Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple – The Ancient Sun Shrine of Andhra

 

The Arasavalli Sun Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God, located in Arasavalli, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the oldest sun temples in India, believed to have been built in the 7th century CE by King Devendra Varma of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.

Deities

The Arasavalli Sun Temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Surya (Suryanarayana Swamy), the Sun God. However, the temple complex also houses shrines for several other deities:

Main Deity:

Lord Surya (Suryanarayana Swamy) – The presiding deity, depicted holding lotus flowers and riding a chariot drawn by seven horses. The idol is believed to have been installed by Sage Kashyapa for the welfare of mankind.

Other Deities in the Temple Complex:

  • Lord Shiva – Worshipped in the form of Sri Rudra Koteswara Swamy.
  • Lord Vishnu – Present as Sri Vishnu Murthy.
  • Lord Anjaneya (Hanuman) – A dedicated shrine for Sri Anjaneya Swamy.
  • Lord Kala Bhairava – A fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva.
  • Lord Subramanya (Murugan) – Worshipped for protection and wisdom.
  • Goddess Lakshmi – The deity of wealth and prosperity.

Highlights

  • Ancient Sun Temple – Built in the 7th century CE by King Devendra Varma of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.
  • Unique Sun Alignment – The morning sun rays touch the deity’s feet twice a year (during Uttarayanam in March and Dakshinayanam in October).
  • Kalinga Architecture – Similar to the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha.
  • Pushkarini (Holy Tank) – Believed to have been created by Lord Indra using his weapon Vajra Yudha.

History

·       The Arasavalli Sun Temple was built in the 7th century CE by King Devendra Varma of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. It is one of the oldest sun temples in India and has undergone several renovations, particularly in the 18th century.

Legends

·      According to the Padma Purana, Sage Kashyapa installed the idol of Lord Surya at Arasavalli for the welfare of mankind. Another legend states that Lord Indra, after being injured by Nandi, was advised in a dream to install an idol of Surya to heal himself. Following this vision, he discovered the idol of Surya and established the temple.

      Architecture

·       The temple follows the Kalinga architectural style, similar to the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. It was originally built in the Rekha Deula style and later underwent modifications in the 18th century.

Rituals

  • Surya Namaskaram – Daily prayers and offerings to Lord Surya, believed to bring health and prosperity.
  • Abhishekam – Sacred bath performed for the deity using milk, honey, and holy water.
  • Arati Seva – Devotional offering of light and incense to the deity.
  • Pushkarini Snanam – Ritual bathing in the holy tank, believed to have healing properties.
  • Special Darshan – On auspicious days, devotees get a Nija Rupa Darshan (direct view of the deity).

Major Festivals

  • Ratha Saptami – The most significant festival, celebrated as Surya Jayanti, marking the symbolic transition to spring.
  • Kalyanotsavam – A divine wedding ceremony of Lord Surya.
  • Maha Shivaratri – Dedicated to Lord Shiva, observed with night-long prayers.
  • Dolotsavam – A festival where the deity is placed on a swing and worshipped.
  • Makara Sankranti – Celebrates the sun’s transition into Capricorn, marking the harvest season.
  • Teppotsavam – A floating festival where the deity is taken on a boat procession in the temple’s holy tank.

Getting Here

By Air

  • The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam Airport, about 106 km from Srikakulam.
  • You can take a bus or taxi from Visakhapatnam to Srikakulam.

By Train

  • The closest railway station is Amadalavalasa (Srikakulam Road), about 13 km from Srikakulam.
  • From the station, city buses, taxis, and autos are available every 10 minutes to reach Srikakulam RTC Complex.

By Road

  • Srikakulam is well connected by buses from major cities like Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Hyderabad.
  • Distance from key locations:
    • Visakhapatnam to Srikakulam – 118.9 km
    • Vijayawada to Srikakulam – 452.4 km
    • Hyderabad to Srikakulam – 724.8 km

Once you reach Srikakulam, you can take a bus, taxi, or auto to the temple, which is about 5 km from the main bus stop.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit – Early mornings or evenings to avoid crowds and experience the sun rays touching the deity.

Dress Code – Traditional attire is recommended; avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.

Special Rituals – Plan visits during Ratha Saptami or Surya Namaskaram for a spiritually enriching experience.

Nearby Attractions – Visit Sri Kurmam Temple, Salihundam Buddhist Site, and Kalingapatnam Beach.

Local Transport – Autos and taxis are available from Srikakulam RTC Complex.

Accommodation

For temple accommodation, TTD Choultry and Indrapushkarini Guest Rooms offer budget-friendly stays at ₹150 per night.

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