Suriyanar Koil is a famous Hindu temple located near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and is one of the Navagraha temples, representing the planetary deity Surya. Built in the Dravidian architectural style, the temple was constructed by King Kulothunga Chola I in the 11th century. The presiding deity is Suriyanar (Surya), accompanied by his consorts, Usha and Chhaya. The temple complex also houses shrines for the other eight Navagrahas (planetary deities). Devotees visit Suriyanar Koil to seek relief from planetary doshas and enhance prosperity. The temple celebrates significant festivals like Ratha Saptami and Surya Jayanthi, attracting pilgrims from across India.
Maps
Contact
Hightlight
-
Bus Facility
-
Car Parking
More Information
- History/Legend of the Temple According to the legend, Surya was once afflicted by a curse from Sage Durvasa, which caused him to lose his radiance. Seeking redemption, Surya traveled to various sacred places but found no solace. He then sought the guidance of Lord Shiva, who advised him to worship at a place where Lord Shiva was enshrined as an "Ardhanarishvara" (the half-man, half-woman form of Shiva). Surya followed this advice and prayed at Suriyanar Koil. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva blessed him, restoring his brightness and glory. This is why the temple is significant for Surya worship. The temple is believed to have been built during the Chola dynasty, which had a profound influence on the region's temples. The Cholas were known for their contributions to temple architecture and patronage, and Suriyanar Koil is a prime example of this. The temple features a large central sanctum housing the idol of Surya, along with other deities such as Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and a series of other solar deities. The temple is famous for its unique positioning and the way the sunlight illuminates the deity during specific times of the day, symbolizing the connection between Surya and the divine. The annual festivals, especially those dedicated to Surya, attract a significant number of devotees. Suriyanar Koil is part of the Panchakshmi temples of Tamil Nadu, where each temple corresponds to one of the five celestial bodies in Hindu cosmology: the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, and Venus.
- Name of the Deities Lord Surya (Sun God). Goddess Usha Devi and Chaya Devi.
- Nearby Cities and Distance Thanjavur – 50 km. Mayiladuthurai – 20 km. Trichy (Tiruchirappalli) – 105 km.
- Mode of Transport(from the nearest city) Car. Bus. Bike.
- Duration (from the nearest city) Thanjavur 58 min
- Estimated cost of the travel (from the nearest city) car,auto,bus... Bus - Rs. 30 – Rs. 80 (Thanjavur and Kumbakonam). Train – Rs. 20 – Rs. 100 (Thanjavur to Aduthurai or Kumbakonam). Car – Rs. 200 – Rs. 500 (Thanjavur to Suriyanar Koil).
- Temple Instructions Traditional dress is preferred (men in dhotis, women in sarees/salwar).
- Special Days and Special Happenings Ratha Saptami (Magha Saptami) – Celebrated in January–February, this day is dedicated to the Sun God and marks the birth of Surya. Special pujas and processions take place. Thai Poosam – Occurs in January–February, a significant festival associated with Lord Muruga but also observed in Suriyanar Koil. Adi Perukku – Celebrated in July–August, this festival is dedicated to water bodies and is significant in Tamil culture. Chitra Pournami – Celebrated in April–May, this full moon day is considered highly auspicious for worship. Surya Jayanti – The birthday of Lord Surya is observed with special pujas and homams. Navagraha Dosha Nivarana Pujas – Regular pujas are performed to reduce the malefic effects of planetary positions, especially on Sundays. Sundays & Special Star Days – Sundays are the most important days for worship at the temple, with special abhishekams and archanas conducted for the Sun God.
- Rituals Available Rahu-Ketu Dosha Nivarana Pooja – Conducted to reduce the negative effects of Rahu and Ketu. Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Pooja – To seek remedies for Naga Dosha (Serpent afflictions).
- Offerings Devotees provide wheat, red flowers, jaggery and Sugarcane.
- Prasadham Temples such as Sundal, Pongal, Vadai, and Rava Kesari offer prasadham.
- Benefits of Visiting Suriyanar Koil, one of Tamil Nadu's Navagraha temples, is devoted to Surya, the Sun God. Worshipping here is thought to reduce the harmful effects of the Sun in one's horoscope, promote health, and bring prosperity. Devotees think that worshipping Surya at this temple helps improve health, particularly for individuals suffering from bone, skin, or visual problems, because the Sun is connected with life and energy.
