Shri Suriyanar Temple or Suryanar Koil or Sooriyanaar Koil is the first of the Nine Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu. It is located about 1 km from Tirumangalakkudi which lies between Kumbakonam and Mayavaram near Thanjavur, Tamilnadu. Surya Sthalam is dedicated to Lord Surya, the first of the nine planets (Navagrahas).
The idol of Sri Suryanarayanaswamy i.e Lord Surya is found in a lying posture inside the sanctum of the temple. The other eight Navagrahas are seen facing Lord Surya. Suriyanar Temple also embodies the shrines of Kasi Vishwanath, Visalakshi and Brihaspati (Jupiter). The Kol Theertha Vinayakar shrine is a prominent sculpture inside the temple.
Architecture of Shri Suriyanar Temple
Shri Suriyanar Temple was built by Chola King Kulothunga Chola I in the year 1100 AD. It is built in a such a way that the temple recieves maximum beneficial rays of the Sun. The temple features a huge tower with three tiers and five domes at the top. The sanctum inside the temple is built of stone. This is the only Navagraha temple where all the nine planets can be found in separate sanctums.
Surya Pushkarni tank is the sacred bathing ghat which lies to the north of the Rajagopuram. There are around 15 teerthams in the Suryanar Temple and the one which is located inside the temple is called as Janana Koopam. Poolaivala river that flows nearby the temple is an added attraction to this temple.
History of Shri Suriyanar Temple
As per the legends, sage Kalava was suffering from leprosy. He worshipped all the nine planets for the cure. His prayer were granted. Seeing this, Lord Brahma got angry. He told the planets that their duty was to subject all beings to suffer or enjoy life, based on their bad or good deeds and they are not permitted to grant boons. Thus, they had violated the norms of their appointments. He cursed the planets to suffer from Leprosy as well. On being cursed, all the nine planets performed severe penance to please Lord Shiva on this place where the temple is situated. Once it was a dense forest known as Vellerukku forest. Lord Shiva was apparently pleased with their penance and appeared before them. He blessed the planets that they should do all good to those who pray them with full faith and devotion.
Significance of Shri Suriyanar Temple
Lord Surya is known as the provider of health, success and prosperity. It is believed that those who are afflicted by ‘Graha Dhosha’ and negative influence of Lord Saturn should visit Suryanar Koil to get relief from their sufferings. Wheat, Red Lotus, Erukku (Madar Plant) and Sakkarai Pongal are some of the offerings to worship the Lord.
Nadi Pariharam and Homas to the Nine Planets are regularly performed by the devotees in this temple. Lord Sun is worshiped with full devotion and people offer Wheat, Jaggery, harvested grains to the Lord equal to their weight (Thulabaram). Devotees tie up cradles to get children. Some of them also perform the activity of feeding the devotees at the temple.