Complete Details Of Arasavalli Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple

 

Arasavalli Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Suryanarayana Swamy, located in the village of Arasavalli in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is believed to be one of the oldest Sun temples in the country and holds great religious and historical significance.

History and Mythology:

The history of the Arasavalli temple dates back to the 7th century, during the reign of the Eastern Chalukya dynasty. The temple was constructed by the Chalukya ruler, Sri Raja Raja Narendra, and the deity is said to have been installed by Sage Kasyapa. The temple has undergone several renovations and modifications over the centuries, under the patronage of various dynasties such as the Kalinga, Gajapathi, and Vijayanagara.

According to mythology, Lord Suryanarayana Swamy is believed to have appeared before the sage, Vasistha, who performed penance in this area. The sage then built a small shrine dedicated to Lord Suryanarayana Swamy, which later evolved into the present-day temple.

Legend:

According to legend, Lord Suryanarayana Swamy appeared in the dreams of a local farmer named Rathnakara and instructed him to dig at a certain spot in his field. When Rathnakara did as he was told, he discovered an idol of Lord Suryanarayana Swamy, which he installed in a small temple on his farm. The temple soon became famous, and the idol was later moved to its current location.

Architecture:

The Arasavalli temple is a fine example of South Indian temple architecture, with elements of Orissa and Chalukya styles. The temple complex spans an area of around five acres and is surrounded by a high wall. The main entrance to the temple is through a towering gopuram (gateway) that is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures.

The temple is built in the shape of a chariot, with the deity’s idol placed in the sanctum sanctorum, which is also called the garbhagriha. The idol is made of black granite and is adorned with a crown of gold. The idol is in a standing position, holding lotus flowers in both hands, and has four hands.

The temple complex also houses several other shrines dedicated to various deities, including Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Saraswathi. There is also a separate shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

Complete Details Of Arasavalli Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple

 

Significance:

The Arasavalli Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple is a significant pilgrimage center for devotees of Lord Suryanarayana Swamy. It is believed that worshiping at this temple can bring prosperity, success, and good health to devotees.

The temple is particularly popular among those seeking relief from skin ailments and eye problems. Devotees also offer prayers here for success in their endeavors, especially in the fields of education, career, and business.

Festivals and Celebrations:

The Arasavalli temple is known for its grand celebrations and festivals, which attract thousands of devotees from all over the country. Some of the major festivals celebrated here include:

Surya Jayanti: This is the main festival of the temple, celebrated on the day of the summer solstice (June 21st). On this day, special prayers and rituals are performed to appease Lord Suryanarayana Swamy.

Rathotsavam: This is a chariot festival that takes place every year in February. The deity’s idol is taken out in a grand procession, accompanied by music and dance performances.

Navaratri: This is a nine-day festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. The temple is decorated with flowers and lights, and special prayers are offered to the goddess.

Ugadi: This is the Telugu New Year, celebrated in March or April. The temple is decorated with rangolis and flowers, and special prayers are offered to Lord Suryanarayana Swamy.

Mahashivratri: This is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated in February or March. The temple hosts special prayers and rituals to honor the deity.

 

 

Complete Details Of Arasavalli Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple

 

Visiting the Temple:

The Arasavalli temple is open to devotees every day from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. There is no entry fee, and photography is allowed inside the temple. However, it is recommended to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothes.

Accommodation Options:

There are several accommodation options available for devotees visiting the Arasavalli temple. The temple has its guest house, which offers clean and comfortable rooms at a reasonable price. There are also several budget hotels and lodges in the surrounding area that offer basic amenities.

Other Attractions:

Apart from the Arasavalli temple, there are several other tourist attractions in and around the village that are worth visiting. Some of these include:

Kalingapatnam Beach: Located around 10 km from the temple, Kalingapatnam Beach is a picturesque beach that is ideal for a day trip. The beach offers stunning views of the Bay of Bengal and is a popular spot for picnics and water sports.

Srikurmam Temple: Located around 12 km from the temple, the Srikurmam temple is another famous temple in the area. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.

Srimukhalingam Temple: Located around 20 km from the temple, the Srimukhalingam temple is another ancient temple in the area. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its unique architecture and sculptures.

Kali Temple: Located around 30 km from the temple, the Kali temple is a popular temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple is located on a hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Araku Valley: Located around 100 km from the temple, the Araku Valley is a scenic hill station that is known for its coffee plantations and waterfalls. The valley is a popular tourist destination and is ideal for a weekend getaway.

Importance of the Temple:

The Arasavalli temple holds great religious and historical significance, and is considered to be one of the oldest Sun temples in the country. The temple is known for its unique architecture, intricate carvings, and stunning sculptures, and is a fine example of South Indian temple architecture.

The temple is also believed to have healing powers, and devotees believe that praying to Lord Suryanarayana Swamy can cure several ailments and diseases. It is also believed that visiting the temple can bring good luck and prosperity.

 

Complete Details Of Arasavalli Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple

 

How to Reach Arasavalli Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple

 

Arasavalli Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple is located in the village of Arasavalli, which is situated in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is well-connected to major cities in the state and can be easily reached by road, rail, and air.

By Road:

Arasavalli is well-connected to major cities in Andhra Pradesh by a network of state-run buses and private taxis. The temple is located around 6 km from the town of Srikakulam and can be easily reached by taking a taxi or a bus from the town. The temple is also connected to the city of Visakhapatnam by a network of state-run buses and private taxis.

By Rail:

The nearest railway station to Arasavalli is located in Srikakulam, which is around 6 km from the temple. The Srikakulam railway station is well-connected to major cities in Andhra Pradesh and other parts of the country. From the railway station, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple.

By Air:

The nearest airport to Arasavalli is located in Visakhapatnam, which is around 100 km from the temple. The Visakhapatnam airport is well-connected to major cities in the country, and several airlines operate regular flights to and from the city. From the airport, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple.

Local Transportation:

Once you reach Arasavalli, the temple can be easily reached by a variety of local transportation options, such as auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses. The temple is located within walking distance from the village center, and one can also explore the surrounding areas on foot.

It is recommended to hire a local guide to explore the temple and to understand its historical and religious significance. The temple can get crowded during peak hours, so it is advisable to plan your visit accordingly.

Conclusion:

The Arasavalli Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural and religious heritage of Andhra Pradesh. The temple’s unique architecture, intricate carvings, and stunning sculptures make it a treat for the eyes, and the temple’s spiritual significance makes it a must-visit destination for devotees.

The temple’s festivals and celebrations are a testament to the rich cultural traditions of Andhra Pradesh, and offer a glimpse into the state’s vibrant and colorful culture. Whether you are a devout devotee or a casual visitor, a visit to the Arasavalli temple is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Arasavalli Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural and religious heritage of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is well-connected to major cities in the state and can be easily reached by road, rail, and air. The local transportation options are also quite convenient and offer a hassle-free travel experience. A visit to the temple is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

 

Sri Suryanarayana Swamy  శ్రీ సూర్యనారాయణ స్వామి Temple Arasavalli Srikakulam Andhra Pradesh in India Click Here

 

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