Sri Suryanarayana Swamy temple

Overview

This temple is situated in the Arasavalli Village, near Srikakulam. It is an ancient temple and is among the fewest Sun God temples in India. The sthala purana narrates that Lord Devendra has founded this temple and installed the existing idol of the Sun God commonly known as Sri Sri Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Varu.

About the temple

Archeological experts say that the stone inscriptions available in the temple throw some light to the effect that Devendra Varma, the Ruler of the Kalinga Kingdom, must have build this temple and installed the image of the Sun God in it in the later half of the 7th Century . The translation of the stone inscriptions reveal the donation of some lands made to the Sun God for perpetual lamps to be installed in the temple , to run a school or a Hostel for the pupils learning Sastras and vedas . These donations are stated to have been made by the successors of the Calinga King Devendra Varma prior to 11th Century A.D. The temple is built in such a way as to make the Sun Rays focus on the feet of the God twice in the year in the months of March and September in the early hours of the day. The rays so focused on the feet of the Idol through the five entrance gates of the temple, remain for a few minutes. This temple has the unique feature of attracting crowds of the people of different sectors , cultures and creeds together and making them believe the God is one and there is no difference between Siva and Kesava. The Five idols (Panchayatana installed in a particular place in the temple) namely: 1. Aditya 2. Ambika 3. Vishnu 4. Ganesha 5. Maheswara, represent all the faiths. Finally the devotees visiting this temple, go and worship the presiding deity Sun God about whom the puranas speak as the embodiment of Trimurthies, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara . The Lord who sees physically everything in the course of his daily round over the universe and who fully understands the truth behind all things, is not only regarded as Pratyaksha Daivam (visible God) but also the source and sustainer of all life. The people who perform ' Suryanamaskara ' recite Maha Soura and Aruna Manthras containing Powerful beejaksharas of Rigveda and Yazurvada for giving good health, so that it is said that "Arogyam Bhaskaradhischet". The mantra or Hymn is a spiritual formula harmonizing sound which always protects the register in every way. This is the secrecy of the Sun God Worship. Sunday is considered as most auspicious day to sun god worship.

Pushkarini

The idol of Lord Ranganatha or Ranganayakulu as known locally or Pallikonda Perumal (The Reclining Lord Narayana) is inside the Garbha Griha. Another deviation from the usual Ranganathaswamy idols is that the Ranganayaka Swamy of Nellore reclines in an opposite direction, if one visits the other temples dedicated to Lord Ranga, we will know the difference. This again could be due to the vastu specifications of a West facing temple. The eyes of the idol are so bright and lifelike that you feel the Lord is going to stand up any moment and talk to you.

Legend and stories

Legend has it that the Sun God granted his wish and vanished. Indra dug with his ‘Vajrayudha’ and formed a pond, which is known as Indrapushkarini. Even today Devotees feel that they can attain the Grace of Lord Surya if they offer their prayers after taking a dip in the pushkarini. After taking a holy dip in the pushkarni, they turn towards the temple and open their eyes and what do they see! Lord Surya’s idol before them in all its great splendor-and clad in golden colored angavastra. Crown studded with rare diamonds, hands with ‘Abhaya Mudra’ wide open eyes filled with karuna, ear-rings, studded with diamonds, grave and but graceful face. His very Darshan assures fulfillment of all desires in the world. The very temple was conceived and constructed by Viswakarma, the divine architect. Pingala and Mathara are the doorkeepers of this August Temple. Anura is the Sun God’s chariot driver. Thirteen more angels lustily cheer the sun god. Sanaka, Sanandana and other sages offer him Vinjamara seva. Sage Narada and other sing the glory of the God. Devaguru Bruhaspati and other chant Vedas. Thus Sun God was consecrated here in Arasavalli by Lord Indra himself. Such is the glory and greatness of this temple.

About the Deity

Sri Suryanarayana Swamy with his three consorts Usha, Padmini, and Chaya is standing on the chariot named Vyjayanthi drawn by seven horses and Anura is the charioteer. Mathara and Pingala are the (gate-keepers) Dwarapalakas. The divine sages Sanaka and Sananda are offering Chamara and holding chatram for the comfort of God. All these figures are exquisitely carved-out of a single black finely polished granite stone. Archeological experts say that the stone inscriptions available in this temple throw some light to the effect that Devendra Varma, the Kalinga ruler must have built the temple and installed the idol of Sun God in it during the second half of the 7th century.

Legend and stories

Once lord Devendra, ignoring the words of the gate – keeper Nandi attempted to force his entry in to the ancient temple of Sri Rudra Koteswara Swamy varu (Which still exists in its glory to the west of Srikakulam town on the bank of the sacred River Nagavali)at an untimely hour when lord Shiva was alone with his consort. The gate-keeper Nandi, in the discharge of his duties, kicked the intruder. Thus kicked and injured by the divine attendant, Indra fell down senseless about 3 Km away and in his unconscious state, Indra dreamt that he would be relieved of his pain of injury in his chest caused by Nandi if he built a temple and installed an idol of the Sun God.

After regaining his consciousness, Indra remembered what he dreamt. Following his dream, he picked up handfuls of earth thrice at the place where he layand there he found this beautiful idol of Sun God with his three consorts Usha, Padmini and chaya. Viswakarma (Deva Shilpi) constructed the temple as per the instructions of Indra. It was stated that the tank opposite the Sun temple was the creation of lord Indra and hence named as Indra Pushkarini.

