MY Visit to Arasavalli Suryanarayana temple, Srikakulam

                                                                Arasavalli Suryanarayana Temple

Vimanam or gopuram of the temple in Kalinga style

Satya Sai Dhyana Mandiram facing the temple

Side view of the temple

Idol of Sun God in the sanctum

                             

Idol of Sun God with ornaments

                                 

Indra Thirtham

Arasavalli (previously called “Harshavalli” means the land of pleasure) is a village at a distance of 2kms from Srikakulam town. The famous sun temple is located in this village. This temple was built by Devendra Varma of Kalinga dynasty in 7^th century. This is one of the oldest sun temples in India. The architectural and artistic skills of Oriya Maharanas or Viswakarma Brahmins are seen in the construction of this temple. The Kalinga kings ruled this region from 4^th to 14^th century. Many inscriptions reveal the grants made by persons like Aditya Vishnu Sharma and Bhanu Sharma of the Kalinga clan. The original structure was completely destroyed by Muslim rulers during 17^th century when this area was under the rule of Nizam kings. Sher Mohammad Khan, the Subedar of this region, destroyed many temples here. Sita Rama Sastry, the advisor to the Subedar , protected the main idol by hiding it in a well. The present structure mostly made of cement and lime stone was built in 18^th century. Historical evidences show that this temple was built in 1788 by a philanthropist, Sri Yelamanchili Pullaji Pantulu and his family. During 1980’s the A.P.State Endowments Dept. built the Pradakshina mandapam and Surya Namaskara mandapam. The gopuram and the inner sanctum were re-built by Sri Varudu Babji of Alukudu village in 1999. The front mandapam was built in 2006 with contributions made by GMR family, an industrialist. Kesakhandana Shala (place for tonsuring) and Annadana Satram (place for free meals distribution) were added subsequently,

According to Padma Purana, Sage Kasyapa installed the idol of Suryanarayana here for the welfare of mankind. According to Sthala Purana, Lord Indra founded this temple and installed the idol of Surya. When Indra tried to enter the temple of Uma Rudra Koteswara by force, he was driven away by Nandi with such force that he fell here. He prayed to Surya to relieve him of his body pains and suffering. Lord Surya healed him and at Indra’s request stayed here to bless his devotees. Indra dug a pond with his Vajra and found the idol of Surya there. So the pond near the temple is called “Indra Pushkarini.”

  The idol of Surya is made of five-foot tall black granite. Surya is seen in standing posture holding two lotus buds in his two hands. This type of idol is called Padma Pani Murty. His three consorts Padmini. Usha and Chaya are seen by his side. Padmini represents wisdom while Usha and Chaya represent eternity. On the top of the idol two divine saints, Sanaka and Sanandana holding chatras (umbrellas) are seen. At the base of the idol two guards (Dwara Palakas), Mathara and Pingala are seen. The Sun God is depicted as riding in a chariot driven by his charioteer, Anura. All these figures are exquisitely carved on a single black granite stone. The temple is built in such a way that the rays of the sun touch the idol from feet to face for a few minutes during the months of March (between 9^th and 12^th) and October(between 1^st and fourth) for a few minutes. Many devotees come here to see this unusual spectacle.

 This temple built in the form of a chariot is a Panchayatana temple (where five gods are worshipped) with Aditya in the center and with Ganesha, Shiva, Parvati and Vishnu in four corners. An idol of Indra is also seen here. Many people believe that skin diseases, blindness and barrenness are cured by worshipping the God in this temple. Worship is done as per Smartha Agama tradition. Every day many sevas like Ashtotaranamarchana, Sahasra namarchana, Ksheeranna Bhogam, Kshraabhishekam and Kalyana seva are done. Surya Namskarams (worshipping the Lord with Yoga postures reciting Sowra and Aruna mantras) is done on Sunday from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon. Tiruveedhi Seva is done at 6.00 p.m. on Sundays. Ksheerabhishekam to the main idol (Moola Virat) is done every month when the sun transits from one zodiac sign (Rasi) to the other zodiac sign (Rasi). Nitya Archana starts at 5.30 a.m. ad Maha Nivedana is done at 12.30 p.m. Annadanam is done every day after 12.30 p.m. The temple timings are from 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 3.30 p.m. to 8.0-0 p.m. Special poojas are done on Janmashtami, Dussera, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Makara Sankranti, Ratha Saptami and  Maha Shiva ratri. There are very few sun temples in India. In Alampur Nava Brahma temples there is a Sun temple dating back to 9^th century. The sun temple in Konark (Orissa) is in a dilapidated condition. As many believe, the worship of sun gives good health and spiritual knowledge. The nearby temples are Sri Kurmam(15kms) and Sri Mukhalingeswara(54kms) and Rudra Koteswara (3kms).

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      7th February, 2020                                          Somaseshu Gutala