5 Most Famous Surya (Sun) Temples in India

Introduction to 5 Most Famous Surya (Sun) Temples

When we talk about the most famous Surya (Sun) temples in India, the names that come to mind are the Konark Sun Temple, Odisha Sun Temple, Gwalior, Suryanarayana Temple, Andhra Pradesh, Katarmal Sun Temple, Uttarakhand and the Suriyanar Koil Temple, Tamil Nadu.

Besides the above, there are many other notable Sun temples in India or the Bharat. One such temple is the Martand Sun temple, near Anantnag, Kashmir, built in 8th century by King Lalitaditya Muktapida, which has been designated as of National Importance by the Archaelogical Survey of India. 

Needless to say that Suryanarayana swamy temples are dedicated to Sun God. Other Suryanarayana swamy temples or the Sun temples are Surya Mandir in Deo, Bihar, Modhera Sun Temple in Gujarat, Rahila Sagar Sun Temple at Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh and Sri Sri Sri Suryanarayana Swamy temple Arasavilli Srikakulam Andhra Pradesh is believed to have been built in 7th Century by Kind Devendra Varma of Eastern Ganga dynasty. 

At Sri Sri Sri Suryanarayana Swamy temple Arasavilli Srikakulam Andhra Pradesh pilgrims seek joy as it is also called Harshavilli, the abode of joy. According to Padmapurana, Sage Kashyapa installed the idol of Sun God at Arasavalli for the welfare of Mankind. At Sri Sri Sri Suryanarayana Swamy temple Arasavilli Srikakulam Andhra Pradesh, there is the beautiful idol of Sun God with his three consorts Usha, Chaya and Padmini. 

At the base are the figures of two Dwarapalakas viz. Mathara and Pingala and two saints Sanaka and Sanadana holding Umbrellas or Chatrams. The Sun God is depicted as riding over a chariot drawn by Anura, the Radhasaradhy. The temple has been built in such a way that In the month of March and September, the rays of the Sun fall at the feet of the deity. The temple opens at 6 am – 12:30 pm & 3:30 -8 pm.

In Vedic Astrology, the movement of the Sun across the zodiac play a pivotal role. Aditya or the Sun is germane not only from an astrological point of view but Science also recognises the relevance of Sunlight in the synthesis of food by plants through the process of Photosynthesis. Natural Sunlight is considered beneficial for the development of bones. 

A lucid account of the 5 most famous Sun or Surya temples in India is provided herein below:-

• Konark Sun Temple:

The Konark Sun Temple in Odisha is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site where thousands of pilgrims and visitors come to witness Sun Temple Konark Architecture, marvellous Konark Sun temple sculptures. 

Konark Sun Temple is also known as Black Pagoda. On the other hand the Jagannath Puri Temple is called White Pagoda.

At the Konark Sun Temple Konark Odisha no idol worship is performed. The pilgrims and tourists visit Konark Sun Temple with devotion and  reverence to Sun God, the Surya or Aditya. 

Konark Sun Temple Built By-

People are curious to know as to who built konark sun temple in such a magnificent style. If we delve deep into the Konark Sun Temple history, we find that the Konark Sun temple built by King Narasimhadev I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the 1250 AD is an architectural marvel full of meticulously chiselled figures and figurines on the pillars and walls. 

Konark Sun Temple built by artisans and craftsman depicts perfect mastery of sculptors on one hand and about their profound knowledge and acumen of the movement of Sun.

Konark Sun Temple Sculptures & Sun Temple Konark Architecture

Pilgrims and visitors are wonderstuck to witness the erotic Konark Sun Temple Sculptures and the beautiful Sun Temple Konark Architecture.

Any discussion about Konark Sun Temple would be incomplete if the pattern and design of its symmetrical 24 wheels is not elaborated upon. Each of the wheel of the Konark Sun Temple gives a reflection of the profound knowledge and wisdom of the people of the times of Konark Sun Temple history.

Konark Sun Temple Odisha is renowned for specific and scientific pattern of placement of 8 major and 8 minor spokes in the wheels. If we delve deep into the Sun Temple Konark Architecture, we notice that the path of the  impinging Sunlight on the minor and major spokes of the wheels is a measure of time.

Inside Konark Sun Temple

Konark Sun Temple architecture gives a perfect indication of Time. Inside Konark Sun Temple, the visitors find the precise way of calculation of time.

The time taken by the shadow of Sunlight between the two major spokes represents an elapse of 3 hours and the travel of the shadow of Sunlight from one major spoke and one minor spoke denotes an elapse of 1 and a half hours. 

It is also said about Konark Sun Temple that there are beads on the edges of the wheels and the time taken by the sunlight in travelling from one bead to other is 3 minutes.

One is eager to know of the person who built Konark Sun Temple in such a meticulous fashion way back in the 13th century. 

A lot many students of Architecture and historians visit the Konark Sun Temple to study in detail the Konark Sun Temple Sculptures inside Konark Sun Temple. 

They are curious to gather more and more Konark Sun Temple information in the shortest possible time. Further details about Konark Sun temple information is provided by Odisha State Tourism department.

The Konark Sun Temple Sculptures and the Sun Temple Konark Architecture literally mesmerise the visitors and tourists coming from far and wide.

