Detailed Legend/ History of Sun God Temple at Arasavalli in Srikakulam Town

MAN & SUN WORSHIP In Ancient Civilisations (AS A GOD OR GODDESS) :
As per Modern Science, Sun is basically a small star in the huge galaxy called “Milkyway Galaxy”. There are more than 20,000 crore stars similar to our Sun in our Galaxy itself. And there are many such Galaxies in the Universe.  But unlike many Stars, Sun has a planetary system orbiting around it, our mother Earth being one of them. Life is found to be existing only on our Earth so far, and Sun is the Sole Nourisher of it.

Veneration of the Sun or a representation of the Sun as a deity, as in Atonism in Egypt started many centuries ago. Although sun worship has been used frequently as a term for “Pagan” religion, it is, in fact, relatively rare. Though almost every culture uses solar motifs, only a relatively few cultures (Egyptian, Indo-European, and Meso-American) developed solar religions. All of these groups had in common a well-developed urban civilization with a strong ideology of sacred kingship. In all of them the imagery of the sun as the ruler of both the upper and the lower worlds that he majestically visits on his daily round is prominent.

The sun is the bestower of light and life to the totality of the cosmos; with his unblinking, all-seeing eye, he is the stern guarantor of justice; with the almost universal connection of light with enlightenment or illumination, the sun is the source of wisdom.

These qualities—Sovereignity, Power of Beneficence, Justice, and Wisdom—are central to any elite religious group, and it is within these contexts that a highly developed solar ideology is found. Kings ruled by the power of the sun and claimed descent from the sun. Solar deities, gods personifying the sun, are sovereign and all-seeing. The sun is often a prime attribute of or is identified with the Supreme Deity.

The most famous type of solar cult is the Sun Dance of the Plains Indians of North America. In the pre-Columbian civilizations of Mexico and Peru, sun worship was a prominent feature. In Aztec religion extensive human sacrifice was demanded by the sun gods Huitzilopochtli and Tezcatlipoca. In both Mexican and Peruvian ancient religion, the Sun occupied an important place in myth and ritual. The ruler in Peru was an incarnation of the sun god, Inti. In Japan the sun goddess, Amaterasu, who played an important role in ancient mythology and was considered to be the supreme ruler of the world, was the tutelary deity of the imperial clan, and to this day the sun symbols represent the Japanese state.

HINDU MYTHOLOGY & SUN WORSHIP : The Vedic scriptures of the Hindu religion refer to the sun as the store house of inexhaustible power and radiance. The sun god is referred to as Surya or Aditya. The Vedas are full of hymns describing the celestial body as the source and sustainer of all life on earth. The origin of the worship of the Sun in India is thus several centuries old.

References to sun worship are found in the Puranas also. The Ramayana speaks of Sage Agastya initiating Rama into sun worship through the Aditya Hridaya Mantra. Rama is described to be a descendent of Surya Vamsha (Sun Clan)., while Paandavaas in Mahaa Bhaarat are said to be from Chandra Vamsha (Moon Clan).  The astronomer and astrologer Varahamihira makes references to the intricacies of ceremonies connected with the installation of the icon of the Sun. It is also said that Iran was once a center of Solar worship and that some of the Magha priests of Iran had been brought to India to officiate in ceremonies. 

There are several temples enshrining the Sun God as the principal deity.  Several temples dedicated to Shiva, feature a small shrine for Surya, the Sun God. In addition, it is believed that Surya, the Sun God has offered worship at several of the shrines in Tamilnadu. Many of these shrines have been designed in such a way that the Sun's rays illuminate the sanctum (of Lord Shiva) on certain days of the year. Several of the South Indian Temple Tanks also bear the name Surya Theertham or Surya Pushkarini.

Sun is the chief Planet of the Nava Grahaas , as per Hindu Mythology. And to get relief from Planetary Evils (Doshas) , Hindu Scriptures describe many Rituals connected to the Nava Grahaas (Nine Planets). Thus, many Prominent Hindu Temples, particularly those of Lord Shiva, invariably have small Nava Graha Temples, in which Idol of Sun is in the centre. Almost every major Village in India has, in the main Bigger Temples of Lord Shiva etc, atleast a small Nava Graha Temple in a corner dedicated to Sun and the remaining Planets . This shows the vast extent to which worship of Sun is prevalent in India.

As with all other temples in India,  legends and beliefs are associated with each of the Sun Temples. It is interesting to note that one of the beliefs shared by worshippers at these temples situated so far apart , is that visits to these temples followed by a dip in the sacred tanks associated with them would bring relief to believers ailing from Blindness, Leprosy and other Skin Diseases. Surya Namaskaaraas, similar to Yogic Practices are said to improve Health.

The way of living of our ancestors was in harmony with the Cosmos. They conducted their life, the annual and daily activities in their lives, in sync with the flow and rhythm of seasons, Rithu. Their Dharma, way of living, was governed by the Dharma, way of operating, of the Cosmic Nature.

