Well known for its scenic beauty, Sri Surya Pahar is an ancient archaeological lovers’ paradise. The Surya Pahar temple is connected with the cult of sun worship and was one of the most important sun worship centers in ancient times. It is a beautiful gallery of ancient ruins and a vast garden of medicinal herbs and plants.
What is remarkable about this hilly territory is that the entire hill is filled with rock cut Shiva Lingas and it is believed that there were approximately around 99999 Shiva Lingas spread over the entire land in ancient times. Another attribute that is worth mentioning about Sri Surya Pahar is that it shows a convergence of three religions, namely Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Evidence of the influence of Buddhism and Jainism can be found by the remains and ruins in the caves at Surya Pahar. Archaeologists have found many consecrated Stupas and pictures of engraved deities of Hindu and Jain pantheon. They have also found footprints of Rishabhanatha, one of the prominent Gurus of Jainism. The hill is also marked with the ruins of many old temples.
If you are interested in archaeology and religion, this is the place to be. This place has a very rich cultural and religious heritage and was one of the most sacred religious sites in India. Some people believe the theory proposed by the Chinese traveler, Huen Tsang, that Sri Surya Pahar was the ancient mystical land of Pragjyotishpur, and not Guwahati to be the capital of the ancient Kamarupa Kingdom.
This magnificent terrain is located in the Goalpara District of Assam. It is 12 kms. from the town of Goalpara. The nearest towns are Goalpara and Bongaigaon. Guwahati is approximately 125 kms. from Sri Surya Pahar. The destination is well connected by road, rail and air. The nearest airport is Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport in Guwahati. The nearest train station is Goalpara Station. The nearest places of accommodation are Goalpara and Bongaigaon and the best time to visit Surya Pahar is from October to February.
