The Suryanar Koil Temple is situated in a small village named Suryanar Koil which is close by Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu and is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Sun God also called Surya. This temple is constructed during 11 th century by King Kulottunga Chola I, and one of the nine Navagraha temples, also devoted exclusively to Surya, his consorts are Ushadevi and Pratyusha Devi. In other Navagraha temples, Lord Shiva is the Devata, but, in this Navagraha temple Surya Narayan is seated in a cart-like vimanam symbolizing the galactic trajectory of the sun. The temple, in the Dravidian style of architecture, has five-tiered rajagopuram and carvings on granite walls.
It is famous in the relief of planetary doshas especially Shani and Kalathra Dosha and it is the blessings in the health, career and marriage concerns. Its Surya Pushkarani tank is also seen to heal diseases when put in them. This has created the temple to be a place of pilgrimage as major festivals are celebrated such as Ratha Saptami, which attracts thousands of people. Availability of darshan and poojas booking online, the temple provides an easy access and an experience of divine pleasures amidst a scenic ambience.
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Overview of Suryanar Koil Temple
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Suryanar Koil Village, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Deity | Suryanarayana (Sun God), Ushadevi, Pratyusha Devi |
| Established | 11th century by Kulottunga Chola I |
| Architecture | Dravidian style, five-tiered rajagopuram |
| Significance | One of nine Navagraha temples, dedicated to Sun God |
| Main Rituals | Navagraha Homam, Abhishekam, Archana |
| Festivals | Ratha Saptami (Jan–Feb), Aavani & Kartikai Sundays, Vijayadashami |
| Facilities | Online booking, limited accommodation, free parking |
| Contact | +91-435-2472349 |
| Official Website | www.tnhrce.gov.in |
Temple Timings
| Activity | Timings |
|---|---|
| Temple Opening | 6:00 AM |
| Temple Closing | 8:00 PM |
| Morning Darshan | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Ushakkala Pooja | 6:00 AM |
| Kalasandhi Pooja | 8:00 AM |
| Uchikalam Pooja | 12:00 PM |
| Sayaraksha Pooja | 6:00 PM |
| Irandam Kalam Pooja | 8:00 PM |
| Arthajama Pooja | 9:00 PM |
Sevas and Darshan Options at Suryanar Koil Temple
| Seva/Darshan | Description | Timings | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Darshan | Free darshan, open to all devotees | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Free |
| Special Darshan | Paid darshan with shorter queues | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 250 per person |
| Abhishekam | Sacred bath for the deity with milk, sandalwood | Varies, check temple counter | 725 for two persons |
| Navagraha Homam | Ritual to appease nine planets, reduces doshas | Morning/Evening, pre-booked | 1500 – 2000 per group |
| Navagraha Archana | Offering prayers to planetary deities | Throughout the day | 200 per person |
| Thulabharam | Offering grains equivalent to devotee’s weight | Varies, check temple counter | Varies by weight |
How To Reach The Temple
There are many means of transport to reach Suryanar Koil Temple, which is convenient to the pilgrims.
- Road: The temple is at a distance of 15 km north of Kumbakonam and 20 km south of Mayiladuthurai, on the KumbakonamAduthuraiMayiladuthurai Road. Frequent buses from Kumbakonam (Rs. 20–30) and taxis (Rs. 300–500) are available. The temple is 2 km north of Aduthurai town.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Aduthurai (2 km), on the Kumbakonam–Mayiladuthurai line. Kumbakonam Railway Station (15 km) is another option, with trains from Chennai, Trichy, and Thanjavur. Autos (Rs. 50–100) connect the station to the temple.
- By Air: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), 90 km away, is the nearest airport, with flights from Chennai, Bangalore, and Delhi. Taxis (Rs. 2000–3000) or buses via Kumbakonam take 2–3 hours to reach the temple.
NNearby Attractions
The Temple of Thousand Pillars is framed by devotional and historical places that one can easily travel by simple English:
- Thirumangalakudi Temple: A temple located 0.5 km which worships Lord Shiva and it has peaceful atmosphere.
- Kumbakonam Temples: The nearest destination with famous temples in Kumbakonam (15 km) includes Sarangapani and Kumbeswarar temples- these are the best places to visit where one can find spiritual enlightenment.
- Darasuram Airavatesvara Temple: Massive well-designed Chola temple, 12 km, a UNESCO world heritage site.
- Navagraha Temples: Other Navagraha temples like Thingalur (Moon) and Vaitheeswaran Koil (Mars) are within 20–30 km, perfect for a temple circuit.
- Thanjavur Big Temple: This is a great Chola temple located 40 kilometers away and is well-known to have an enormous gopuram and lingam Shiva.
Accommodation Options at Suryanar Koil
| Accommodation | Type | Price Range (INR per night) | Distance from Temple |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Vinayaga, Kumbakonam | Budget Hotel | 1000 – 2000 | 15 km |
| Hotel Rayas, Kumbakonam | Mid-range Hotel | 2000 – 3500 | 15 km |
| Mantra Koodam, Kumbakonam | Luxury Resort | 4000 – 6000 | 16 km |
| Sri Venkata Lodge | Budget Lodge | 500 – 1000 | 14 km |
| Dharamshala (Temple-run) | Budget Stay | 300 – 600 | 2 km |
Important Instructions for Visitors
To have a decent and easy visit, believers have to observe the following rules:
Do’s:
- Dress in traditional clothes: Men have to wear dhoti or kurta-pyjama; women should wear sarees or salwar kameez.
- It is more or less worshipping in the order, Vinayagar, Nataraja, Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakshi and then Suryanarayana.
- Bath or sprinkles with water of Surya Pushkarani to purify.
- Do the temple nine times after prayers as done.
- Book darshan or sevas in advance during peak seasons.
- Offer only vegetarian food or flowers in the temple.
Don’ts:
- The norms of the temple also require that you avoid wearing jeans, shorts, or sleeveless.
- No pictures or photographs of the inside of the temple.
- Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food or alcohol during the visit.
- Neither litter near Surya Pushkarani/ temple complex.
- Avoid engaging with unauthorized guides or vendors.
- One should not touch the idol or the god unless authorized by priests.
- These are guidelines that keep the temple holy and have a religious experience.
FAQs About Suryanar Koil Temple
What is the significance of Suryanar Koil Temple?
It is the single Navagraha temple devoted to Lord sun and said to remove dosha of planets, that include Shani and Kalathra Dosha affecting health and prosperity of the devotees.
How long does the Navagraha Homam take?
It lasts approximately 1-2 hours according to the size of the group. It runs at morning or evening time and it is priced at about Rs. 1500- 2000.
Can I book darshan tickets online?
Yes, book your tickets using www.tnhrce.gov.in or www.darshanbooking.com. You can get an offline ticket in the temple counter.
What is the best time to visit?
The weather during the months between mid-January and mid-February (during Ratha Saptami) is pleasant and has festive ambience.
Is there a dress code?
You are required to wear traditional clothes: men are expected to wear dhotis, and women sarees or salwar kameez. Western clothes are not allowed.
