Siva Suriya Peruman Temple,
Suriyanar Koil – Religious Significance
The
temple is one of the nine Navagraha
temples of Tamil Nadu and is a part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage in
the state - it houses the image of Surya (Sun). The
temple is one of the few historic temples dedicated to Sun god and also the
only temple in Tamil Nadu which has shrines for all the planetary deities. The
planets are believed to influence the horoscope computed based on time of one's
birth and subsequently influence the course of life.
Each of the planets are believed
to move from a star to another during a predefined period and thus sway over an
individual's fortunes. The Navagrahas, as per Hindu customs, are believed to
provide both good and bad effects for any individual and the bad effects are
mitigated by prayers. As in other Navagraha temples, the common worship
practices of the devotees include offering of cloth, grains, flowers and jewels
specific to the planet deity.
Lighting a set of lamps is also
commonly followed in the temple. As per contemporary Saivite belief, the
energies distributed cyclically by Navagrahas can be channeled based on
remedial measures. As per local legends, Shiva, the overlord of the nine
planetary deities, allowed them to freely grant wishes based on devotion of the
devotees.