Uttarark Aditya at Ark Kund – The Divine Sun of Kashi
Introduction
Kashi, the eternal city,
is home to countless sacred legends. Among them, the story of Uttarark
Aditya at Ark Kund (presently known as Bakaria Kund) stands out as a symbol
of divine grace, selflessness, and protection.
The Legend of Sulakshna
According to Kashi
Khand, a Brahmin girl named Sulakshna, after losing her parents,
devoted herself to rigorous penance of Surya Dev in his Uttarark Aditya
form.
- Seeing her devotion, Maa Parvati
appeared and offered her a boon.
- Sulakshna, instead of asking for
herself, requested blessings for the goat that had patiently accompanied
her during her penance.
- Deeply moved by her altruism, Maa
Parvati granted Sulakshna the boon of being her eternal companion (Sakhi)
and blessed the goat to be reborn as the daughter of Kashiraj.
Since then, Surya Dev has
been established at Ark Kund as Uttarark Aditya, revered as a savior of
Kashi.
Symbolism & Beliefs
- Surya Dev as Protector
– Worshipping Uttarark Aditya is believed to free devotees from fear,
inequality, and suffering.
- Supreme Joy
– He is said to bring happiness and resolve problems of those who
surrender to him.
- Altruism & Devotion
– The legend of Sulakshna reminds devotees that selfless devotion and
compassion are the highest forms of worship.
Temple Timings &
Aarti
- Opening Hours:
Daily from 05:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 05:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Main Aarti:
Held every morning at 08:00 a.m., attracting devotees who seek
Surya Dev’s blessings.
Rituals & Worship
Devotees visiting Ark
Kund perform:
- Surya Arghya
(offering water to the Sun God at sunrise).
- Puja with flowers and mantras
dedicated to Uttarark Aditya.
- Prayers for protection and equality,
seeking liberation from worldly fears.
Getting Here
- Location:
Ark Kund, now known as Bakaria Kund, lies in the northern part of
Kashi (Varanasi).
- By Road:
Easily accessible via local transport, auto-rickshaws, and taxis from any
part of Varanasi.
- By Rail:
Varanasi Junction is the nearest major railway station, well connected to
all parts of India.
- By Air:
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Varanasi) is about 25 km away.
Travel Tips
- Visit early in the morning to witness
the Surya Arghya and the 08:00 a.m. aarti.
- Carry flowers, incense sticks, and
offerings if you wish to participate in puja.
- Respect local traditions—remove
footwear before entering temple premises.
- The temple is less crowded in the
evenings, making it ideal for peaceful meditation.
- Combine your visit with nearby
temples in Kashi for a holistic spiritual experience.
Conclusion
The presence of Uttarark
Aditya at Ark Kund is a reminder of the Sun’s eternal role as a divine
protector and guide. The legend of Sulakshna and Maa Parvati’s blessings adds a
unique dimension of compassion and selflessness to this sacred site, making it
a must-visit for devotees in Kashi.