ARASAVALLI - SURYANARAYANA AALAYAM

THE TEMPLE

The temple renovated recently is fairly a big temple built in the South Indian architectural style. Its prakara and tower are quite imposing and there are mini-shrines installed with adorable deities. The image of the Lord is carved on a six-foot high black granite slab, flanked by his consorts Usha, Chaya and Padmini. He is in sitting posture in the chariot drawn by seven horses with Anura driving it. Its exquisite chiselling mirrors the excellent artistry of the sculptors and lifts the souls at first sight itself. The architectural skill reached such high perfection that during certain fixed hours in the early morning, the rays of Sun fall at the feet of the image, as if they are offering obeisance to it. Passing through several doors and touching the lulus feet of the image is considered as marvel and archamurti's glory too. The temple has a large tank going by the name of Surya Pushkarini.

Among the periodical festivals, Kalyanotsav and Rathasaptami draw heavy crowds, when the temple and its precincts are seen overflowing with devotees coming from several far-off places. This is one of the famous centres of pilgrimage for Suryopasakas. Sundays and Magha masas are deemed the best for worship. The Kalyanotsav falling in the Chaitra masa lasting for seven days is the star-attraction of the temple. Though there are some more ancient Sum temples in Andhra Pradesh in places, like Alampur and Warangal, their appeal is comparatively low, due to their condition is almost in ruins.

It lies 3 km off Srikakulam of Andhra Pradesh on the way to Srikurmam, accessible by bus and autos.

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