Konark Sun Temple opening and closing timings are 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

• Sun Temple Gwalior

Sun Temple Gwalior is dedicated to Sun God, the Aditya or Surya Bhagwan. The famous industrialist G.D. Birla got it constructed in the year 1988. 

Sun Temple, Gwalior is located at a distance of about 5 kms from the Gwalior bus stand/Railway station. 

The Sun Temple, Gwalior’s Opening Time and Closing Time/ Aarti time and Darshan time are as under:-

6:30 AM to 12:00PM; 1:00PM to 6:00 PM.

• Suryanarayana Temple

Suryanarayana Temple or the Sri Suryanarayana Swami Temple is located in the East Godavari District of the State of Andhra Pradesh. Zamidar of Gollala Mamidada, Mr. Kovvuri Basivi Reddy got it constructed in the year 1920.

Suryanarayana Temple is situated on the banks of the river Thulya Bhaga (Antharvahini) at a distance of about 20 kms from Kakinada. 

The opening and closing timings of Suryanaryana Temple start in the dawn as usual. Darshan timings are 6:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 8:00 p.m.. The pujas and rituals are performed with gaiety and grandeur that leave the visitors and pilgrims in the environment soaked in spirituality. On week ends, special pujas are performed by priests. 

• Katarmal Sun Temple

The Katarmal  Sun Temple, located at an elevation of 2,116 metres above sea level in Almora District in the State of Uttarakhand is an architectural marvel. 

It is also known as Bada Aditya Temple. It takes about 45 minutes (19 kms) from the Lala Bazar, Almora to reach the Katarmal Sun Temple. 

Katarmal Sun Temple History

As far as the Katarmal Sun Temple History is concerned, the Katarmal Sun Temple was built by Katyuri King -Katarmal in the Nagar Style of Architecture in the 13th Century.

The structure of the main Katarmal Sun temple is in the form of three chariots which have the sanctum sanctorum in the shape of a square. The main doors of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple were carved in wood.

• Suriyanar Koil Temple

Suriyanar Koil Temple is located in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. Suriyanar Koil Temple is an ancient temple stated to have been built about 1000 years ago. In the month of January-February, Rath Sapthami is celebrated so as to mark the U turn of Lord Sun’s cart from South to North ( Uttarayana).

Legend has it that Lord Sun here graces the temple with a Lotus on both hands accompanied by His consorts Usha Devi on the left and Pradhyusha Devi on the right. It is a temple for the Navagrahas, the nine planets, the first being the Sun.

Devotees from far and wide perform rituals called Nadi Pariharam, Navagraha Homas, Sugar Pudding( Sarakara Pongal) and Surya Archana. 

Suriyanar Koil Temple History

It is stated that Sage Kalava Muni, in order to get rid of his ailment of Leprosy worshipped all the planets who granted the boon to the Rishi. According to mythology, Lord Brahma objected to the noble gesture of the planets on account of the fact that as per Lord Shiva, the planets are to give the effects of good and evil deeds of the persons and thus, the planets have violated the code. 

According to the mythological legend, Lord Brahma cursed the planets to suffer from leprosy themselves. The planets descended to the white flower forest(Vellerukku Vanam) and performed penance to propitiate Lord Shiva who appeared to them and said that the place belongs to them and allowed them to grace the place to allow devotees to worship them to jettison their hardships.

Openinig Time and Closing Time of the Suriyanar Koil Temple 

The Temple remains open from 6:00 am to 11:00 am and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. 

Conclusion

In India, there are famous ancient Sun temples which are architectural marvels. The sculptures and immaculate carvings in stone and the meticulous design of wheels, spokes and beads precisely compute and calculate the time by assessing the shadow of Sunlight impinging on it. 

The Sun Dials bear testimony to the scientific progress and advancement that the Rishi Munis or Sages in India had made over a period of time. The then rulers of 8th century onwards whole heartedly promoted construction of Sun temples in order to inculcate scientific temperament.

We find Sun temples from Kashmir in the north to Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu down south.

The famous Sun temples in India are the popular pilgrimages showcasing architectural marvels on one hand and on the other depict the prowess of knowledge of precisely computing time and movement of planets. 

FAQs About 5 Most Famous Surya Temples : 

Q.1. What is the secret of the Konark Sun Temple?

Ans. 1. Many mysteries are associated with the Konark Sun Temple. It includes the specific pattern of 12 pairs of chariot wheels, its suspension of the main idol through magnets and the Sun Dial methodology of computation of time.

Q.2. Who built the Konark Sun Temple?

Ans. 2. King Narasimhadev I built the Konark Sun Temple.

Q.3. What is the importance of Sun Temple in Gwalior?

Ans.3. The Sun temple in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh is famous for its beautiful sculptures carved both in Red stone and white marble. Beautiful gardens add grandeur to the Sun temple, Gwalior. 

Q.4. What is the history of Suryanarayana Temple?

Ans.4. The legend has it that Lord Shiva allowed the planets to grace the venue to enable devotees to propitiate Navagrahas.

Q.5. Why is Katarmal Sun Temple famous?

Ans. 5. Katarmal Sun temple is famous for its marvellous Nagar style of architecture. It is located at an elevation of 2,116 metres above the sea level in the district Almora, Uttarakhand. 

Q.6. What is the time of the Suriyanar Koil temple?

Ans.6. The Temple remains open from 6:00 am to 11:00 am and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.