Suryanarayana Temple, Arasavalli

Suryanarayana Temple, Arasavalli- Sri Kakulam was built during the 7th century by the Kalinga rulers of Orissa. Arasavalli is situated at Srikakulam near Vishakapatnam in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The temple enshrines the Sun (Suryanarayana) God. The idol has been carved from a black granite 5 feet in height holding lotus buds, surrounded by his consorts Padma, Usha and Chhaaya. The idol is depicted riding on a chariot driven by seven horses. The gate keepers Pingala and Danda and the saints Sanaka and Sananda are portrayed on the base of the idol. Aruna (Anoora), Lord Surya's charioteer is also portrayed in the image.

The Eastern Kalinga rulers who dominated the Kalinga region from the 4th to the 14th century constructed Suryanarayana Temple, Arasavalli- Sri Kakulam. The inscriptions on the temple reflect the fact that the grants given by the descendants of Kalinga rulers like Aditya Vishnu Sarma and Bhanu Sarma has been utilized to maintain the temple. The temple we see at perent is the resu;lt of the renovations done during the 18th century.

The Temple is said to be a panchayatana temple, with five deities, Aditya in the center, with Ganesha, Shiva, Parvati and Vishnu in four corners. The magnificent idol of Indra lies in the center of Suryanarayana Temple, Arasavalli- Sri Kakulam. One of the major celebrations of the temple is the Maha Sourayagam,organized for the welfare of the humanity at large.People from far off plcaes come to receive the grace of Lord as it is believed people suffering with skin diseases, blindness and barrenness are cured remarkably, if they worship at the temple.

ROUTE MAP TO REACH THE TEMPLE

This famous Sun God Temple in the world is situated in Arasavalli Village which is at a distance of about 1 KM east of Srikakulam Town in Andhra Pradesh head courters of the coastal district in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Srikakulam is the capital and head quarters of Srikakulam District and is the largest town in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh in india.

Accessibility:

Srikakulum is well connected by rail and road. The nearest airport is at Visakhapatnam.

By Rail: (STATION NAME : AMADALAVALASA)
Srikakulam is the big railway station in Srikakulam district on the Chennai Kolkata line. Trains run to Hyderabad Chennai, Howrah, Vijayawada, Nellore, Tirupathi, Secunderabad and other places. Konark express, Howrah mail, Visakha express, Coramandel express.

By Air:
Visakhapatnam air port is the nearest airport to Srikaulam district. Kingfisher and Air Deccan operate flights from Vishakhapatnam airport to Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkatta and Tirupathi. Visakapatnam is nearly 100 kms from Srikakulam.