Suryanar Kovil
The Sun God Navagraha Temple in Tamil Nadu
Why Suryanar Kovil is So Special
- Only Navagraha temple where Surya is the main deity – others usually center on Lord Shiva.
- All nine planetary shrines (Navagrahas) are located within the same complex.
- Start of the Navagraha circuit – the journey of light begins here.
- Ancient Chola craftsmanship with intricate solar-themed sculptures.
- Powerful astrological remedies performed for Sun-related doshas.
- Visiting Suryanar Kovil is said to energize your aura, heal health imbalances, and attract success through divine solar power.
Location
Uppukara St, Sooriyanarkoil, Tamil Nadu
Significance
Beginning point of Navagraha Darshan Yatra
Presiding Deity
Lord Surya Bhagavan – The Sun God
Built In
Ancient Chola period (renovated over centuries)
Temple Type
Primary Navagraha Temple
Famous For
Solar energy, astrological remedies & Surya worship
Best Day to Visit
Sunday & Ratha Saptami Festival
Divine Overview – The Temple of Light
Suryanar Kovil, the radiant abode of the Sun God, is not just a temple — it’s a living symbol of illumination and energy. Every beam of light that falls on this shrine is believed to remove darkness and awaken spiritual awareness.
Standing gracefully near Kumbakonam, this sacred temple marks the beginning of the Navagraha pilgrimage in Tamil Nadu. Devotees begin their planetary journey here because Surya Bhagavan represents the source of all energy and life.
For anyone facing challenges in health, career, or confidence, the blessings of Surya are said to bring renewed strength, clarity, and positivity.
Introduction to Suryanar Kovil
The is a rare temple devoted solely to Surya Bhagavan, the eternal Sun God. Here, Surya is depicted in a majestic standing posture, radiating divine brilliance, flanked by his consorts Usha Devi (dawn) and Chhaya Devi (twilight).
This temple is where spirituality meets cosmic science. The placement of deities, temple orientation, and structure all follow ancient solar geometry — symbolizing balance, discipline, and vitality.
People visit not only to worship but also to align their inner energy with cosmic light. Surya is said to represent confidence, leadership, authority, and good health — making this temple ideal for those seeking direction and strength in life.
Significance of Surya in Navagraha Temples
Among the nine planets (Navagrahas), Surya is the king — the life-giver and light-bearer. Without his radiance, no planet can sustain or shine.
In astrology, Surya governs vitality, ego, vision, and fatherly guidance. A strong Sun in your horoscope brings success and recognition; a weak Sun may cause stress, fatigue, or loss of direction.
That’s why the Suryanar Temple is the first stop for devotees. Worshipping here first is said to:
- Purify the mind and body
- Balance planetary influences
- Prepare one spiritually for the rest of the Navagraha Yatra
Devotional Belief:
“Begin with the Sun, and the rest of the planets will shine in harmony.”
Rituals and Temple Timings
Daily rituals mirror the journey of the Sun across the sky:
| Time of Day | Pooja Name | Meaning |
| 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM | Ushakalam Pooja | Morning worship at sunrise |
| 12:00 PM | Uchikalam Pooja | Midday Sun offering |
| 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Sayaraksha Pooja | Evening gratitude prayer |
Sunday is the most auspicious day. Devotees wear red or saffron attire, offer red lotus flowers, wheat, and jaggery to Surya Bhagavan, and recite the Aditya Hridayam or Gayatri Mantra.
During Ratha Saptami (January–February), thousands gather to celebrate Surya’s chariot procession — a grand festival of light symbolizing new beginnings.
Temple Hours:
6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Travel Guide & Location Details
Location: Suryanar Kovil Village, near Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.
Distance:
- Kumbakonam → 15 km
- Aduthurai Railway → 5 km
- Trichy Airport → 100 km
Best Time to Visit:
- October – March (pleasant weather)
- Avoid peak summer (April–June) due to heat
Travel Tips:
- Visit early morning to witness sunrise inside the sanctum.
- Carry water and simple offerings (red flowers, jaggery, wheat).
- Modest traditional dress recommended.
- Combine your visit with other Navagraha temples for a complete spiritual experience.
Conclusion – Journey from Light to Liberation
Suryanar Kovil is more than a historical monument — it’s a spiritual solar station where divine energy meets human devotion.
Standing before Surya Bhagavan, one feels a surge of strength — as if the inner Sun awakens. This temple reminds every visitor that no matter how dark life seems, light always rises again.
Begin your Navagraha Yatra here, where dawn itself seems to bow before the divine.
Let Surya Bhagavan’s golden light illuminate your destiny.