- Special Features
Foundation Year7th century CESthala TreeTheerthamRathamArchitectureKalinga architectureOther SpecialityThe temple is still being visited today and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the town. This temple is considered one of the oldest sun temples in India.
- Sthala Puran
It is one of the ancient and all among two sun God temples in our Country. The other is the Konark Sun Temple. The Temple was dedicated to the Hindu sun god Surya.
According to Padmapuranam, Sage Kasyapa installed the Idol of Surya at Arasavalli for the Welfare of mankind. Therefore, the Surya is of Kasyapasa Gotra. He is also termed as planetary King.
The walls in the temple are inscribed saying the creator of the temple was the ruler Devendra Varma, stating it was built in the time period known to them as the 7th century. The walls also state the temple was fixed and changed a bit to help with some of the sun temple's major flaws during the 18th and 19th century. A lot of these changes were contributed by the Dusi family.[citation needed] The temple fell into despair over the centuries and was reconstructed in 1778 CE by Elamanchili Pullaji Panthulu.
- Architecture
The temple is very much recognized as a resemblance of magnificence and beauty. It takes in architectural skills of Vishwakarma Brahmins or Maharanas of Odisha. The temple is built in such a way that the early morning rays of the sun fall on the feet of the deity twice a year (Uttaraynam - March 9-11 and Dakshinayam - October 1-3), even when the 5 entrance gates are closed
- Alankar of Deity,
- Prayers and BenefitsSpecial Vratas and PrayersOfferings to DeityStotras and Mantras
- FestivalsRatha Saptami, Maha ShivaratriOver the years the Sun temple has been an important landmark for many of the festivals celebrated in the town. Including the important festival Rathasaptami.
- Sodasha Upcharas
- Prasadhas
- Social ActivitiesAnnadhanMarriageEar BoringHead ShaveDanaasEducation FacilitiesSocial DrivesOther Activities
- Arjita Seva
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