Suryanar Kovil (Temple)

Suryanaar Kovil is dedicated to the Sun God or Lord Surya, the first of Navagrahas .It is located about 1 km from Tirumangalakkudi which lies between Kumbakonam and Mayavaram, near Thanjavur, in Tamilnadu. Popular known as Surya Sthalam. 

Lord Surya Bhagawan is known as the giver of health, success and It is believed that those who are affected by 'Graha Dhosham' and negative influence of Lord Shani can visit Suryanar Koil to get relieved of their sufferings.

History & Legends :

This Temple was buily by Built by Chola King,Kulothunga Chola I in the year 1100 AD

About The Temple :

The temple features a huge tower with three tiers and five domes at the top. There is a tank called Surya Pushkarni, which lies to the north of the Rajagopuram. This is considered as a sacred bathing ghat. There are

around 15 theerthams in the Suryanar Temple. The one which is located inside the temple is called as Jnana Koopam.A sacrificial platform (bali peetam) is seen at the entrance and to its east lies a mandap. An idol of a horse, the Sun God’s vahanam (vehicle), is seen here.This is the only Navagraha temple where all the nine grahas (nine planets) can be found in separate sannadhis (Sanctums).

Presiding Dieties : 

The presiding deity, Sri Suryanarayanaswamy, is found in a lying posture inside the sanctum sanctorum with his consorts Sri Usha Devi and Sri Pratyusha Devi. The other eight Navagrahas are seen facing the Sun God. Besides, Suriyanar Temple also embodies the shrines of Kasi Vishwanath, Visalakshi and Brihaspati (Guru) within the sanctum. The Kol Theertha Vinayakar (Ganesha or Pillayar) shrine is a prominent sculpture here.

Offerings To God : 

• Wheat
• Red Lotus
• Erukku
• Sakkarai Pongal

Temple Festivals :

• Ratha Saptami is one of the most important festival celebrated here.
• The first Sundays in the Tamil Months of Aavani and kartikai are considered very auspicious.
• Vijaya Dashami and annual Brahmotsavam are held with great fan fare and with much devotion.

Temple Timings :

6:00 AM to 12:30 PM & 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

How to Get Here :

 By Bus :

Suryanar Koil is about 21 km from Swamimalai and 15 km from Kumbakonam.

Regular bus services are available from Tiruchy and Madurai to Navagraha Sthalas.

BY Air :

. Trichy international airport 58 km away from Thanjavur is the nearest airport. 

By train :

Trichy Junction is the nearest rail head, which is at a distance of 58 km Thanjavur.