The chief of the Navagrahas, the nine planets, he represents
the eye, the soul and vitality. He is Lord Surya, invoked everyday by the
devotees with the chants of Gayatri mantra. The Suryanar temple near Kumbakonam
celebrates the Sun God's divinity along with the other Navagrahas. The present
temple structure was built during the reign of Kulottunga Choladeva in the 11th
century with later contributions from the Vijayanagar period. The temple is
mentioned in the songs of Muthuswami Dikshitar
Location TamilNadu, Thanjavur, Chennai
Legend
Mythology describes that Sage Kalava who was suffering from
leprosy prayed to the Navagrahas. The planets please with his devotion, granted
his wish of being cured from the disease. However, Brahma, angry at the fact
that the planets had no power to change destiny, cursed the nine planets to
suffer from leprosy. The Navagrahas apologised and on Brahma's direction came
to Vellurukkukadu to pray to Prananatheswar(Lord Shiva). The Lord blessed that
the devotees would worship them at the place.
This Temple is part of the famous Navagraha Yatra.
Architecture
The Suryanar temple follows the Dravidian architectural
style and has a five-tiered gopuram
adorned with carvings. The sanctum built of granite has the deity of Lord Surya
along with Ushadevi and Chaya devi. An idol of a horse, the vehicle of Lord
Surya is seen in the front. There is also a sacred bathing ghat called the
Suryapushkarini. This is the only temple with separate shrines for all the
Navagrahas. There is also a shrine for Kol Theertha Vinayakar.
Culture
Kumbakonam as a salient place in the history of south India
as it served as the capital for medieval Cholas. The place is known for its
temples and monasteries. The place is famous for Mahamaham festival celebrated
at the Mahamaham tank once in 12 years.
Darsan Info
Temple timings:- 6.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM
Devotees have to first visit Prananathar Mangalambigai
Temple before visiting the Suryanar shrine.
Darsan Dresscode
Devotees are advised to wear clean and traditional clothing
while visiting Suryanar Kovil. Western attire are not allowed in the temples of
Tamil Nadu.
Famous Festival
February - Ratha Saptami (Jan/Feb)
October - Vijayadashami
Temple Rituals
At Suryanar Kovil, the priests perform regular pujas like
abhisheka, alankaram,neivedhyam and deepa aaradhanai to Suryanar, Ushadevi and
Chayadevi. On the first day of each Tamil months special pujas and abhishekas
are done.
Special Rituals
There is a strict sequence of praying at the shrine.
Devotees have to first pray to Vinayakar followed by Nataraja, Kasi
Vishwanathan & Visalakshi before taking the darshan of the main deity of
Suryanar. The circumbulation which covers the shrines of other Navagrahas, is
first anti-clockwise and then follow the clockwise direction before praying
again to Vinayakar. There are signboards to guide the devotees.
Additional Info
Thirubhuvanam restaurant
Hotel Jayanthi
Supermarket : Available
Leave a Comment