Vol. 8, Issue 1, Part A (2026)

This anthropological study examines the Deo Sun Temple in Bihar as a sacred space that plays a central role in shaping local identity, social relations, and cultural continuity. The temple, dedicated to the Sun God, functions not only as a religious center but also as a focal point for collective memory, ritual practice, and community cohesion. Through participant observation, informal interviews with priests, devotees, and local residents, and documentation of festivals such as Chhath Puja, the study explores how sacred landscapes are socially produced and continuously reinterpreted. The findings reveal that the Deo Sun Temple mediates relationships between the past and present, reinforcing regional identity through myth, ritual performance, and everyday religious practices. The temple also contributes to the local economy and social hierarchy, influencing patterns of interaction, authority, and belonging. Overall, the study highlights the dynamic relationship between sacred space and local identity, emphasizing the temple’s significance beyond its religious function.