For Prelims: Chhath, Archaeological evidence, Oral tradition
For Mains: Art and Culture: Bihar's religious traditions and heritage; History: Archaeological sources and the Pala period
Source:
Hindustan
5 facts for one-day exams
SSC, railway, police and teaching exams ask direct questions like these.
- Ular Sun Temple is situated in Patna district, Bihar.
- Ulark is another name for Ular Sun Temple.
- Broken black-stone sculptures from the Pala period were found at the temple site.
- A fair takes place at Ular Sun Temple every Sunday.
- Chaiti and Kartik Chhath both attract devotees to Ular.
The news
The Ular Sun Temple, also known as Ulark, in Patna district's Dulhin Bazar block is a major centre of sun worship in Bihar, particularly during the Chhath festival. Local tradition holds that Shamb, a son of Lord Krishna, worshipped the Sun at this site to seek relief from leprosy after being cursed by sage Gangacharya. The temple is counted among 12 prominent sun-worship sites in the country.
Located about 5 km south of the block headquarters on State Highway 2, the temple attracts approximately 1,000 devotees every Sunday. Broken black-stone sculptures from the Pala period found at the site indicate its archaeological significance, though no inscription or record establishes the temple's precise construction date or founder. The present structure is associated with renovation during the time of saint Albela Baba. Devotees gather for both Chaiti and Kartik Chhath, and the temple pond is believed to relieve skin ailments.
Ular Sun Temple Bihar: why in the news?
The Ular Sun Temple is significant during the Chhath festival in Bihar. Local tradition connects it with the Shamb legend, and Pala-period sculptures have been found at the site.
What was the Pala period and its connection to Bihar?
The Pala dynasty ruled large parts of eastern India, including Bihar and Bengal, from the 8th to the 12th century CE. The period is noted for a distinctive school of art that produced numerous black-stone sculptures of Buddhist and Hindu deities. The broken Pala-period sculptures found at the Ular Sun Temple site indicate the area was a centre of religious activity during that era. The Palas were patrons of Buddhism but also supported Brahmanical institutions, and their sculptural style is well-documented at sites like Nalanda and Vikramshila in Bihar.
What is the Shamb legend associated with the temple?
According to local tradition, Shamb, a son of Krishna, was cursed with leprosy by sage Gangacharya. On Narada's advice, Shamb established 12 sun temples, including Ulark (Ular), Lolark, Aungark, Devark and Konark. He is believed to have been cured after bathing in the temple pond and worshipping the Sun for one and a quarter months. This account is a matter of faith and not established by archaeological evidence.
What do the Pala-period sculptures indicate?
Broken black-stone sculptures from the Pala period found at the site suggest an older religious and cultural presence, but they do not establish the temple's founder or construction date. The sculptures are distinct from the oral tradition of Shamb's worship. The temple's current form is linked to renovation during saint Albela Baba's time.
Bihar connection
Ular Sun Temple Bihar: facts and terms for exams
- Chhath:
- Chhath is a festival of Sun worship observed with offerings to the setting and rising Sun.
- Archaeological evidence:
- Archaeological evidence consists of material remains, such as sculptures and structures, used to study the past.
- Oral tradition:
- Oral tradition is knowledge, narrative or belief passed between generations through speech.
Ular Sun Temple Bihar: why it matters for exams
Exams: BPSC, BSSC
Syllabus: Art and Culture: Bihar's religious traditions and heritage; History: Archaeological sources and the Pala period
Common mistake: Examiners may swap archaeological evidence with mythology: Pala-period sculptures are material finds, whereas Shamb's worship and recovery are traditional beliefs.
Mains question on Ular Sun Temple Bihar
Examine the role of oral traditions and archaeological evidence in understanding the cultural heritage of Bihar, with reference to the Ular Sun Temple.
Stuck? Get it in one tap
Ular Sun Temple is a place of Sun worship in Bihar. Local tradition connects it with Shamb, while old stone sculptures provide material evidence of the site's past. Devotees visit on Sundays and during both Chhath observances.
- Art and Culture: Bihar's religious traditions and heritage
- History: Archaeological sources and the Pala period
Related concepts: Chhath, Archaeological evidence, Oral tradition
Practice questions
Pick an answer, then read the explanation.
- Q1Easy
Ular Sun Temple is located in which district of Bihar?
Explanation: Ular Sun Temple is in Patna district. Dulhin Bazar is its block, while Ular and Ulark refer to the locality and temple name.
- Q2Hard
Consider the following statements about Ular Sun Temple:
- 1.The temple is also known as Ulark.
- 2.The broken black-stone sculptures found at the site belong to the Dvapara age.
- 3.Devotees gather at the temple for both Chaiti and Kartik Chhath.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct: Ulark is another name for the temple, and both Chhath observances draw devotees. Statement 2 is incorrect because the sculptures are attributed to the Pala period; the Dvapara association belongs to the Shamb tradition.
- Q3Medium
Approximately how far south of the Dulhin Bazar block headquarters is Ular Sun Temple?
Explanation: Ular Sun Temple is approximately 5 km south of the block headquarters on State Highway 2. The other distances do not describe that location.
- Q4Medium
Which distinction is appropriate when studying the history of Ular Sun Temple?
Explanation: Sculptures are material remains, while Shamb's worship and recovery form part of local tradition. A fair, a pond and a belief in recovery do not establish a construction date or a medical effect.
Frequently asked questions
1. Where is Ular Sun Temple located?
Ular Sun Temple is in Dulhin Bazar block of Patna district, Bihar, on State Highway 2.
2. What is the other name of Ular Sun Temple?
The temple is also known as Ulark.
3. How is Shamb associated with Ular Sun Temple?
Local tradition holds that Shamb, a son of Krishna, worshipped the Sun at Ular seeking relief from leprosy.
4. Which period are the sculptures found at Ular associated with?
The broken black-stone sculptures found at the site are attributed to the Pala period.
All sources
- Original14 November 2026 · Read story
