Harihar Nath Temple

Harihar Nath Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Sonepur, Saran district, Bihar, at the confluence of the Gandak and Ganga rivers. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Harihar Nath, it is revered as Harihar Kshetra and linked to the Gajendra Moksha legend. The temple is a major pilgrimage centre, especially during Kartik Purnima and the famous Sonepur Mela, and is noted for its religious architecture and riverside setting.

Visitors can expect a riverside temple complex at the Gandak-Ganga confluence with a main sanctum housing the Shiva lingam revered as Harihar Nath, smaller shrines, pillared halls and open courtyards. The surroundings include ghats, market stalls selling offerings and religious items, and views of the river confluence. The atmosphere is devotional with daily prayers, chanting and rituals, becoming very busy during Kartik Purnima and the Sonepur Mela period.

Harihar Nath Temple is considered one of the oldest temples in Bihar, traditionally believed to have been originally established by Lord Rama on his way to Janakpur and later renovated by Raja Man Singh in the 18th century and by Raja Ram Narayan. It is mentioned in Puranic literature in connection with the Gajendra Moksha legend, where Lord Vishnu is said to have rescued the elephant Gajendra from a crocodile at this confluence.

The temple is revered as Harihar Kshetra, symbolizing the unity of Shaivism and Vaishnavism. It is the focal point of the month-long Sonepur Mela held on Kartik Purnima, one of Asia's largest cattle fairs, when devotees take a holy dip at the Gandak-Ganga confluence and offer prayers to Hariharnath. The site holds major religious importance for pilgrims from Bihar and neighboring states.