The Sivasuryanarayana temple at Suryanar Koil is one of the Navagraha temples and is dedicated to Suryan. This temple dedicated to Suryan has shrines for each of the other planets as well. The legend says that Kalava Munivar had the rare ability to see the future. One fine day, he realised that he was soon going to be affected by leprosy. Since the Navagrahas controlled all the aspects of ones life, he prayed to the Navagrahas and sought to be saved from the disease. Pleased by his devotion, the Navagrahas granted his wish. On coming to know of this, Brahma was furious because nobody had the right to change the destiny of a person. He cursed all the nine planets that they will have to undergo what Kalava munivar was destined to, and hence all the nine planets were affected by leprosy. The Navagrahas apologised and requested to know how they could overcome this curse. Brahma advised them to go the Thirumangalakudi and worship Prananatheswarar, at Vellerukkakadu, who alone could help them. After worshiping Prananatheswarar and his consort Mangalambigai, they installed an idol of Vinayakar a little away from there and started their penance. By God’s grace they attained papa vimochanam (salvation from their sin).
Suryanar Koil Gopuram
Kalava Munivar, for whom the Navagraha had undergone all the trouble, as a mark of gratitude, raised a temple at the same spot where the Navagrahas had performed their penance.
The presiding deity in this west facing temple is Suryanarayana in a chariot like vimaanam, representing the sun’s chariot. Sivasuryanaraya is in a standing position with his two consorts, Usha & Prathyusha (Chaya). There are also shrines dedicated to Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakshi and Guru Bhagavan in the sanctum. Shrines for the other celestial bodies are located outside of the sanctum. Vellerukku (Madar Plant) is the sthala vriksham. Pillayar made out of the Vellerukku is sold in the shops here. It is a very prized possession and protects from the evil forces.
Thirumangalakudi
Once King Kulothunga’s Minister Alaivanar was building a temple from the tax collected without obtaining the King’s permission. The King had him beheaded when he came to know about this. As his death wish, the minister requested that he be cremated in Thirumangalakudi. His wife prayed to the Mangalambikai at Thirumangalakudi and brought back her husband to life. Women pray to the Goddess here for long life and the well being of their spouse.
Method of Worship at Suryanar Koil
Devotees are first required to have the darshan of Prananatheswarar and Mangalambigai at Thirumangalakudi before visiting Suryanar Koil. Thirumangalakudi is just 1 km from Suryanar Koil, and is situated in the same village. The method of worship at Suryanar temple is very different from other temples. We should first worship the Kol Vinai theertha vinayakar. He is called by this name because He helped the navagrahas get rid of their problems. Thus, Kol Vinai Theertha Vinayakar is a VERY IMPORTANT deity. We then worship the Nataraja in narthana mandapam. Then at the main sanctum worship Visalakshmi & Kasi Vishvanthan (this is a small lingam on your left hand side as you approach Suryan’s Shrine) before worshiping Suryan. After worshiping Suryan, worship Guru Bhagavan who is facing Suryan. Now, the circumambulation or the pradarshanam procedure is very different from other temples. We now go in an anticlockwise direction and worship Saneeswaran, Budhan, Angarakan, Chandran, Kethu, Shukran and Rahu before worshiping Chandikeswarar. Then we proceed in a clockwise direction and return to worship Kol Vinai Theertha Vinayakar. This may seem very confusing but there are signboards at the temple to guide the devotees. After this prostrate or do a namaskaram near the dhwajasthambam. Then it is recommended to do 9 pradarshanams of the outer praharam. I have made a layout diagram for your reference.
Pooja
A favourably positioned Sun in the horoscope manifests as intelligence, perception, strength of will and character in the inmate. It creates endurance, stamina, vitality, positive spirit, direction, courage, conviction, confidence, leadership, independence and straight- forwardness.
An unfavourably positioned Sun results in lack of intelligence, poor perception, weakness of will and character. Surya’s worship benefits include strength, health, good eyesight, intelligence, relief from skin ailments and long life. Cool water is used for Abhishegam. Offerings of wheat & archana with red lotus please him. Devotees who are unable to visit any of the other Navagraha temples can perform the necessary parihara poojas to the respective planet at this temple.
On Sundays, attired in clean red clothes, offer lotus flower to the God, facing the east and recite the following mantras
Surya Moola Mantram: Aum hram hrim hraum sah suryaya namah.
Surya Gayathri: om ashwadhwajaaya vidmahae padma hasthaaya dheemahi tanno surya: prachodayaath
Other Sun Temples
Sri Aanandhavalli sametha Sri Agatheeswarar Kovil at Kolapakkam near Chennai.
Gnayuru Gramam 10 Kms from Red Hills near Chennai
Sun Temple – Konark
Suryanarayana Swamy Varu temple at Arasavalli village, 1 km from Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh.
Location
21 kms from Swamimalai
18 kms from Kumbakonam, on Kumbakonam – Mayavaram route.
3 Kms from Aduthurai which is on Kumbakonam – Mayavaram route
23 Kms from Mayavaram.
Other Temples Nearby
Kanjanur – Sukran Sthalam is just 3 kms from here
Thirupananthal
Kolavilli Ramar Temple, Thiruvelliangudi
Boarding & Lodging
This is a small village. There are no hotels here. You will have to stay at either Kumbakonam or Mayavaram. Delicious prasadam is available at the temple.
Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
TempleAddress
Arulmigu Siva Suriyaperuman Temple,
Suriyanarkoil,
Thirumangalakudi P.O
Thiruvidaimaruthur T.K.
Thanjavur D.T.
Ph : 0435-247234