• The origin of the Surya Mandir at Lohargal lies in the Mahabharata, origin of Maheshwari community and penance by Lord Parashurama.

According to tradition, after the great war of the Mahabharata, the Pandavas sought to atone for the bloodshed and were advised by Lord Krishna to undertake a pilgrimage. He told them that their sins would be absolved only when their weapons dissolved in a water body during their journey. Their pilgrimage led them to Lohargal, where they bathed in the sacred waters of the Surya Kund.

It is believed that when they immersed their blood-stained weapons in the kund, the iron melted away, symbolizing their purification and redemption. This tradition gives Lohargal its name, derived from Loha (iron) and Gal (dissolve).

Nestled in a valley amid the Aravalli hills, the Lohargal Surya Temple, located near Udaipurwati in Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region, is a revered pilgrimage site. Dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, the temple is best known for its sacred water tank, the Surya Kund.

Another prominent tradition associated with Lohargal narrates the origins of the Maheshwari community.

It tells the story of Sujansen, the prince of Khandela, who once visited Lohargal. Disrespecting the sages and yogis engaged in sacred rituals, he incurred their wrath, and they transformed him and his soldiers into stone idols. Moved by the heartfelt pleas of the soldiers’ wives, Lord Maheshwar (Shiva) restored them to human form. He instructed them to bathe in the Surya Kund, where their weapons dissolved in the waters. Lord Maheshwar then advised them to renounce their warrior lifestyle. 

Following his divine command, they devoted themselves to trade and worship, forming the Maheshwari community. Over time, the Maheshwaris became known for their business acumen and are now among India’s leading business groups, with notable families such as the Birlas and Lohias emerging from this lineage.

Yet another tale recounts that Lord Parashurama performed penance here to atone for slaying the corrupt Kshatriya rulers.

2 The main Surya and Chaya shrine.

Historically, local lore attributes the construction of the Lohargal Sun Temple to King Suryabhan. The king had a differently-abled daughter, and his advisors suggested that she bathe in the Surya Kund. Miraculously, her limbs became normal after taking a dip in the holy waters.

This temple is unique as it is one of the few in India where Surya is depicted alongside his consort, Chhaya. The temple follows the Ramanuja Sampradaya. The Ramanuja Sampradaya, also known as the Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya, is one of the main traditions within Hinduism, specifically within the Vaishnavism branch. It is named after its founder, Ramanuja, who lived in the 11th and 12th centuries.

3 Lord Vishnu in the form of Surya

During my visit, I also came across temples dedicated to Sri Suka, the son of Sage Vyasa and the narrator of the Bhagavata Purana to King Parikshit.

Lohargal holds a special place in Hindu tradition and devotees believe that bathing in the Surya Kund washes away sins and leads to spiritual purification. The temple draws pilgrims during auspicious occasions. I was there on Makara Sankranti which was a significant day of worship.

Lohargal is also well known for its delicious pickles, with rows of shops selling a variety of flavors.

4 Lolarak Kund in Kashi is dedicated t Surya. It is about 10 minutes from Dasashvamedha Ghat.

How to reach and Stay

Lohargal is accessible by road from Jaipur, located midway between Udaipurwati and Sikar. However, finding good restrooms here can be challenging, and parking is difficult unless you travel with a chauffeur. Fortunately, there are some good resorts and we had our lunch break at the Hukumgarh Resort.

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Also see albums

1. Sun Temple Konarak Odisha

2. Surya Temple Modhera Gujarat

3. Martand Surya Temple Kashmir

4. Sun Temple Almora Uttarakhand

5. Why Marwaris take to Business

6. Life and thoughts of Ramanuja  Andhra Pradesh