SURYA NARAYAN SWAMY, ARSAVALLI, SRIKAKULAM (AP)

One of the oldest Surya kshetra in India. It is a Panchayatana shrine (with Suryanarayana, Shiva-Parvati, Vishnu, Ganesh and Indra) Believed to have curative powers. It’s original name was Harshavalli (Abode of Joy)


Once, Indra went to meet Shiva. He tried to force his entry at a time when Mahadev was with Devi Parvati. Nandi who was standing as dwarapalaka, kicked Indra. This left Indra wounded and senseless. Indra,then, had a dream that worshipping Surya would cure his wounds.


Indra found this murti of Surya at Arsavalli where he prayed and got relief. Here, Surya is with his consorts-Usha, Chaaya and Padmini. The base has Mathara and Pingala as dwarapalakas. At the top, Rishis Sanak and Sanandana are holding an umbrella.


The shrine is built such that the sun’s rays are focussed on the feet of the murti twice a year in March and September for a few minutes in the early hours of the day even when 5 entrance gates are closed. The main festival celebrated here is Ratha Saptami.

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