How to Reach

Delhi to Suryanar Kovil

• By Air: Fly from Delhi to Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ). From the airport, Suryanar Kovil is about 150 km and can be reached by taxi or bus.
• By Train: Take a train from Delhi to Kumbakonam or Thanjavur. From Kumbakonam, the temple is around 35 km.
• By Road: Long-distance buses or private vehicles can be used, though this option is time-consuming.

Ahmedabad to Suryanar Kovil

• By Air: Fly from Ahmedabad to Tiruchirappalli or Chennai. From there, travel by road or train to Kumbakonam.
• By Train: Trains are available from Ahmedabad to Kumbakonam or Thanjavur with one or two connections.
• By Road: Very long journey; not generally preferred.

History of the Temple

Suryanar Kovil is one of the most important Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God). The temple is located near Kumbakonam in the Thanjavur district. It was built during the reign of the Chola dynasty in the 11th century CE. Unlike other Navagraha temples where the main deity is Lord Shiva, Suryanar Kovil is uniquely dedicated primarily to Lord Surya. The temple also houses shrines for all the other eight Navagrahas. Lord Surya is worshipped here along with his consorts Usha and Chhaya. Devotees believe that worshipping here helps remove obstacles related to health, vitality, career, and planetary afflictions related to the Sun.

Main Poojas Performed

The poojas here follow the Saivite Agamic rituals. While daily rituals happen multiple times a day, the emphasis is on propitiating Surya and the other planets to mitigate “doshas” (afflictions).

• • • Surya Abhishekam (Primary): The most important daily ritual where the presiding deity, Lord Suryanarayana, is bathed in milk, honey, sandalwood, and curd. It is performed to seek health and success.
  • • Navagraha Homam: A powerful fire ritual performed by groups or individuals to appease all nine planets. This is highly prioritized for those undergoing difficult planetary periods (like Shani or Rahu-Ketu periods).
  • • Maha Deeparadhana: This occurs at the end of each of the six daily sessions (Kalam). The waving of camphor lamps before the deity is a high-priority spiritual moment for all devotees.
  • • Archana: Individual offerings of flowers and chants. Devotees often perform a “Navagraha Archana” which includes offerings at all nine shrines in a specific sequence

  Unique Timings

  The temple follows the Arukaala Poojai (six times a day) schedule:

  • • Ushakkalam: 6:00 AM
    • Kaalasanthi: 9:00 AM
    • Uchikalam: 12:00 PM
    • Sayarakshai: 6:00 PM
    • Irandamkalam: 8:00 PM
    • Arthajamam: 9:00 PM

Attire (Dressing Guidelines) for Pooja

To maintain the sanctity of the Agamic traditions, the temple follows the standard dress code mandated by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department.

Men:

• • Recommended: Dhoti (Veshti) with a shirt or a traditional Angavastram (shawl).
  • Note: In many cases, for special Abhishekam or Homam, men may be required to remain shirtless (wearing only the dhoti).

Women:

• • Recommended: Sarees, Half-sarees, or Salwar Kameez with a Dupatta
  • Prohibited: Casual wear such as shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless tops, or lungis are generally not permitted inside the sanctum area.

Official Websites

Not avilable

Government Portal:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suryanar_Kovil