restored to his original form. This miraculous event led to the temple evolving into a renowned place of healing. Today, the Ulark Sun Temple remains a symbol of public faith, where devotees come to perform rituals and fulfill their wishes. The overwhelming crowds during Chhath Puja reflect the deep reverence and trust people have in this sacred site, drawing worshippers from across the globe to seek the blessings of Lord Sun.
