Arasavilli Suryanarayana Swamy Temple

The Sun temple in North Coastal district of Srikakulam popularly revered as Arasavili Suryanarayana temple is one of the most highly visited temple. Arasavili is a small town just 3 kilometres away from Srikakulam. Referred earlier as Harshavilli meaning abode of joy the temple is dedicated to the Lord Surya or Sun God.

The Arasavilli Suryanarayana Swamy temple is perhaps the only Sun temple in the entire Coromandel Coast as the Konark temple in Orissa remained as an incomplete project till now.

• Inscriptions on the temple walls indicate that it was constructed in the 7^th century by the Kalinga Ruler Devendra Varma of Orissa. Further, it reveals that grants were made by Aditya Vishnu Sarma and Bhanu Sarma of Kalinga clan towards the maintenance of temple during the later periods.
• The present construction is largely the result of the renovations carried out in 18^th century. During the early 19^th century, the local family Dusi made financial contributions for the temple.
• Built in typical Orissa Style, it holds testimony to the architectural skills of the Vishwakarma Brahmins or Maharanas of Orissa the temple is highly renowned for its magnificence and beauty.
• The temple is constructed in such a way that Sun’s ray fall directly on the feet of the Lord for few minutes during the early hours of the day twice a year in the months of February and June.
• Sun’s rays would fall on the feet of the Lord through the five entrance doors. These rays are believed to cure ailments of eyes.
•  The temple is in Panchayatana style, wherein the main temple is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines. The idol of the Lord Surya is at the centre with Ganesha, Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu idols in four directions in the four corners of the quadrangle.
• The 5 ft tall idol of the Surya exquisitely carved in black granite bears lotus buds in his hand (hence referred to as Padma Paani) flanked by his consorts Usha, Padmini and Chhaaya riding on the seven horses driven by Charioteer Aruna is the object of worship. At the base of the idol are the gate keepers Pingala and Danda and high up are the two divine saints Sanaka and Sanandana holding Chatrams (umbrellas).
• A huge pillar was constructed by Jakkamasetty Venkanna in the temple premises in 1929 whose base is filled with jewels as an offering.
• It is believed that devotees visiting the temple are bestowed with good health on performing Surya Namaskaras in the premises.
• It is regarded that the ill effects of the ravi dasa or antar dasa are nullified by offering prayers to Sun God.
  Mythological Connect
  According to Padmapurana, the idol was believed to be installed by Sage Kashyapa for the welfare of mankind. The Sun God, termed as planetary God is thus considered to belong to Kashyapa gotra.
  As per the sthala purana, Balarama in Dwaparayuga brought the River Nagavali to Earth by tilling the land and consecrated the temple of Uma and Koteswara on the shores of this river.
• All the Gods, Angels and their minions arrived on the shores of the Nagavali to worship Lord Rudra Indra, the king of Lords became late. By the time he arrived it was late in the night and he tried to gatecrash his entry. Then gate keeper Nandi didn’t allow Indra to enter the temple as it was time for Lord Rudra to rest with Goddess Parvati.
• Indra was adamant in his demand and attempted to force enter the temple, infuriated by the persistence of Indra Nandi kicked him violently who was sent flying in the air in east direction.
• Indra lay unconscious with body pains. Then he prayed Lord Sun to relieve of the body pains and exhaustion. Surya Deva heeded to his prayers and touched him with his rays whereby Indra regained strength.
•  Indra then requested Lord Sun to remain in this place and bestow health to mankind. Sun God obliged. Thus Lord Indra himself consecrated the place with the idol of Lord Sun.
  It is said that Indra dug the land with his Vajrayudha whereby a pond appeared, the pond now known as Indra Pushkarini.  Even now devotees visiting the temples tonsure their heads, take a dip in the pond and proceed for darshan.
  The most important festival celebrated in the temple is Radhasaptami. Others include Makara Sankranti, Mahashivaratri, Rakhi pournami, Dussera, Kalyanotsavam, Dolostavam, Janmastami, Deepavali and Vaikunta Ekadasi.  All the Sundays in Maghamasam are considered sacred. Thousands of devotees from Andhra and neighbouring state of Orissa visit temple during Sundays.
  Various sevas performed the temple include: Astottara Satanamarchana, Sahasranama Archana, KSheeranna Bhogam, Ksheerabhishekam, Tiruveedhi seva, Swamy vari kalyana seva and Suryanamaskarams.
  Accommodation
  Accommodation can be availed in Srikakulam or at the Andhra Pradesh Tourism and Development Corporation (APTDC)’s Haritha resorts in Visakhapatnam.  
  Tour Details
  APTDC organises Non-AC coach one day tours that covers Arasavalli Sun Temple, SriKurmam, Buddhist Monastery, Kalingapatnam Beach and Srimukhalingam from Visakhapatnam.
  Departure- 6:30 am Arrival- 8pm
  Fare: Adult- Rs 800 and Child: Rs 640 (Fare includes Breakfast, Lunch, Tea/Snacks).
  How to reach
  The temple is 3km from Srikakulam.
  By Road: 3 km from Srikakulam
              68km from Vizianagaram
  110km from Visakhapatnam

Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operates buses from Srikakulam to the temple every 10 minutes and nonstop buses from Visakhapatnam to Srikakulam buses run every 15 min.
By Rail:  Nearest Railway Station is Srikakulam Road
By Air: It is 110 km from Visakhapatnam airport.

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