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The Arasavalli Sun Temple is situated in the Arasavalli village located near Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh.
This is one of the oldest and most honored temples dedicated to Lord Sun (Suryanarayana Swamy).
The ancient temple is popular for its unique astronomical alignment, spiritual healing powers, and rich historical legacy.
This is known as one of India’s most popular Sun temples alongside Konark and Modhera.
The name of the temple, ‘Arasavalli,’ is thought to originate from the combination of ‘Ara’ (sun ray) and ‘Savalli’ (evening).
It shows the temple’s connection to solar worship. The informative guide includes everything you need to know about it: darshan timings for 2026, the temple’s ancient history and legends, and the special features that make this temple a must-visit for travelers and history lovers alike.
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See the daily darshan timings, special puja timings, alongside ticket and entry details below:
| Time Period | Darshan Hours |
| Morning Darshan | 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Midday Closure | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (for rituals & cleaning) |
The temple gate opens at 5:00 AM and stays open until 8:00 PM, with a break during midday for the puja rituals and temple maintenance.
| Pooja/Seva | Time |
| Suprabhatam | 4:00 AM – 5:00 AM |
| Surya Puja (Sunrise) | 5:30 AM |
| Madhyanha Aarti | 12:00 PM |
| Sandhya Aarti | 6:30 PM |
| Mahabhoga Nivedana | 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM |
The timing when Sunrise puja starts at 5:30 AM is believed to be the most auspicious darshan of the day, which is offered at no cost.
The sacred history of the Arasavalli Sun Temple is an amazing journey with centuries of royal patronage, stability, and architectural rejuvenation.
Historical Origins (7th Century CE): This Sun temple was developed by King Devendra Varma of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty of Kalinga. The Kalinga kings, driven by solar worship, commissioned the sacred monument. It is one of India’s oldest and few remaining active auspicious temples.
18th-Century Restoration: During the regional conflicts and iconoclastic raids of the 17th century, the temple went through very harsh treatment, but was restored in full in 1788 CE by Elamanchili Pullaji Panthulu. This local philanthropist restored the ruined buildings and restored their daily practices and huge ceremonies.
Epigraphical Evidences: The historical realism of the Arasavalli temple is backed by comprehensive epigraphical proof. Multiple sacred stone inscriptions were discovered within the temple, which are written in old Telugu and Sanskrit scripts. It gives a clear image of the past. These inscriptions document:
These documents prove that Arasavalli was more than a temple, a thriving socio-cultural and educational institution of ancient India.
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The ancient mythology and legends of the Arasavalli Sun Temple show how this sacred place came into the picture through divine intervention.
The well-known legend of the temple tells how Lord Indra was stopped by Nandi from entering the closest temple of Rudrakoteswara Swamy when Lord Shiva was with Goddess Parvati.
In anger, Nandi kicked Indra, causing him to fly east until he became unconscious and lost all his powers.
The divine rays of lord Surya cured Indra immediately. Surya came in Indra’s dream in appreciation and guided him to dig where he had fallen with his vajra.
Indra followed the guide and dug at the place three times, and found four deities together:
Indra made the temple, delighted at that place. The sacred tank (Indra Pushkarini) shows the place where he fell near the temple.
Following the Padma Puran, Maharishi Kashyap originally set up the idol of Surya here for the welfare of human beings.
Surya at Arasavalli belongs to the Kashyapa gotra. Later, King Devendra Varma of the East Ganga Dynasty, in 545 AD, rebuilt the temple when two brothers, Ippilli Akanna and Surappa, had a divine dream from Surya and became the first pandits of the temple.
Their pandit lineage remains to this day, making it one of the oldest Sun temples in India with around 1,400 years of uninterrupted reverence.
The most remarkable feature about this temple is its astronomical accuracy – that the sun’s rays directly fall on the idol’s feet twice a year.
Exact Dates: Happens twice a year during Uttarayanam (March 9–11) and Dakshinayanam (October 1–3).
The event occurs during certain solar events that show the Arasavalli, one of the most astronomically aligned temples of Lord Surya in India.
The architecture of the temple was made so carefully that sunlight hits the main idol at an accurate time, describing ancient builders’ understanding of solar movements.
| Attribute | Description |
| Main Deity | Suryanarayana Swamy (Lord Surya) |
| Gotra | Kasyapasa Gotra |
| Representation | Surya Bhagavan as the planetary king |
| Position | Standing posture, facing east |
In Vedic astrology, lord surya is believed to be the king of planets. Honoring him in this temple is considered to bring important astrological benefits.
