Sun Temple at Handiya in Nawada in Bihar is popularly known
as Surya Narayan Temple and is believed to have been constructed in the Dwapara
Yuga, when Sri Krishna was present on earth. Handiya Surya Narayan Temple is
located around 6 km southwest of Rajgir. The temple has numerous ancient murtis
and a sacred pond.
It is the believed that the original shrine was constructed
by Jarasandha during the Dwapara Yuga. It is said that daughter of Jarasandha was
cured of leprosy after taking holy dip in the pond near the Sun Temple.
The murti worshipped in the temple is of Surya on a chariot
with seven horses attached to it. There is also a small shivling in the sanctum
sanctorum.
The dome of the temple is noted for a Surya Chakra and three
kalasha of brass.
The most important day in the temple is Sunday. Thousands of
people who are afflicted with leprosy visit the shrine on the day. The take
holy dip in the pond and then offer prayers in the temple. They again return to
the pond, take bath, and carry holy water to offer to the deity. The devotees
are then given special ash known as bhabhoota as Prasad. Devotees rub it on the
skin for getting relief from leprosy.
Chaitra (March/ April) and Kartik (October/November) are the
two important months when fairs and festivals are held here.
Temple of Ma Bhagwati, in a nearby village, and a Shivalinga
on Dhaniya hill, around 2 km from the Sun Temple, are two important shrines
nearby.