Hence they tracked the sun and other celestial bodies in the sky to read the skies and prepare themselves for the daily, annual and spiritual change that are bound to occur as our planet earth hurtles on its journey through space along with its parent, the Sun and its siblings , the other planets in the solar system.

Each of these Sun temples was specially designed to receive the rays of the sun inside the sanctum sanctorum, garbha gruha, and illuminate the idol with a natural glow, on special days, especially the period around Summer Solstice.

SUN TEMPLES IN INDIA & ABROAD : Where are the Sun Temples in India? The Answer is there are many Temples across the Length & Breadth of the Country, and more densely along the Earth's North Latitude of 23.5 degrees. Many of these Sun temples are famous in different parts of India. They have been built and venerated from time immemorial.

We have had Sun temples from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Afghanistan to Assam in the ancient Indian land of Bharatha, the most popular ones being Konark temple in Orissa, the Sun temple in Modhera (Gujarat) and the Suryanarkovil in Kumbakonam (Tamil Nadu) among others which fall on the popular tourist circuits.

Why do we find so many Sun temples almost in a straight row and that too around 23 degrees North latitude? What did our ancestors know about the Sun that we do not, today? What is the mystery behind this pattern? 23.5 degrees North latitude is the Tropic of Cancer.

As we have read in our school books, the Tropic of Cancer is the line up to which the sun moves North in its annual journey. Sun is at the Tropic Of Cancer on June 21 every year. June, is thus the time to watch our Sun go to the northern most point in its path in the skies and marvel at the knowledge, the sagacity and the architectural skills of our ancestors, which has found expression in the form of these temples to the Sun all over India and has become one of the traditions of India.

The land of India today spans from 6.7 degrees North latitude to 37.1 degrees North latitude. In this wide span, we find a plethora of Sun temples, almost in a straight line around 23 degrees North latitude.

Save for a few such as Suryanarkovil near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu at 10.8 degrees North, the  Konark Sun Temple in Orissa at 19.9 degrees North etc. most of the other renowned temples can be found around 23 degrees North. Some are in ruins, some are memories and some are still in use today.

     Suryanarayanaswamy temple at Arasavalli in Andhra Pradesh – 18.27 degrees

     Sun Temple at Somnath Patan near Veraval in Gujarat – 20.9 degrees

     Sun Temple at Madkheda near Tikamgadh, Madhya Pradesh – 22.9 degrees

     Sun Temple at Umri near Tikamgadh, Madhya Pradesh – 22.9 degrees

     Sun Temple at Kandaha, Bangaon, near Saharsa in Bihar – 23.0 degrees

     Harsiddhi temple at Ujjain – Harsiddhi – 23.09 degrees

     The famous Sun Temple at Modhera, near Ahmedabad, Gujarat –  23.5 degrees

     Kanthad Nath at Kanthkot  near Rapar- 23.48 degrees

     Sun Temple at Dholavira  – 23.89 degrees

     8th Century Sun Temple in Chittorgarh Fort, destroyed in 14th century and rebuilt as Kali temple  – 24.59 degrees

     Surya mandir, Deo, Aurangabad, Bihar, 85 kms from Gaya – 24.5 degrees

     Dakshinaarka Temple in Gaya – 24.7 degrees

     Uttararka temple near the Uttara Maanas tank in Gaya – 24.7 degrees

     Gayaditya temple on the river Falgu in Gaya  – 24.7 degrees

     Sun Temple at Jhaira Patan near Kota in Rajasthan: Ruins of an ancient temple – 25.1 degrees

     The Dwadasha Aditya temples and more in Kashi also called Varanasi – 25.2 degrees

     The Brahmanya Dev Temple at Unao in Madhya Pradesh, near Jhansi –  25.6 degrees

     Sri Surya Pahar, Sun Temple at Goalpara in Assam - 26.0 degrees

     Sun Temple at Galta near Jaipur in Rajasthan – 26.5 degrees

     Sun temple in Morar at Gwalior – 26.2 degrees

     Sun Temple at Ranakpur near Udaipur in Rajasthan – 27.0 degrees

     Sun Temple near Almora in Uttarakhand – 29.37 degrees

     Sun Temple at Marthand in Jammu and Kashmir - 32.5 degrees

     Not just these, Even other Sun worshipping ancient civilizations, namely Egypt, Roman, Maya culture also have built huge Sun temples at

