Suryanar Kovil / Suryanarayana Temple

Travel for 15 km from Kumbakonam Railway Station, to reach Suryanar Kovil, a town renowned for the Suryanar Kovil or Suryanarayana Temple. The temple makes its mark on the Kumbakonam – Kadhiramangalam road. The existing structure of the temple sees its construction during the rule of Kulottunga Chola in the 11th century and was also known by the name Kulottunga Chola-Marttandalaya. Later, the Vijayanagar Kings put some more construction to this beautiful temple. This temple is one of the Navagraha temples and is dedicated to Suryan. Apart from the Sun god, the temple also holds separate shrines for the other eight planetary deities.

The temple holds various religious stories and beliefs behind its existence and the worshipping of the planets. The temple is a beautiful example of the Dravidian style of architecture. It has a five-tiered raja gopuram and a gateway tower. The idol of the presiding deity is stunning, depicting the sun god in a chariot like vimanam. The idol of Suryanarayana shows him in standing position with his two consorts, Usha & Prathyusha (Chaya).  The temple also holds separate shrines for Kasiviswanathar, Visalakshi, and Guru Bhagavan. Festivals- The temple commences grand gathering and celebration on Rath Saptami in the Tamil month of Thai and the first Sundays in the months of Aavani (Leo) and Kartika (Scorpio) and Vijayadashami.