Suryanar koil - The Sun Temple (Navagraha Sthalam)

Faith Mysticism

oi-Priya

By Priya Devi

Wednesday, November 16, 2011, 14:02

A person's life is said to be in the grip of the grahas (Planets) according to the Hindu belief, owing to the law of Karma. The Navagrahams (Nine planets) play an important role in one's life as their placement in one's birth chart or horoscope depicts the course of events. It is a familiar sight to see people going around the idols symbolising the planets, worshipping them. However the planets themselves who reign control over humans' life resorted to the worship of the Lord to absolve themselves of a curse. This itself is an available testimony to the fact that in truth it is the Lord who rules and reigns. The history of Suryanaar temple relates the story of the Navagrahas seeking the Lord's favour for redemption.

The Legend

The history of the temple goes thus: Kalava Muni, once became aware of the fact that he was to suffer of leprosy. In order to free himself of the dreadful disease, the sage resorted to the worship of the Navagrahams. The nine planets on being pleased by the Muni's devotion, absolved him of the terrible disease. Lord Brahma, the creator became cross with the planets for failing in discharging their duty in accordance with the law of Karma with regards to Kalava Muni. As a result, he cursed the planets that they be afflicted by leprosy and banished them to earth. However on their imploring, Lord Brahma advised them to take a in dip in the holy river Cauvery and offer prayers to Lord Shiva (Prananadheswarar) and Mother Parvati (Manglanaayaki) at Thirumangalakudi. He also instructed them to them to take their food on Velerukku leaf.

The Navagrahas followed the instructions of Lord Brahma and invoked the blessings of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva who was pleased with the worship blessed them that they be enshrined in nine separate sanctums in the Suryanar temple. He also decried that whosoever worship the Navagrahas there will be free of their problems.

About the temple

The temple is a Navagrahasthalam. The presiding deity in this temple is Sri Suryanarayana the first among the Navagrahas, with his consorts Sri Usha Devi and Sri Pratyusha Devi . There are shrines dedicated to Kashi Vishvanathar, Visalakshi and Kol Theertha Vinayakar . The sacred tank here is called as Surya Theertham. The Navagraha idols here are present without weapons depicting their protective aspect. Guru Bhagavan here is depicted as offering worship to Surya Bhagavan.

The temple is built by the Chola kings and inscriptions from the period of Kulottunga Chola I (1075-1120)
show this temple as Kulottunga Chola Martanda Alayam. Inscriptions also portray that Krishna Devaraya has made endowments to this temple.

It is a must that one should first offer worship to Lord Shiva and Parvati at Thirumangalakudi before offering worship to Suryanarayana and the other Navagrahams here. People flock the temple to nullify the malefic effects of planets in their birth chart.

How to reach

Suryanar koil is situated about 1Km from Thirumangalakudi which is located between Kumbakonam and Mayavaram in Tamil Nadu.

Lets seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati and the aid of the Navagrahas for peace and prosperity.