THE SUN TEMPLE AT BAHARI MAHADEV IS RENOWNED FOR ITS HISTORICAL AND MYTHOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

THE SUN TEMPLE AT BAHARI MAHADEV IS RENOWNED FOR ITS HISTORICAL AND MYTHOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

30-OCT-ENG 6

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------According to legend, the Sun Temple at Bahri Mahadev Dham was established in the 1960s by Maharishi Munishwaranand Ji Maharaj, also known as Khapadiya Baba, through a yagna. The presence of idols of various deities and numerous temples at this site has earned the place the title of Dham. In ancient times, this place was under the control of the Chero Kharwar tribe. Before the establishment of the Sun Temple, a Shivalinga was installed at this site by the king of the Chero Kharwar tribe. After the installation of the Shivalinga, this out-of-the-way place was renamed Bahri Mahadev. Later, a Sun Temple was established at this location, and the importance of this place increased further. Over time, after temples dedicated to various deities were built and idols were installed, the site became known as Bahri Mahadev Dham. Currently, the site houses a Surya Temple, a Shiva Temple, a Hanuman Temple, a Shri Krishna Temple, a Thakurji Temple, and a Durga Temple. The Sun Temple, adorned with the 12 Kalas of Lord Bhaskar and adorned with eight petals, remains a center of attraction. This place is also known as Sankirtan Nagari, as Ramnami Kirtan is held here throughout the year.

The Sun Temple located at Bahri Mahadev Dham is believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees who come here to perform Chhath. Due to this legend, this place attracts a large crowd of devotees performing Chhath during the month of Kartik. Devotees begin gathering here on the day of Nahay Khay. The devotees who reach here on the day of Nahay Khay also perform Lohar here and leave from here only after offering Arghya to the setting and rising sun. The crowd that gathers at this place is such that despite lakhs of efforts, the crowd goes out of the control of the administrative officials. Till now it has been seen here that despite the announcements during Chhath, the administrative system goes haywire. This year it is being seen that Piro Nagar Parishad and the local administrative officials are very active in the arrangements here.