India is filled with sun temples or solar temples. According to ancient literature and scriptures, the Hindus refer to the Sun as the storehouse of unlimited energy. In our country, the Sun god is referred to as Aditya or Surya. Sun temples are basically buildings and structures which are used for spiritual and religious activities regarding the Sun god. Sacrifices intended to the Sun good are also practiced in these buildings. Apart from India, Sun temples are also located in Japan, China, Egypt, Peru, etc. In India, there are many ruins of such temples as well. Some of them were excavated later on and new temples were built on those locations. Sun God is typically depicted riding seven horses on a chariot, which represent the seven colors of a rainbow.
The earliest known Sun temples were in the caves, where murals of Sun were discovered on the walls. The most famous Sun temple in the world is Konark in Orissa, which is also a world heritage site. Some of these ancient temples were destroyed by the Islamic invasions, but their ruins continue to marvel the world with many secrets being uncovered each day. Check out these amazing Surya temples in India.
List Of Sun Temples In India With History:
These Surya Mandirs in India attract scores of tourists and devotees from across the world.
TABLE OF CONTENT:
- The Bhramanya Dev Temple At Unao.
- Sun Temple At Surya Prahar.
- Suryanar Temple Near Kumbakonam.
- Suryanarayana Swamy Temple In Arasavalli.
- The Dakshinaarka Temple At Gaya.
- Surya Mandir Konark (Sun Temple Orissa).
- Sun Temple At Modhera.
1. The Bhramanya Dev Temple At Unao:
This temple is located on a place called Unao in Madhya Pradesh. It gets visits form devoted worshipers all around India and the surrounding areas also act a famous tourist destination. This well-visited temple is well known for the recoveries people got from her. Some got themselves relieved from blindness, skin diseases, etc.The highlight of this temple is the deity which is placed on a brick platform and is wrapped up in black plates. The idol is engraved with twenty-one triangles, which represent the 21 phases of Sun.
- Address: Unao, Datia District, Madhya Pradesh
- Timings: 5 AM to 9 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: 20 mins from Datia Railway station
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Navarathri and Sundays
- Other Attractions: The river near the temple which is believed to have medicinal properties
2. Sun Temple At Surya Prahar:
This Sun temple is located in Surya Prahar in Assam. The temple is situated on the hill and is a popular religious site for the local people. The main attraction of this temple is the circular tablet made of stone which displays a number of images of the Sun god. According to ancient Sanskrit literature, there are actually 12 different Aditya’s or Sun gods.It is located near the banks of Brahma putra river and is one of the most famous sun god temple place in East India.
- Address: Bhatiapara, Assam 783101
- Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Fridays)
- Dress Code: No Dress Code
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Full Day
- How To Reach: 12 KM from Goalpura, from where you can hire a taxi
- Temple Website: http://srisuryapahar.com/historical.html
- Best Time To Visit: All Festivals and Sundays
- Other Attractions: Museum which has a display of antique stone carvings
3. Suryanar Temple Near Kumbakonam:
The Suryanaar temple is located near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. This popular temple manifests the magnificent Surya god. The temple educates the visitors about the different celestial bodies in the universe. The temple was constructed in Dravidian style and is one of the most beautiful and well-constructed worship places in India.The idol of Suryanarayana is in a standing position and has his two wives – Usha and Chaya standing on either sides.
- Address: Thirumangalakudi P.O, Thanjavur D.T, Thiruvidaimaruthur, Tamil Nadu 612102
- Timings: 6 AM – 12.30 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 30 Mins To 1 Hour
- How To Reach: 15 KM From Kumbakonam Railway station
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Rath Saptami and first Sundays of Aavani and Kartikai
- Other Attractions: Sub shrines for 8 planetary deities.
[See More: Hindu Temples In India]
4. Suryanarayana Swamy Temple In Arasavalli:
This Sun temple is located in Arasavilli in Andhra Pradesh and the Sun god in this temple is a well-maintained state. The temple was constructed during the 7th century by a Kalinga king. Inside the temple, there is an image on a tall black granite holding lotus buds which is the actual image of worship for the Sun god worshipers.As per legend, Sage Kashyap installed the idol of Surya Narayana in this temple. Every Sunday is an important day in Arasavilli Surya Devalayam and many devotees come to seek blessings.