The Unique Monolithic Main Deity: A huge black granite stone with lord Surya Padmapani sitting with two lotus buds on his lap, with Aruna at the chariot wheel and seven horses (representing the seven days of the week and 7 colors of light) attached to the chariot.
The followers have faith in this temple that honoring it gives them relief from multiple health problems, such as:
The temple is primarily effective for those facing Surya dosha (impacts related to the Sun in their horoscopes).
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There is a vibrant center of Vedic tradition in the Arasavalli Sun Temple, as the temple attracts various devotees every Sunday (the day that is officially dedicated to Lord Surya).
Some annual celebrations transform the sacred space into a sea of devotion. One of the grandest celebrations performed here is Ratha Saptami, or, as we say, Surya Jayanti.
This is observed in late January or early February, which is a 3-day state festival. It marks the mythological birthday of the sun god.
This multi-day state celebration attracts thousands of devotees who take part in early morning rituals in Indra Pushkarini to ward off illness.
Devotees also witness the rare Nija Rupa Darshan of the unadorned monolithic deity.
Another important thing is Makar Sakranti, which shows the sacred Uttarayanam time when the sun transits into the Capricorn zodiac sign.
It performed alongside the biggest Annual Brahmotsavam celebrations, including Vedic chanting and a majestic chariot parade.
Moreover, as the unique Panchayatana architecture of temple bridges Hindu sects, Maha Shivratri and Krishna Janmashtami are performed with deep faith.
The celebrations revere the prominent existence of Lord Shiva and Vishnu within the temple premises. It beautifully depicts the supreme deity’s cosmic role as Surya Narayana.
You can reach the temple easily by road, rail, and air, as it is located just 1.6 KM east of Srikakulam town in Andhra Pradesh. By Air
| Airport | Distance | Travel Time |
| Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ) | 110–120 km | 2.5 hours by car |
| Bhubaneswar Airport (Biju Patnaik) | 326 km | 6 hours by car |
Visakhapatnam Airport is the closest and most convenient airport. You can easily get taxis and cabs from there to reach the temple. By Train
| Railway Station | Distance | Travel Time |
| Srikakulam Road Railway Station | 16–17 km | 30 minutes by road |
| Amadalavalasa Railway Station | 13–16 km | 25 minutes by road |
| Tilaru Railway Station | Nearby | 20 minutes by road |
The nearest or main railway station is Srikakulam Road on the Visakhapatnam-Howrah line. Taxis, autos, and buses are easily accessible to reach the temple.
By Road, the temple is well-connected by road through NH16. You can follow the route from major cities:
| From | Distance | Travel Time |
| Srikakulam Town | 1.6 km | 5 minutes |
| Visakhapatnam | 160–170 km | 3 hours |
| Bhubaneswar | 330 km | 6 hours |
| Hyderabad | 695 km | 12 hours |
Local transport is available from Srikakulam town (1.6 km away):
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Explore these 5 top places in the Srikakulam region after seeking blessings from the Arasavalli Sun Temple:
What to Carry:
Dress Code to Follow:
Best Seasons to Visit:
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The Arasavalli Sun Temple is a fascinating combination of history, astronomy, and spirituality.
The temple is known for its healing health ailments, sun-ray phenomenon, 1,400 years of uninterrupted worship, and is one of the most special Sun temples in India.
Arasavalli can be a transformative experience for anyone, whether they’re looking to find astrological solutions, spiritual blessings, or discover past history.
Visit during October-March, come early to the Sunrise Puja at 5:30 AM, and see the divine energy which has been attracting pilgrims for more than a millennium.
Explore Arasavalli Sun Temple and witness the radiant sun energy of Lord Surya, which has blessed the lives of the devotees for centuries.
Table Of Content
No, to seek the darshan of a temple, it costs ₹50 per person. But, the sunrise puja is presented free of cost.
Yes, special rituals and sevas can be performed by contacting the temple authorities in advance.
Photography is often restricted inside the sanctum sanctorum. You may even take photos in outer areas, but also ask permission from the authorities.
Yes, budget hotels and guest houses can be available in Srikakulam town (10 km away). For good accommodation, stay in Vishakhapatnam.
The architecture of the temple is built so that the sun rays fall directly on the deity’s feet twice a year. It is one of the most astronomically precise sun temples in India.
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