Suraj Kund
A water tank, resembling a Roman amphitheatre, Suraj Kund is believed to have been constructed by the Tomar king, Surajpal, whose existence is based on the bardic tradition. The Tomaras originally settled in the region of the Aravalli Hills, south of Delhi and are then believed to have moved to the Surajkund area.
The remarkable Hindu monument, undoubtedly dates back to the pre- Islamic period (10 cent. A.D.) of temples and sun worship, much before the mosques and tombs of Delhi were built. The shape of Surajkund resembles the rising sun, curving eastward. It consists of a semi-circular stepped stone embankment, to impound rain water from the hills. Its bed is about 130 meters in diameter. Though in ruins, the original grandeur of this vast reservoir, where royal hunting parties rested, can be very well imagined. The dancing peacocks on the bank of the Kund and in the forest like surroundings provide a fascinating sight. It is believed that a Sun Temple existed here. Some ruins are still in evidence. Certain carved stones were recently retrieved from the reservoir, while some are found re-used in later constructions.
A pool of fresh water oozing from the crevices in the rocks, called Siddha- Kund, lies about 600 m south of Suraj-kund and attracts a large number of pilgrims on certain holy days. In the nearby vivinity there is a dam in Anangpur village whose construction is ascribed to Anangpal. Here quartzite stone is placed across the mouth of a narrow ravine to catch rain water. The neighbouring hills are dotted with the ruins of several fortifications, which lend credence to the belief that a town founded by Anangpal once existed here.
Firuz Shah Tughlaq (1351-88) who took keen interest in irrigation works had its steps and terraces repaired by laying lime-concrete over them. Later still, a small fortified enclosure, called garhi, was raised above the western bank around the traditional site of the temple.
The monument is open on all 7 days of the week. Visitors are charged
Visitors are charged
Citizens of India and visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar) – Rs.25 per head.
Rs. 300/- for others.
The monument is open to the public from Sunrise to Sunset