- Is this temple a Paadal Petra Sthalam? Yes
- Who Sang | Song and its Meaning | Year Tevaram | Nayanmars, Sundarar | 7th to 8th century.
- Other things to do / places of interest Sri Mahalingaswami Kovil (6.1 Km). Sri Vittal Rukmini Samsthan (4.2 Km). Mahamaham tank (15.7 Km).
- Nearby Temples Adhi Agniswarar Temple (Kanjanur). Kethu Bhagwan Temple (Panchangudi). Suryanar Koil (Suryanar Koil). Thirunallar (Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple). Vaitheeswaran Koil (Vaitheeswaran Koil). Brihadeeswarar Temple (Kumbakonam).
- Nearby Eateries Aasai Restaurant. Hotel Kaveri. Kannan's Bhavan. Sathars Restaurant. Indian Imperial restaurant.
- Hotels / Home stays: Mantra Koodam Kumbakonam. Sai Ayush Homestay. GK Residency. Marudha Temple View. Quality Inn VIHA.
- For the best experience / Must know Devotees come to do pujas to counteract the negative impacts of the Sun, including health, money, and career advancement. Special ceremonies are done on Sundays, the day dedicated to the Sun God, which attracts a large number of guests seeking favors.
- Not to miss The temple features exquisite sculptures and gorgeous carvings illustrating mythological stories, particularly those involving the Sun God and celestial bodies. The temple houses a sacred water tank known as the Surya Pushkarini, which is thought to have healing abilities.
- Note for Travelers The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), which is approximately 100 kilometers away. Kumbakonam can be reached by taxi or bus from the airport. The nearest railway station is Kumbakonam Railway Station (approximately 15 kilometers). Regular trains from Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, and Thanjavur run to Kumbakonam. Taxis and local buses are readily available in Kumbakonam. From Kumbakonam, go approximately 15 kilometers via Aduthurai. Local bus and taxi services are available.
Opening Hours
FAQ's
What is Suriyanar Koil?
Suriyanar Koil is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) located near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Navagraha temples and is the only temple where all the nine planetary deities (Navagrahas) are enshrined together.
Where is Suriyanar Koil located?
The temple is situated in Suriyanar Koil village, near Aduthurai, in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. It is around 15 km from Kumbakonam and 2 km from Aduthurai.
What is the significance of Suriyanar Koil?
It is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God) in India. Devotees visit this temple to reduce the malefic effects of the Navagrahas (nine planets) and seek blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity. According to legend, the Sage Kalava and King Sambi were blessed by Lord Surya here.
What are the important festivals celebrated?
Ratha Saptami (January/February) – A grand festival for Lord Surya. Thai Poosam – Special abhishekam and pujas. Surya Jayanthi – The birth anniversary of Surya Bhagavan. Navagraha Poojas – Special worships performed for planetary relief.
What are the special poojas and rituals?
Navagraha Dosha Nivarthi Pooja – For relief from planetary doshas. Surya Arghya (Water Offering) – Devotees offer water to the Sun God. Surya Namaskaram & Homam – Special rituals to receive blessings from Surya Bhagavan.
How to reach Suriyanar Koil?
By Road: Easily accessible from Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai, and Thanjavur. By Train: The nearest railway station is Aduthurai Railway Station (2 km away). By Air: The nearest airport is Trichy International Airport (90 km away).
Is there any dress code for visitors?
There is no strict dress code, but it is recommended to wear traditional Indian attire (dhoti, saree, or salwar kameez) while visiting the temple.
Is there an entry fee to visit Suriyanar Koil?
No, entry is free, but special darshan tickets are available.
Is special darshan available?
Yes, there are special darshan tickets available at the temple for faster access.
When is the best time to visit the temple?
Sundays and during Ratha Saptami (January–February) and Thai Poosam are considered auspicious.
What are the benefits of visiting Suriyanar Koil?
Devotees believe that worshiping here helps with. Career & Business growth. Health issues related to the Sun (like eye or skin problems). Overcoming Surya Dosha (affliction of Sun in horoscope).
What is the procedure for Navagraha Parihara Pooja?
Devotees take a bath, wear clean clothes, and offer special poojas and homams for Surya Bhagavan.
Is there parking available at the temple?
Yes, there is a paid parking area near the temple.
