Suryanar Kovil

Suryanar Kovil– SunGod

Suryanar Kovil, also known as the Suryanarayana Temple, is an ancient temple near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Surya the Sun God. As the only temple in Tamil Nadu solely devoted to Surya, this temple was constructed in the 11th century (1060-1118 CE) by the Chola King Kulothunga I and has a prominent position in Hindu astrology. Suryanar Kovil is a popular location for worship, astrological rituals, and vibrant festivities. Suryanar is the main deity accompanied by his two wives Ushadevi and Pratyusha Devi. Suryanar Temple is the only temple in Tamil Nadu that holds shrines for all the planetary deities. All 8 Shrines of the Navagraha are arranged facing the shrine for Suryanar.

Historical Origins : Suryanar Kovil was built during the reign of Chola King Kulothunga I in the 11th century with later additions from the Vijayanagar period.
Architectural Style: Suryanar Kovil is famous for its breathtaking Dravidian architecture, with a grand five-tiered Rajagopuram, the gateway tower, and a granite wall enclosing the shrines to the temple.
Main Deity: Ushadevi, Pratyusha Devi, and Suryanar the Sun God, are worshipped together.
Spiritual Beliefs: It is believed that worshipping here will bring prosperity and health while lowering astrological doshas related to the sun.

Key Festival: Celebrates Ratha Saptami, honoring the Sun’s journey with grand rituals.
Prime Location and Nearby Attractions: Kumbakonam is a part of the Navagraha pilgrimage, which attracts devotees all year long. It is close to other sacred Navagraha temples, making it a central point for devotes.
Ritual Timing: The temple ritual is performed 6 Times a Day at 5:30 am, 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 6:00 pm, 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm.Each ritual consists of 4 steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering), and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps).