Suraj Kund, Darshan Nagar, Ayodhya - When Suryadev came to witness the coronation of Shri Ram

Just around half an hour drive from Ayodhya is the quiet suburb of Darshan Nagar. After reaching there out of no where pops out a pond recently renovated into a spectacular visual delight. This is Suraj Kund where locals believed the Sun God resides when he comes to earth. Last time Surya Dev did that is when he along with other devatas came to attend the coronation of Shri Ram, the king of Ayodhya.

A bit of pauranic history

Our story begins with King Dashrath who is a powerful ruler of the Kosala kingdom with Ayodhya as the capital. They believed that they were descendents of the sun and part of the Ikshvaku Dynasty. This dynasty was founded by King Ikshvaku who is believed to be one of the 10 sons of Shraddhadeva Manu, the first man on earth. That also made King Ikshvaku the first king of Kosala dynasty and among the first rulers of Ayodhya. It was Shraddhadeva Manu who first established or created the city of Ayodhya on the banks of the river Saryu. The meaning of the word Ayodhya is the one which cannot be conquered.

The chain of events also created two Kshatriya dynasties, one who worshipped the sun and the other were lunar worshippers. They were named Suryavamsha and Chandravamsha respectively. While Manu also had 10 sons whom he fathered to create the solar dynasty, he was also responsible for the creation of the Lunar dynasty when he married his daughter to the son of Chandra or Moon God.

Now let’s get back to King Dashrath.

He was the most accomplished warrior during his time. He has so much power that he used to be called by Indra to help fight the asuras. His chariot from which he got his name could travel in any of the ten directions including the underworld and heavens. His most favourite wife was Kaikeyi who was not only an expert in battles but she rode with the King to participate in any battle he was called for. In one such battle with the asuras his chariot was required to perform complex manoeuvres. During the battle, one of the bolts of the wheel came out. Kaikeyi inserted her right hand thumb as one of the bolts so that the wheel would hold. After the battle was won, Dashrath saw what she had done and immediately granted her two boons which she said she will ask later when needed.

It is believed that King Dashrath had to perform a yajna for children since he was childless for a long time. This yajna was performed by the young sage Shringirishi. It was a grand event held across 12 days on the ghats of Ram ki Paidi. When Ram was born, the Sun God of Surya Dev decided to come to earth and stayed at Suraj Kund for four days. This is how the story of Suraj Kund begins. Locals also believe that Surya Dev along with other devatas also came to attend the coronation of King Ram.

Significance of Suraj Kund, Darshan Nagar, Ayodhya

Suraj Kund is located on the 14 kosi parikrama marg, simply known as parikrama marg. It consists of an ancient sun temple and a pond. The govt recently had it renovated and built a sound and light show at this kund making it a tourist attraction in anticipation of the large number of tourists which will come to this place once the Ram Mandir is completed in Dec 2023.

Long time back a king called Ghosh was passing by this pond where he saw sadhus taking bath in this pond. Curious he too jumped in to find that there were miraculous powers of the water in the pond. Later, Surya Dev appeared here due to which the king installed a statue of Sun God.

One day Raja Darshan Singh discovered the pond and built a kund here. He also built a temple so that his subjects can pray and worship the Sun God here. He also established a town nearby called Darshan Nagar which is now a suburb of Ayodhya.

Birth of King Rama was the most important event during the Treta Yug. Not only Surya Dev stayed here to witness the birth of Ram, he was also here to witness the coronation of Ram as King of Ayodhya.

In the new order of things – spiritual tourism

Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is getting ready in Dec 2023 when the ground floor will be opened to the public. Construction work is going on in full swing and by the time it is finished in 2024, this place will attain the status of the greatest pilgrimage place in the whole world.

The Uttar Pradesh Government is giving a massive push to the infrastructure of the entire city to get it ready to receive the multifold jump in the number of tourists who will converge here.

Any place of historical or religious significance is getting a make-over and redevelopment. For eg Guptar Ghat has now a river front and massive parks. Every evening this place accommodates hundreds of people who come to spend time with family and friends and some food and snacks too.

On similar lines, Suraj Kund is the one site where govt has developed a place where tourists can stop over and enjoy at least two to three hours there. But the true nature of its beauty comes in the evening after sunset. First the lights of the pond are switched on and afterwards when it becomes completely dark, the light and sound show begins which tells how the story of Suraj Kund is entwined with the Ramayana.

How to reach Suraj Kund, Darshan Nagar, Ayodhya

There are two ways to reach this place. The nearest landmark is The Ramayana Hotel from where a road passed underneath the highway. This road is the shortcut to Darshan Nagar and is usually less crowded. This road is locally known as the Parikrama Marg. The other one is the main road which leaves the highway from Devkali Chauraha. This is a larger road and recently widened so that it provides a direct link to Suraj Kund.

This place is still under construction and we are into Jun 2023. But when it will be ready, this will be one big stop over for tourists. It will have enough facilities to keep your family busy for two to three hours. Even now, the light and sound show itself should be enough reason for you to be there. Parking is adequate in the front of the park. However it can get crowded in the evening.

Once everything is ready and set, Suraj Kund at Darshan Nagar will have its place of glory in the present times.