Arasavalli Suryanarayana Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Arasavalli, Srikakulam Mandal,

Srikakulam District,

Andhra Pradesh – 532 001

Phone: +91 8942 222 421

Moolavar

Suryanarayana

Introduction

Suryanarayana Temple is dedicated to Lord Surya located near Arasavalli Village in the outskirts of Srikakulam Town in Srikakulam Mandal in Srikakulam District in Andhra Pradesh, India. This temple is considered as one of the oldest Sun temples in India. The temple is situated on the banks of Nagavali River. The temple is situated on the Srikakulam to Kalingapattinam route.

Puranic Significance

The temple is believed to be built in 7th century CE by the Kalinga King Devendra Varma. The temple suffered destruction during Islamic invasion in 16th century CE. The temple was extensively rebuilt in 1788 CE.

As per legend, Balarama, brother of Lord Krishna brought the Nagavali River with his plow during Dwapara Yuga. He also built the Rudra Koteeswara Temple in Srikakulam at the banks of the Nagavali River. All the devas worshipped Lord Shiva and Parvathi at this temple during its consecration. Indra arrived late and tried to enter the temple, but Nandi stopped him from entering as it would disturb the ceremonies. But, Indra tried to enter the temple forcefully. Nandi got furious and kicked him with his foot strongly and thrown him away from the temple. Indra lay unconscious with extreme body pains. After, he regained his consciousness, Indra dug the place where he fell down and found an image of Suryanarayana Swamy. He performed pooja to the idol and got relieved from the pain. He also created Indra Theertham with his weapon Vajrayudha. As his pain got turned into joy at this place, the place came to be called as Harshavalli (Abode of Joy). Later Harshavalli got corrupted to Arasavalli.

Beliefs

Devotees pray here for relief from leprosy, skin ailments, eye problems, bone problems & digestion problems, child boon, wealth & prosperity and longevity

Special Features

This temple follows the panchayatana style of architecture. The temple is built in such a way that the early morning rays of the sun fall on the feet of the deity twice a year (Uttarayan (March 9 to 11) and Dakshinaya (October 1 to 3), even when the five entrance gates are closed. The sanctum of the main shrine enshrines the idol of the presiding deity, Suryanarayana / Aditya.

The idol is exquisitely carved out of a single black granite stone. The Utsava idol is a metallic image of Surya with his consorts Usha, Padmini and Chaya. There are shrines for Indra, Anjaneya, Kala bhairavar, Subramanya, and Mahalakshmi in the temple premises. Theertham associated with this temple is Indra Pushkarini.

Festivals

Rathasaptami is the major festival celebrated in this temple. This festival is celebrated on birthday of Surya Narayana (Surya Jayanthi) which falls on February and March.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com