Overview.

Adityapuram Temple: Worshiping the Radiant Sun

Located in the sacred land of India, Adityapuram Temple stands as a unique testament to the worship of the Sun as the primary deity. While such temples dedicated to the Sun are rare in the country, Adityapuram Temple holds great importance as a place where the Sun is revered as the main idol. Situated in Marangat Manak, this temple has captivated the faith and devotion of generations, drawing pilgrims and visitors alike to bask in the divine radiance of the Sun.

The origins of Adityapuram Temple are shrouded in the mists of time, harking back to the Treta Yuga, an epoch of ancient Indian mythology. Though no written records survive to recount the temple's inception, the folklore passed down through generations tells a tale of a venerable ancestor from the Mana lineage. This illustrious forebear, a Mahatapasvi renowned for his spiritual austerity, is said to have sought the favor of the Sun through intense penance. It is believed that the Sun, pleased by his devotion, bestowed upon him an idol, which he enshrined in the temple. Thus, the ancient ritual practices and traditions that endure to this day were established, with the stipulation that only the lineage of this esteemed ancestor may perform the sacred rites.

The central deity of the temple is Lord Surya, the Sun God, depicted in the form of Chaturbahu, with four arms engaged in penance while seated in Padmasana. Two of these arms clasp a conch and a chakra, while the other two form the Tapomudra, a gesture denoting spiritual discipline. Legend has it that Lord Aditya, an epithet of Lord Surya, undertook a penance to Mahamaya, the Divine Mother, seeking to augment his powers. In response to his prayers, Mahamaya blessed him with the combined potency of all the deities from dawn until half past six. Thus, the ritual of this unique penance became an integral aspect of the temple's philosophy. It signifies the infusion of Adi Parashakti's energy into Adityamandala, awakening the dormant power within for the betterment of the world.

Adjacent to the shrine of Lord Aditya, facing east, resides Goddess Durga Bhagavathy. The consecration of the Durga idol took place in the year 1050, and the origins of this particular deity are intertwined with a tale from Kakkathumala. In that place, a dilapidated Devi temple lacking proper rituals existed, and the idol was transferred to Adityapuram Temple. The offering of Nivedyadis, the sacred food offerings, began by positioning the idol toward the east, behind the shrine. Soon after, a member of the temple named Pazhur climbed the steps and beheld a divine sign indicating the precise location for the installation of the Goddess idol. He observed that the Goddess was seated in the very spot where she was meant to be placed and where the shrine should be constructed. Following this revelation, the idol was duly installed, and the temple gradually developed into its present form through the collective efforts of its devoted members. The connection between the Devi Pratishta and the aforementioned legend is believed to be profound, infusing the temple with spiritual significance.

A remarkable feature of Adityapuram Temple is the bestowal of blood sandalwood, a unique offering to the deities. Sundays hold particular importance for darshan, the act of witnessing the divine presence. Furthermore, the temple celebrates the Kavadi festival on the last Sunday of the Aries and Vrischika months. This festival holds special significance as it aligns with the peak of the Sun's power during the month of Aries. It is customary for a member of the Marangatu Mana lineage to carry the Kavadi, a ceremonial offering, on this day. Devotees from far and wide also participate, offering their own Kavadis as acts of devotion, seeking blessings, and expressing gratitude. The act of carrying the Kavadi is considered highly auspicious, believed to bring merit to the lineage and facilitate healing.

Devotees of Adityapuram Temple find solace in the practice of Aditya Bhajan, the worship and adoration of Lord Surya. It is believed that such devotion brings about healing, improved health, and intellectual development. According to ancient scriptures, Bhaskaradichhet, the Sun, is considered the harbinger of good health. The sacred prasad of blood sandalwood, distributed at the temple, is particularly renowned for its reputed healing properties, especially for ailments related to the skin. Furthermore, as the Sun is traditionally associated with tears, Aditya Bhajan is considered beneficial for treating various eye disorders.

In essence, Adityapuram Temple stands as a testament to the profound reverence and adoration bestowed upon the Sun God, Lord Surya. Its ancient origins, steeped in mythology and folklore, serve as a beacon of faith for countless devotees. As they gather in this sacred space, they seek solace, healing, and spiritual enlightenment, knowing that the radiant presence of Lord Surya and Goddess Durga Bhagavathy illuminate their path towards divine grace and blessings.

5:30AM – 12:00PM, 5:30PM – 7:30PM