Festivals

Kalyanotsavams
Maha Sivaratri
DolostavamsMaha
VaisakhiRakhi Pournami
Janmashtami
Dusserah
Naraka Chaturdasi & DiwaliTeppotsavam
Vaikuntha EkadashiMakara
Sankranthi

Ratha Saptami is the festival of Sun God "Lord Sri Suryanarayana Swamy". Ratha Saptami is the most important festival which will be celebrated in this temple. This temple is located in Arasavalli, Srikakulam Town, Andhra Pradesh, India. Ratha Saptami or Rathasaptami or Magha Saptami. Ratha Saptami is the festival of Lord Surya Narayana Swamy, Celebrated in the month of February or March and considered as birth day of God Surya. This day is also known as Surya Jayanti. It is a belief that our Country goes into light from darkness from this day every year. The winter season ceases and spring season starts. Our bodies will have a chemical reaction with the sun rays and we become healthy. Mythologically it is said to be Sun God's birthday. Special rays and vibrations are supposed to be present in the temple premises & it is also said that devotees taking Teertha Prasadams will be blessed with wealth and health. Lord Surya Narayana Swamy has a chariot with one wheel and there are seven horses representing the seven colors of light that is VIBGYOR. Lord Rama Worshipped Surya before killing Ravana. Ratha Saptami is Symbolic change of season to spring and start of harvesting season. By worshipping Lord Surya and observing fast on this day one can get rid of all type of sins.

Life Long Sevas

Ashtottara seva
Sahasra Namarchana
Ksheerabhisheka Seva
Kalyana Seva
Surya Namaskarams : This Seva performs Every Sunday Morning 06.00 AM to 12.00 PM
Tiruveedhi Seva : This Seva performs Every Sunday Evening 06.00 PM
Ksheeranna Bhogam : This Seva performs Every Sunday afternoon 03.00 PM

Timing

Sarva Darshanam Timings
6.00 am to 12.30 pm
3.30 pm to 8.00 pm
Suprabhatam - 5 am
Nitya Archana - 5.30 am
Maha Nivedana 12.30 pm

Prasad & offering

1) Pulihora
2) Laddoo

Accommodation

There are 8 Rooms in the TTD Choultry and 6 Rooms at Indrapushkarini. They cost about Rs. 150/- per day. There are four guest rooms constructed in the Indrapushkarini building. They provide accommodation for pilgrims at Rs. 200 a day.

Significance

This is perhaps the only Sun Temple in the entire Coramandel Coast since the Konark Temple on the Orissa Coast always remained an incomplete and unfinished project. People who are unfortunate enough to suffer from eye and skin, diseases visit the Temple and offer their prayers to Sun God. They believe that the God is essentially a God of Health and Prayers offered to Him would heal their sickness. From the great Puranas of Dwaparayuga, the following information is gathered. Balarama is supposed to be the very incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Balarama in Dwarparayuga bought the river Nagavali along the furrow of his tiller and consecrated a temple on the shores of the river Nagavali. That is the temple of Uma and Rudra Koteswara. All the Gods angels and their minions arrived on the shores of Nagavali and paid their obeisance to Lord Rudra, Indra, the Lord of Paradise was, somehow, late. By the time he arrived, it was late in the night; he tried to gatecrash his entry. At the time Nandiswara, the great Vahana of Rudra was keeping vigil at the gate. He did not allow Indra to go in, as it was time for Lord Rudra to rest with Mata Parvathi. Indra was adamant in his demand to enter the temple, Infuriated by his perverse persistence, Nandiswara kicked him violently and sent him flowing in the air towards the eastern side. Indra fell unconscious in a painful state. Then, it is said; he offered his prayer to the Sun God for relief of his body pains and exhaustion. Sun God took pity on him and touched Lord Indra with his innumerable rays and Indra got back his strength and relief from pain. He was all grateful to the Sun God who gave him back his strength and relief from pain. He begged sun god to allow him to stay there forever and spend his time.

Accessibility

Arasavalli Temple located in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh India.

Road

One can reach Srikakulam by buses, trains or planes. Srikakulam is well connected to other parts of the state of Andhra Pradesh and also to the major cities. One can travel by bus to Srikakulam as both private and public operators provide regular buses to Srikakulam from all major and minor cities in the state. Buses to Srikakulam run from Vijayawada, and Vishakhapatnam. Buses from Hyderabad are also available.

Rail

Srikakulam has a major railway station known as Amadalavalasa. It is 13 kilometres from srikakulam. City buses, taxes, autos are available from the Railway station to Srikakulam RTC Complex and Old Bus Stand for every 10 minutes.

Air

The nearest Airport to Srikakulam is Visakhapatnam with Distance 106 kilometers. RTC Buses are available frequently from Visakhapatnam to Srikakulam.

Distance By Road

Distance From Visakhapatnam to Srikakulam 118.9 kms
Distance From Vijayawada to Srikakulam 452.4 kms
Distance From Hyderabad to Srikakulam 724.8 kms
Distance From Chennai to Srikakulam 910.3 kms
Distance From Bangalore to Srikakulam 1112.7 kms

Address

Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Vari Devasthanam,
Arasavalli,
Srikakulam District,
Andhra Pradesh.
Pin: 532401