Saturday, March 19, 2016

Suryanar Kovil, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur

Siva Suriya Peruman Temple, Suriyanar Koil, Thanjavur
Siva Suriya Peruman Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Surya located in Suriyanar Koil Village near Aduthurai Town in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Siva Suriya Peruman / Kulothunga Chozha Marthandalaya Devar. Lord Sun graces from the sanctum sanctorum facing west with Mother Usha Devi on the left and Pradyusha Devi (also known as Chaya Devi) on the right in wedding form. It is one of the nine Navagraha (nineplanets) temples of Tamil Nadu associated with the Sun (Surya).



Legends
As per Hindu legend, Sage Kalva was suffering from serious ailments along with leprosy. He prayed to the Navagrahas, the nine planet deities. The planets were pleased by his devotion and offered cure to the sage. Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, was angered as he felt that the planets have no powers to provide boons to humans. He cursed the nine planets to suffer from leprosy and they were sent down to earth in Vellurukku Vanam, the milky weed jungle. The planets prayed to Lord Shiva to relieve them off the curse. Lord Shiva appeared to them and said that the place belonged to them and they would have to grace the devotees worshipping them from the place. This is the only temple where there are separate shrines for each of the planet deities.



History
The Temple was built during the reign of Kulottunga Chola I (AD 1060-1118) and was called as Kulottunga Chola Marttandalaya as per inscriptions found in the temple. Kulottunga Chola is said to have had a good relationship with the Gahadwal dynasty of Kanauj (1090 – 1194), whose rulers were Sun worshippers, and hence Suryanar Koyil, is considered to be an expression of their influence in South India. The Temple is believed to be extensively renovated by the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple is mentioned in the songs of Muthuswami Dikshitar, who has composed a song starting with "Suryamurthe" in Saurashatra Raagam. In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. 



The Temple
For brief details, please refer below link;
Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open in the morning from 6.00 AM to 12:30 PM and in the evening from 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM.
Festivals & Religious Practices
For brief details, please refer below link;
Religious Significance
For brief details, please refer below link;
Prayers
For brief details, please refer below link;
Contact
Siva Suriya Peruman Temple,
Suriyanar Koil, Thiruvidaimaruthur Taluk,
Thanjavur District – 612 102
Phone: +91 435 247 2349
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Thirumangalakudi, 1.5 Kms from Tirumangalakudi Bus Stop, 2 Kms from Aduthurai Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Aduthurai, 3 Kms from Aduthurai Railway Station, 3 Kms from Kanjanur, 8 Kms from Kathiramangalam, 15 Kms from Kumbakonam, 15 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 24 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 53 Kms from Thanjavur and 114 Kms from Trichy Airport. It is situated on the road between Kumbakonam and Kathiramangalam. Bus facilities are available from Mayiladuthurai, Aduthurai, Anakarai and Thiruppanandal. The devotees should get down at Tirumangalakudi Bus Stop.