Suryanar Kovil - Thirumangalagudi, Kumbakonam - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Suryanar Kovil Temple

At a distance of 1 Km from Thirumangalagudi Bus Stop, and 15 Km from Kumbakonam Railway Station, Suryanar Kovil or Suryanarayana Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Suryanar Kovil near the town of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. Located on Kumbakonam - Kadhiramangalam road, it is one of the nine Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu, and among the prominent pilgrimage sites near Trichy. The temple is one of the few historic temples dedicated to Sun god and is also the only temple in Tamil Nadu which has separate shrines for all the planetary deities. It is revered for its rituals, which are believed to alleviate the adverse effects of Saturn (Shani), ease obstacles in marriage, support educational and career aspirations, and eliminate putra dosham, among other benefits.

History of Suryanar Kovil Temple

The present masonry structure was built in the 11th century under the rule of Kulottunga Chola and was referred to as Kulottunga Chola-Marttandalaya. Subsequent modifications were made by the Vijayanagara Kings. The temple is referenced in the compositions of Muthuswami Dikshitar, who wrote a piece beginning with 'Suryamurthe' in the Saurashatra ragam. Currently, the temple is overseen and managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Mythology of Suryanar Kovil Temple

According to the legend, once Sage Kalava was suffering from leprosy and sought the aid of the Navagrahas, the nine planetary deities. His sincere devotion pleased the planets, who offered him a cure. However, Brahma became enraged, believing that no one should have the power to alter a person's fate. In his anger, he cursed the nine planets to suffer from leprosy as well. As a result of the curse, they were cast down to Earth. The nine planets then engaged in intense penance to appease Lord Shiva, hoping to be freed from the curse. Pleased by their efforts, Lord Shiva manifested before them and declared that the land was rightfully theirs, and they were to bless the devotees who worshipped them there. This temple uniquely features individual shrines for each of the planetary deities and is the only one among the nine planetary temples where Shiva is not the main deity.

Architecture of Suryanar Kovil Temple

Built in the classic Dravidian architectural style, the temple features a five-tiered gopuram, an intricately designed gateway tower, and impressive granite walls that enclose each shrine within the complex. The main shrine, dedicated to the Sun God, is situated on an elevated platform. Inside this central shrine stands the idol of Lord Surya, accompanied by his consorts Usha and Chhaya. The hall that leads to the main shrine displays images of Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Nataraja, Sivakami, Vinayagar, and Murugan. Along the axial line in front of the central shrine, there is a representation of Guru (Jupiter), one of the planetary deities, shown performing pooja to Shiva. Additionally, there are distinct shrines for the other seven planetary deities. The eight shrines of the Navagrahas are all oriented towards the shrine of Suryanar.

Festivals of Suryanar Kovil Temple

Rath Saptami, celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai (January-February), is the most significant festival of Sri Suryanar Kovil Temple. This 10-day celebration signifies the Sun's transition from the southern to the northern hemisphere, initiating the six-month period known as Utharayanam, which lasts from the month of Thai to Aani (June-July). On the first day of every Tamil month, special poojas are conducted in honor of Lord Suriyan, the leader of the Navagrahas. Additionally, on these first days, unique pujas and abishekams are also performed for Lord Surya.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Suryanar Kovil Temple

When planning a visit to the Suryanar Kovil Temple, it is recommended to adhere to modest clothing that covers your upper arms and legs as a sign of respect. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, low-waist jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Suryanar Kovil Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM

Suryanar Kovil Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special Darshan available for Rs. 20

Best Time to Visit Suryanar Kovil Temple

The ideal period to visit Suryanar Kovil Temple is during the winter season, spanning from October to March, when the climate is enjoyable and temperatures are more moderate. The temple area is especially lively and filled with activity during the Tamil month of Thai (January-February), coinciding with the grand festival of Ratha Saptami. This celebration lasts for ten days and is marked by significant festivities. It is recommended to refrain from visiting during the peak summer months of April to June, as the heat in Tamil Nadu can be quite severe, rendering temple visits less comfortable.

How to Reach Suryanar Kovil Temple

Trichy Airport is the closest airport, located approximately 95 kilometers from Kumbakonam. The Kumbakonam Railway Station offers extensive train services to various cities, including Chennai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Pondicherry, Mysore, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Trichy, Bhubaneswar, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirupati, Bangalore, and Thirunelveli. Additionally, bus services are available, linking Kumbakonam to all regions of Tamil Nadu. Suriyanar Koil Temple, situated about 15 kilometers from Kumbakonam, can be found along the Kumbakonam - Mayiladuthurai road. Public bus transportation is available from Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai, Aduthurai, Anaikarai, and Thirupananthal.