Suryanar Kovil, also known as Suryanarayana Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Sun God located in Kumbakonam Thanjavur District Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity is Suryanar, the Sun and his consorts Ushadevi and Pratyusha Devi. The remaining eight planetary deities also have their own shrines in the temple.

The temple is viewed as one of the nine Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu. The temple is the only one in Tamil Nadu with shrines for all of the planets, and it is one of the few ancient temples dedicated to the Sun god.

Story Behind Suryanar Kovil

According to Hindu legend, Sage Kalava prayed to Navagrahas when he was affected with leprosy. His devotion pleased the planets, who granted his wish. Since no one had the authority to alter a person’s destiny, Brahma was furious. He wished that the nine planets would get leprosy.

To please Lord Shiva, all nine planets performed severe penance after being cursed. Lord Shiva then appeared in front of them, appearing to be satisfied by their forgiveness. He believed that the planets should respond favourably overall to those who beg them with complete faith and dedication.

History of Suryanar Kovil

One of the inscriptions that was discovered in the temple says that it was built during the time of Kulottunga Choladeva (1060-1118 CE) and was called Kulottungachola-Marttandalaya. In the modern era, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu is in charge of the temple’s administration and upkeep. Muthuswami Dikshitar’s Saurashatra ragam song, which begins with “Suryamurthe,” includes a reference to the temple.

Architecture of Suryanar Kovil

The Suryanarayana Temple, which faces west, was built in the Dravidian architectural style and has a gateway tower and a five-tiered rajagopuram. The presiding deity rides in a vehicle resembling a vimana, which symbolises the chariot of the sun. Suryanarayana is depicted standing with Usha and Prathyusha (Chaya), his two consorts. In the sanctum, there are also shrines for Kasiviswanathar, Visalakshi, and Guru Bhagavan.

Images of Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Nataraja, Sivakami, Vinayagar, and Murugan can be found in the hall that leads to the main shrine. One of the planetary deities, Guru (Jupiter), is depicted on the axial line in front of the central shrine. All of the other seven planet deities, Budha (Mercury), Shani (Saturn), Sukran (Venus), Soma (Moon), Angaragan (Mars), Rahu, and Ketu, have their own shrines.

All the other eight shrines of the Navagrahas are arranged facing the shrine of Suryanar. Guru is depicted performing pooja to Shiva.

Facts about Suryanar Kovil

• The Sun God, Surya or Aditya occupies an illustrious place in Hinduism. He is regarded as the supreme soul and source of all life who brings light and warmth to the world.
• Suryanarayana Temple is dedicated to Sun God – Suryan, Suryanar Kovil is one of the nine revered Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu.
• It is believed that going on a pilgrimage to Navagraha Temples will remove all obstacles from one’s horoscope and guarantee benefits for one’s health, financial situation, and professional development.
• The presiding deity of Suryanar Kovil is Suryanar who presides here with his consorts Usha Devi and Pratyusha Devi.
• The tower of the temple is 15.5 meters in height and consists of three tiers.  At the top of the tower are five domes. All the grahams face Surya Bhagawan in this temple.

Famous Festivals In Suryanar Kovil

• Rath Saptami in the Tamil month of Thai and the first Sundays in the months of Aavani (Leo) and Kartikai (Scorpio)
• Vijayadashami is celebrated with great devotion in this temple.
• Brahmotsavam festival – Month of Asweeja – Dhwajaroham or hoisting of flag.

How to Reach Suryanar Kovil

The Suryanar Kovil is located in the village Suryanar Kovil of Tanjavur district of Tamilnadu.  The village is close to Kumbakonam, at a distance of 15 km. Around 20 km from Mayiladuthrai, the village is on the Kumbakonam – Aduthurai – Mayiladuthurai Road.

By Air: The nearest airport is Trichy Airport, 58km from Thanjavur.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is the Aduthurai Railway Station.

By Road: Suryanar Koil is about 21 km from Swamimalai and 15 km from Kumbakonam. It is about 20 km from Mayiladuthurai on the Kumbakonam – Aduthurai – Mayiladuthurai Road.

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