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Grivam / Temples / Suryanar Temple, Suryanar Koil

Suryanar Temple, Suryanar Koil

Also known as: சூரியனார் கோயில் · సూర్యనార్ కోవెల · सूर्यनार कोयिल (सूर्य मंदिर)

Tamil Nadu Navagraha

Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed below. It has not yet been reviewed by the temple or local devotees.

The Sun temple of the nine Navagraha temples near Kumbakonam, and the only one where the planet, not Shiva, is the main deity.

Deity
Suryanar (Surya, the Sun God), Ushadevi and Pratyusha Devi (consorts)
Tradition
Navagraha
Place
Suryanar Koil (near Aduthurai), Thanjavur
State
Tamil Nadu
Era
Built in the reign of Kulottunga I (1060–1118 CE), with later additions in the Vijayanagar period. An inscription calls it 'Kulottungachola-Marttandalaya'.

Sthala Puranam

Sage Kalava suffered from diseases including leprosy. He prayed to the Navagrahas and they cured him.

Brahma was angry that the planets had given a boon to a human. He cursed the nine planets with leprosy and sent them to Vellurukku Vanam, a forest of white wild flowers.

The planets prayed to Shiva. He told them the place belonged to them and that they should bless devotees from here.

Speciality

  • One of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu, and the only one with shrines for all the planetary deities.
  • One of the few old temples of the Sun God. Here Shiva is not the main deity, unlike the other eight.
  • Vinayagar (Kol Vinayagar) is worshipped first, before Suriyan and the other planets.
  • Seven Saptha Vigraha shrines are placed at the cardinal points around the region.
  • Muthuswami Dikshitar mentions the temple in his song 'Suryamurthe'.

Festivals

  • Somavaram and Sukravaram (Monday and Friday) worship every week
  • Pradosham every fortnight
  • Amavasai, Kiruthigai, Pournami and Sathurthi every month

How to reach

By airTiruchirappalli Airport, about 100 km. Chennai Airport is the main international airport.
By trainKumbakonam Junction. Aduthurai station is nearer.
By roadNear Aduthurai on the Kumbakonam–Mayiladuthurai road. Buses and shared autos run from Kumbakonam.
Open in OpenStreetMapGet directions

Location is approximate.

Before you go

  • Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
  • Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
  • Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
  • Many pilgrims visit all nine Navagraha temples in one trip. Start with Suryanar Koil and take the others in the order locals suggest.
  • Worship Kol Vinayagar first, as the temple custom asks.

Prayers for this temple

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Sources

Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed above. If you find a mistake, please tell us.