About Arasavalli Sun Temple
The Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple at Arasavalli lies about 1 km east of Srikakulam town in north coastal Andhra Pradesh. It is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and is one of the very few temples in India where the Sun is worshipped as the main deity in daily rituals. While the great Sun temples of Konark and Martand are now monuments, Arasavalli remains a living shrine where devotees pray for health, cure of eye ailments and well-being. It is the most important temple of the Srikakulam region.
According to the Padma Purana, the sage Kashyapa installed the image of Surya here for the good of the world, and the deity is therefore considered to belong to the Kashyapa lineage. Inscriptions are said to credit its founding to the Eastern Ganga king Devendra Varma in the 7th century, though the date is debated. The temple fell into disrepair over the centuries and was largely rebuilt in 1778, with further renovations in later times, so most of what one sees today is from the last two or three centuries.
The temple is built in the Kalinga style familiar from Odisha, with a curved rekha tower over the sanctum. The black granite image shows Surya standing with lotuses in his hands, accompanied by his consorts and attendants. The temple is aligned so that, for a few days around March and again around early October, the early morning sunlight passes through the gateways and falls on the feet of the deity, an event many devotees come especially to witness.
Arasavalli Sun Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Suprabhata seva | Early morning, around opening (approx.) |
| Evening harathi | At sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Arasavalli Sun Temple
By air
Visakhapatnam Airport is about 110 km away.
By train
Srikakulam Road station at Amadalavalasa is about 13 km away.
By road
Arasavalli is a short auto ride from Srikakulam bus station; the town is connected by highway to Visakhapatnam.
Festivals at Arasavalli Sun Temple
- Ratha SaptamiJan/Feb
- Sun's rays on the deity (Uttarayana alignment)Mar
- Sun's rays on the deity (Dakshinayana alignment)Sep/Oct
- SankrantiJan
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Traditional or modest clothing is recommended.
- Entry
- Free general darshan; paid special darshan tickets are usually available.
- Sundays are considered especially auspicious for Surya and are busier.
- To see the sunlight on the deity, arrive before sunrise on the alignment days and expect crowds.
- Ratha Saptami draws very large crowds; start early and stay hydrated.
- Combine your trip with Srikurmam and Srimukhalingam temples in the same district.
Places to visit near Arasavalli Sun Temple
- Srikurmam TempleRare temple of Vishnu as the tortoise avatar, about 13 km away
- Kalingapatnam BeachBeach and lighthouse at the Vamsadhara river mouth, about 25 km away
- SrimukhalingamGroup of early Eastern Ganga Shiva temples, about 45 km away
- SalihundamAncient Buddhist site on a hill, about 20 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why is Arasavalli Sun Temple famous?
It is one of the few Sun temples in India still in daily worship, and the sun's rays fall on the deity's feet twice a year.
When do the sun's rays fall on the Arasavalli deity?
This usually happens for a few days around early March and again around early October, at sunrise.
What is the main festival at Arasavalli?
Ratha Saptami, celebrated in January or February, is the biggest festival of the temple.
How to reach Arasavalli Sun Temple?
It is about 1 km from Srikakulam town. The nearest station is Srikakulam Road (Amadalavalasa), and the nearest airport is Visakhapatnam.
What is the aarti time at Arasavalli Sun Temple?
Suprabhata seva: Early morning, around opening (approx.); Evening harathi: At sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Arasavalli Sun Temple timings?
Usually open from about 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Arasavalli Sun Temple?
Traditional or modest clothing is recommended.
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