- Address: Arasavilli, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh 532020
- Timings: 6 AM – 12.30 PM and 3:30 PM – 8 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 30 Mins To 1 Hour
- How To Reach: 1 KM From Arasavalli Village
- Temple Website: https://www.arasavallisungod.org/
- Best Time To Visit:Rath Saptami, Kalyanotsavam and all important festivals
- Other Attractions: The temple has free food round the year which is enjoyed by the devotees
5. The Dakshinaarka Temple At Gaya:
In Gaya, Bihar there is a famous Surya Bhagavan temple in India which is known by the name of The Dakshinaarka temple. This temple, worshipers make their offerings to their ancestors at the Dakshina Maanas tank which is situated in front of the temple. In this temple, you will find numerous old images of the Sun god which you will find nowhere else. The temple is also of high historical significance as it was constructed during the 13th century under the supervision of a king who was a devoted worshiper of the Sun god. This temple is also one of the oldest and most visited religious sites in Bihar.
- Address: Gaya, Bihar
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 6 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 2 Hours
- How To Reach: You can take a taxi from Gaya Railway station
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Rath Saptami and all important festivals
- Other Attractions: Temple architecture
6. Surya Mandir Konark (Sun Temple Orissa):
The Sun temple located in Konark, Orissa is known as Konark Sun Temple. Konark Surya Mandir was constructed during the 13th century. People come to visit this temple from all over the globe to observe the magnificent architecture of the Konark Sun Temple. It is also known as Black Pagoda temple by the locals. As per Konark temple history, the current structure was built by Narasimhadeva I of the eastern Ganga dynasty and is one of the very few Indian temples whose plan and blue print written in Sanskrit is preserved till date.The entire temple was constructed to resemble a 100 feet Chariot, all carved from sandstone. The temple is now in ruins and is declared as UNESCO World Heritage site in the year 1984. Konark temple images are also the most widely downloaded pictures of an Indian temple in the world.
- Address: Konark, Odisha 752111
- Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM
- Dress Code: No Dress Code
- Approx. Visit Duration: 2 Hours
- How To Reach: 35 KM From Puri and 64 KM From Bhubaneshwar airport
- Temple Website: http://www.konark.nic.in/
- Best Time To Visit: There is no specific day to visit this temple as it has no idol of worship
- Other Attractions: A great place for photography and shopping of local artifacts outside the campus. You can also take back home some post card sized Konark temple photos for keepsake.
[See More: Shiva Temples In India]
7. Sun Temple At Modhera:
This Sun temple is satiated in Modhera, Gujrat and was built in 1026. The temple was designed in such a manner that the rays of the sun would enter the temple properly and would directly fall on the image of the Surya.The temple now has no worship and is a protected monument maintained by the Archeological Survey Of India. This temple has three main areas- The Gudhamandapa, the Sabhamandapa and the Kunda.Modhera sun temple is one of the prominent Surya mandir in India.Modhera sun temple images are popular with artists and photographers.
- Address: On Becharaji Highway, Modhera, Gujarat 384212
- Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM
- Dress Code: No Dress Code
- Approx. Visit Duration: 2 Hours
- How To Reach:16 KM From Modhera railway station and 102 KM from Ahmedabad airport
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit:October To March
- Other Attractions: Surya Kund, a massive tank with steps
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
1. What are The Other Important Sun Temples in India?
Apart from the temples listed in the article, the other important sun temples in India are the Surya Temple in Martand, The Sun temple in Gwalior and Surya Bhagwan temple in Ranchi. These are ancient temples, which are famous tourist destinations, apart from being piligrimage centers in India.
2. What is The Vedic Importance Of Sun God?
As per Hindu mythology, Surya bhagwan or Sun God is the visible form of God in Kalyug, which is someone we can see and worship each day with our plain eyes. He is a symbol of power, positivity, good health and prosperity. Sun God is also known to heal sick people who worship him regularly to get rid of their ailments.
[See More: Ancient Temples In India]
3. Apart from its Architecture, What Else is Konark Sun Temple Famous for?
Konark sun temple is one of the iconic structures of India. Apart from it’s marvelous architecture, the temple hosts an annual Konark festival held in the month of December. This is an ideal time to plan your visit to the temple, as you can witness this spectacular event where renowned artists from around the country come and display their art. The main dances are Bharatnatyam, Odissi and Kathak.
Sun God or Surya Bhagwan although associated with Hinduism is revered in many other religions like Jainism, Buddhism. The energy of the sun is unstoppable and infinite. It’s impossible ti imagine the world without the rays of sun, for he is responsible for all the creation. This is why Sun is worshipped to honour and thank him for his blessing to the mankind. These amazing sun temples have made Indian proud, not just for their religious importance, but for their magnificent architecture which continue to leave us in awe even today! So folks, do let us know your feedback if you have been to any of these temples. Also, let us know if you would like to share any important points to help other tourists. May your life be filled with sunshine!