     Abu Simbel , Egypt – 22.6 degrees

     Karnak, Luxor , Egypt – 25.43

     Multan, Pakistan

     Abu Ghurab, Iran

     Nuisseri, Afghanistan

Suryanarayana Swamy Temple at Arasavalli in Andhra Pradesh

This is a shrine of the Sun in a well preserved state. It is located in Srikakulam Town in Andhra Pradesh.The temple is said to be dating back to the 7th century. Legendary references give credit to Hindu Mythological Demigod Indra , as the person who constructed it. Historical references , however, point to a  Kalinga king , Devendra Verma (Other Name of  Indra) ,  to have constructed it. . It is believed that the original Temple, except the Deity,  was totally destroyed by some Religious Fanatics in 16^th Century.  Though  there are no traces of the ancestry, and the present Temple structure is  made with Cement and Lime Stone , Historical evidences show that the Temple was extensively rebuilt in 1788 AD by a philanthropist , Sri Yelamanchili Pullaji Pantulu & his family. During 1980’s, The AP State Endowments department constructed the Pradakshina Mandapam (Circum Ambulance Passage) and the Surya Namaskara Mandapam etc. The Gopuram & Sanctum Sanctorum  was rebuilt and  refurbished  by the dedicated efforts of Sri Varudu Babji of Aludu Village in 1999. The Anivetti (Front)  Mandapam was built during year 2006 with major contributions from GMR Family, an Industrialist from the District.. Kesa Khandana Saala (For Head Tonsure) and Annadaana Satram (For Free Food Distribution) were added subsequently. The Temple is under the Administration of AP State Endowments Department, and the Executive Officer is the Officiating Authority.

The image of worship is a 5 ft tall idol, exquisitely carved out of a single, black finely polished Granite Stone. Sun God is depicted in a standing posture on a chariot, holding lotus buds and  flanked by his three consorts  namely Usha, Padmini and Chhaya.  Padmapani is the name of this Sun God - Padma stands for wisdom,  Usha and Chhaya stand for eternity. The name of the Chariot is “Vyjayanthi”, drawn by seven horses and “Anura” is the name of the Charioteer. The names of the Gate Keepers are “Madhara” and “ Pingala”. The divine Sages “Sanaka” and “Sanandana” are seen to be waving the Chamaras (Fans) for the comfort of the Sun God.

This  “Panchaayatana” temple  has the other Deities of Ambica, Vishnu, Ganapathi and Maheswara besides the main Deity, i.e., Lord Surya (Aditya). The daily rituals are performed as per “ Smaartha Aagama”.  Ksheera Abhishekam is performed to the Moola Virat every month on the “sankramanam Day” , i.e, the day on which Sun transits from one Raasi (Zodiac Sign) to the other.  The Temple, like most other Hindu/ Sun Temples in India,  is constructed in  such a way that Sun Rays fall on the Idol for a few days in every March and September months of the year.

Legend says that one day Indra, a Hindu Mythological Demigod, came to worship  Lord Shiva in the ancient Uma Rudra Koteswara Swamy Temple near Srikakulam, a sub Temple of the famous Srikurmam Shrine. He came in very late and Since it was in- approppriate to seek Darshan after the closure of the Temple, he was refused to get an entry by Nandeeswara, guarding the Shiva Temple. Filled with Arrogance and being ignorant of  the supreme Power of Lord Shiva, Indra began arguing with Nandeeswara for an entry , resulting in a scuffle. Angered at this, Nandeeswara picked up Indra in his horns and threw him away.

Indra fell unconscious at a distance of 2 yojanas to the east of Uma Rudra Koteswara Temple. After awakening, Indra realized the Supreme Power of Lord shiva. To get relief from his Sins, He consulted the Sages and was told about possible Planetary related Evil influences behind the Wrong doing. So, to get  relieved, he prayed the Chief  Planet of Nava Grahaas, The sun God – Another Hindu Mythological Demi God, for relieving him of the sins. Sun God appeared before him and advised Indra to construct a Temple for him , by digging at the place where he fell. He did the same and found an Idol of Sun God, which he installed in the Temple at Arasavalli . Later Indra performed all the Rituals related to relief from Planet related Evil  Effects (Graha Shanthi) and thereafter went to the Temple of  Uma Rudra Koteswara Swamy to have the Darshan of  Lord Shiva and attained Peace Of Mind.  This Temple is now the famous Sun God Temple at Arasavalli (Previously known as Harshavalli, meaning Pleasure) . The Pond which was formed at this area,  eventually came to be known as Indra Pushkarini.

Sun is the Chief  planet among the Nava Grahaas in Hindu Mythology , and his worship wards off all the Evils caused by the Planetary Movements (Graha Doshas). The Sun Worship is synonymous with the worship of Gayatri and that is why the Sages and orthodox devotees offer “Arghyam” to the Sun in the morning, noon and evening. The Worship of Sun God is believed to be relieving all the human sufferings, particularly those related to Health, like Skin Diseases, Eye Diseases, Leprosy, Digestion etc.

The Main Festivals being celebrated in the Temple are the “Ratha Saptami” on Maagha Sudha Saptami Day and the “Mukkoti Ekadasi” on Maargasira Sudha Ekadasi day. "Teppotsavam" is being celebrated on the Kaarteeka Sudha Dwadasi every year.