Goshark Kunda, Ayodhya

Goshark Kunda is a big and prominent kunda in Ayodhya named after King Gosha of the Ikshvaku dynasty. It is located to the south of the Urvashi Kunda and north-west of Dasharatha Kunda near the Panchkosi parikrama path in Ayodhya city of Uttar Pradesh, India. This kunda is also known as Surya Kunda.

A small yet beautiful temple dedicated to Suryadeva graces the banks of this kunda. The members of the Ikshvaku dynasty used to worship Suryadeva here at the kunda as Suryadeva was the Lord of their dynasty or in simple terms ‘kula-devata’. A holy bath at Goshark Kunda is said to give immense results.

The history of Goshark Kunda

The events that led to this kunda becoming prominent and being called as Goshark Kunda is quite interesting. After the appearance of Lord Rama in Ayodhya, Suryadeva went to meet Lord Rama. He wanted to see the child form of his Lord Rama.

He waited for some time to meet the Lord due to which the entire universe became still. Hence, Lord Rama was forced to give Suryadeva an audience soon. Suryadeva chose his abode in Ayodhya at the very place where he waited to meet Lord Rama. The place where he stood and waited is known as Surya Kunda.

Many years later, King Gosha of the Ikshvaku dynasty was ruling over the earth and the oceans undisputed. King Gosha was very popular in all the three worlds due to his brilliance. He had killed many enemies with his strong arms. He appeared like another sun due to his valour. Though King Gosha was handsome, worms were spread over his hands due to the sinful activities of his past life.

King Gosha discovers Goshark Kunda

Once, King Gosha went hunting in the forest. Kings of the vedic era would hunt down ferocious animals in certain parts of the forest for the safety of sages who live and perform penances in the forest. The king was exhausted and emaciated due to hunting. Moreover, he was all alone by himself. All of a sudden, he saw a small lake with sages bathing in it and performing their religious duties.

The king who was now relieved performed achamana and took a holy bath in the lake the prescribed way. As the holy bath got over, the king’s body turned transcendental free from diseases. Due to happiness, his mind became free from impurities.

After learning from the sages present there that it was a tirtha dedicated to Suryadeva, he offered prayers to please Suryadeva.

Being pleased with the humble prayers of King Gosha, Suryadeva appeared before him and offered boons. The king desired that a Deity of Suryadeva be consecrated there named after the king himself. Suryadeva granted the boon saying “Let it be so, O Lord of men. Your desire is a fascinating one. I will be pleased with those men who read this prayer composed and recited by you.

O king! I shall give them all that they desire. This holy spot will become extremely renowned in the world after your name. One who takes the holy bath here, obtains all desires. The holy bath here shall always be undertaken by a devotee of mine. Whatever he desires he shall obtain it.”

Saying so, Suryadeva disappeared. The tirtha came to be known as Goshark Kunda from then on. In due course of time, it become popular by the name Surya Kunda.

Being a small lake, the king got it excavated. During excavation, a small Deity of Suryadeva was discovered. This Deity was consecrated on the banks of the Goshark Kunda and has been worshipped to this day.

The glories of Goshark Kunda

The Ayodhya Mahatmya of Skanda Purana says that a devotee who takes a holy bath in Goshark Kunda will get all his desires fulfilled. Reciting the prayers offered by King Gosha pleases Suryadeva and fulfils the desires of a devotee.

A diseased person, impoverished person and a person living in misery will get his desires fulfilled if he takes a holy bath in the kunda the prescribed way.

Taking a holy bath in Goshark Kunda brings glory to a devotee and grants him residence in Suryaloka i.e. sun-planet. Also, worshipping the Deity of Suryadeva with respect and devotion being free from impurities followed by a holy bath in the kunda brings great reputation free from blemishes. It grants residence in Suryaloka too.

The holy bath performed particularly on Sundays awards great results. A holy bath taken in the right manner, on the sixth day of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapada or Magha grants residence in Suryaloka.

Holy baths in the Pausha month, especially on Sundays, is highly beneficial. The holy bath on the seventh day coinciding with a Sunday is extremely beneficial.

How to Reach Goshark Kunda

If you’re travelling on the Ayodhya-Kashi Yatra conducted by Tirtha Yatra, you’ll get the finest experience visiting Goshark Kunda. See it for yourself! You need not worry about anything.

Once you reach Ayodhya dham, Goshark Kunda is within easy reach. Any of the three or combination below will help you reach Ayodhya.

By Road: Ayodhya is well connected to cities in Uttar Pradesh and nearby states by road. Uttar Pradesh state buses are available from major cities in the state 24 hours.

You can even hire private taxis from these cities or from a nearby town where you may be present. Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj and Varanasi are the nearest cities within a distance of 200 kms.

By Rail: Ayodhya city is served by two railway stations. They are Ayodhya Junction and Ayodhya Cantt. Trains connecting major cities and towns of India stop over here.

By Air: The nearest airports are in Gorakhpur 139 kms away and Lucknow 151 kms away. You can fly in here and use the rail or road route to reach Ayodhya.

A government airstrip in Ayodhya is being upgraded to create a new airport though this may take time.