Suryanarayana Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh is a very ancient temple and it is dedicated to the god Suryanarayana.

History of Suryanarayana Swamy Temple
According to the legends, Suryanarayana Swamy Temple was established by Lord Indra, the Lord of the Devas. This temple is located in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. The antiquity of Suryanarayana Swamy Temple can be traced from the archaeological evidences. It is known from the inscriptions of the eastern Kalinga dynasty that the sons of Narayana Bhatti called Aditya Vishnu Sarman and Bhanu Sarman were devotees of Lord Surya at Arasavalli Sun temple. Suryanarayana Swamy Temple was not repaired for centuries till it was reconstructed in 1778 A.D by a person called Yelamanchili Pullaji Panthulu.

Presiding Deity of Suryanarayana Swamy Temple
Surya, the Sun God is worshipped by chanting mantras and following many rituals. But, there are very few temples in India where for this deity. The Sun temple of Konark (Konark Temple) in Odisha is the most well known temple for this deity, which was built in the 13th century AD. The other is situated at Modhera in Gujarat, which was built in 1025 A.D. But, hardly anybody knows about this Sun temple in Andhra Pradesh.

Idol of Suryanarayana Swamy Temple
The Sun temple of Andhra Pradesh or Suryanarayana Swamy Temple contains a beautiful idol of Surya in black granite, which stands on the chariot. The idol of Surya holds a lotus in each of his hands as indicated in the ancient books on iconography. A unique style is followed while building this Sun temple.

Construction of Suryanarayana Swamy Temple
Suryanarayana Swamy Temple is constructed in a way that the rays of the sun in the early morning fall on the feet of the deity twice a year, in February and in June.

Pilgrimage Tourism in Suryanarayana Swamy Temple
During the annual Suryajayanti festival on every Ratha Saptami, thousands of people visit Suryanarayana Swamy Temple of Arasavalli. The third Sunday of the Vaisakha month is regarded to be very propitious to worship the presiding deity of Sun temple at Arasavalli called Sri Suryanarayana Swamy.

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