Located in Kottayam, Kerala, Surya Temple at Adityapuram is the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Aditya, the sun God. No other Navgrahas are worshiped in this temple. It is believed that the idol was installed in the Threthayuga. But there are no written documents regarding the origin of the temple.

Location Kerala, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram

Legend

Adityapuram Surya Deva Temple is the only Surya Temple in Kerala where daily poojas are performed. This ancient Surya temple is located at Iravimangalam in Kaduthuruthy. This temple is managed by Kapikkadu Marangattu Mana, that has the ooranma (ownership) of the temple. Hundreds of years ago a member of Marangattu Kapikkad Mana worshipped the Sun God. Through meditation and penance, he received the blessing of the God and consecrated the idol of Surya in this temple. It is believed that he implemented that poojas and other customs followed here. He also instructed that his descendants in the family must perform the rituals.

Architecture

The sanctum sactorum is rounded in shape and the idol of Adithya is facing the western direction. The idol is in the posture of padmasana with shanku and chakra in two hands and the other two hands locked in tapo mudra.

Culture

The culture of Kottayam is influenced mainly by the large Syrian Christian community. The cuisine of Kottayam is the same as rest of Kerala, but with a distinct Syrian Christian influence seen in the use of coconut and spices, as well as beef, pork and sea food in Kerala cuisine.Restaurants in the city also serve Kerala, Tamil and Northern cuisines.

The city is an important trading centre for spices and commercial crops, especially rubber.

Darsan Info

Udayasthamana Pooja here is very special, but is not held regularly. It is done only on special occasions. Aditya Pooja done daily.

Darsan Dresscode

Male devotees are expected to wear Kerala Mundu, which is also known as Veshti or Dhothi and are not supposed to wear shirt while inside the temple. But there is no dress code for women, as they can wear any traditional dress like Saree, Churidar, Salwar Kameez or Skirtz.

Temple Rituals

The main ritual is Abhishekam (bathing). In the first stage the Abhishekam is performed by oil and Abhishekam by water followed. It is a surprise that after pouring of water for Abhishekam there will be no trace of oil on the idol. All trace of oil disappears because the idol is made of a particular type of stone that absorbs oil.

Special Rituals

On the last Sunday of the month of 'Medam' there is Abhishekam with Raktachandana Kavadi. It is believed that diseases of the eyes and skin can be cured by performing Adithya Pooja and offering Rakta Chandana at the Nada. For curing eye disease, a mixture of the ghee and black soot of the lamp burning inside the temple is given to devotees. Sundays are considered auspicious here. Last Sunday of Vrischikam (October/November) and Medam (May/June) (glory of the Sun is at peak during these months) are considered more auspicious and special ceremonies and rituals like Kavadi abhishekam are performed.

Additional Info

 

White Gate Residency   Ettumanoor-Ernakulam Road, Valiyakavala, Vaikom, Kottayam, Kerala 686141

 

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