Top 7 Must Visit Sun Temples in India



India is full of sun temples and solar temples. Sun is the storehouse of unlimited energy according to Hindu scriptures and ancient literature. Lord Surya is called Aditya or Sun in our country. Surya temples are buildings and structures used to perform spiritual and religious activities related to the sun god. These buildings are used to make sacrifices for the good of the Sun. Sun temples can also be found in Japan, China and Egypt. There are many ruins of these temples in India as well. Some of these temples were later excavated and new ones built in their place. Lord Surya is often depicted riding seven horses on his chariot. These seven colors represent the seven colors of the rainbow.




Caves are where the earliest sun temples were found. Murals of the sun were seen on the walls there. Konark, Orissa is the most famous Sun Temple. It is also a world heritage site. Although some of these temples were destroyed during the Islamic invasions they are still magnificent and many mysteries are being discovered every day. These amazing sun temples are located in India.


Sun Temples in India

Surya Mandirs attract many tourists and devotees from all over the world.


Table of Contents:


Bhramanya Devi Temple in Unao

Surya Temple at Surya Prahar.

Suryanar Temple near Kumbakonam.

Arasavalli Suryanarayana Swamy Temple.

Dakshinarka Temple at Gaya.

Surya Mandir Konark (Sun Temple Orissa).

Sun Temple at Modhera.



1. Bharamanya Devi Temple in Unao:

This temple is located in Unao, Madhya Pradesh. Devotees from all over India visit this temple. It also serves as a popular tourist attraction. This temple is known for its amazing healing powers. Many were cured of skin diseases and blindness. Twenty one triangles representing the 21 phases of the sun are engraved on the idol.

Address: Unao, Datia District, Madhya Pradesh

Timings: 5 AM to 9 PM

Dress code: Traditional dress

Approximate Visit Duration: 1-2 hours

How to reach: Datia Railway Station is 20 minutes away

Temple Website - N/A

Best time to visit: Navratri and Sundays

Other attractions: The river near the temple is believed to have medicinal properties




2. Surya Temple at Surya Prahar:

Surya Prahar in Assam is home to this Sun Temple. It is situated on a hill and is a popular place of worship for the locals. The main attraction of this temple is the circular stone slab displaying several images of Lord Surya. Ancient Sanskrit literature believed that there were 12 Adityas or Sun Gods. It is the site of the most famous Sun God temple in Eastern India.

Address: Bhatiapara (Assam) 783101

Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Fridays).

Dress Code: There is no dress code

Approximate Visit Duration: 1 full day

How to reach: 12 km from Golpura. From there, you can hire a taxi

Temple website: http://srisuryapahar.com/historical.htm

Best time to visit: Sundays and festivals

Other attractions: A museum with an exhibition of ancient rock sculptures



3. Suryanar Temple near Kumbakonam:

Suryanar Temple is located near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. Sun God is featured prominently in this famous temple. The temple teaches visitors about the various celestial objects in the universe. The temple is built in Dravidian style. It is one of the most attractive and beautiful places of worship in India. Suryanarayan's wives Chaya and Usha are standing opposite.

Address: Thirumangalakudi P.O, Thanjavur D.T, Thiruvidaimaruttur, Tamil Nadu 612102

Timings: 6 AM to 12.30 PM, 4 PM to 8 PM

Dress code: Traditional dress

Approximate Visit Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour

How to reach: 15 km from Kumbakonam railway station

Temple Website - N/A

Best time to visit: Rathasaptami, Avani or first Sundays of Kartika month

Additional attractions: Sub-mandirs for 8 planetary deities.



4. Suryanarayana Swamy Temple at Arasavalli:

Surya Temple can be found in Arasavilli, Andhra Pradesh. It is well maintained and dedicated to Sun Lord. King Kalinga built this temple in 7th century. The temple has a large image on tall black granite with lotus buds. It is a picture of worshipers of Lord Surya. Sage Kashyapu placed the idol of Surya Nayana in the temple. Every Sunday is an important day at the Arasavilli Sun Temple, and many devotees visit for blessings.

Address: Srikakulam (Andhra Pradesh 532001)

Timings: 6 AM to 12.30 PM, 3:30 PM to 8 PM

Dress code: Traditional dress

Approximate Visit Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour

How to reach: 1 km from Arasavalli village

Temple Website: https://www.arasavallisungod.org/

Best time to visit: Ratha Saptami and Kalyanotsavam, as well as all important festivals

Other attractions: The temple has free food throughout the year, which is enjoyed by devotees



5. Dakshinarka Temple in Gaya:

Gaya, Bihar is home to the famous Surya Bhagwan Temple in India. It is also known as Dakshinarka temple. In front of this temple, devotees offer their offerings to the Dakshina Manas Tanks. In this temple you will find many ancient images of Sun God which you will not see anywhere else. It is of historical importance as it was built in the 13th century under a king who was a devoted worshiper of Lord Surya. This temple is the most famous and oldest religious place in Bihar.

Address: Gaya, Bihar

Timings: 9:00 AM - 6 PM

Dress code: Traditional dress

Approximate Visit Duration: 2 hours

How to reach there: From Gaya railway station you can reach by taxi.

Temple Website - N/A

Best time to visit: Rathasaptami and all other important festivals

Other attractions: Temple architecture



6. Surya Mandir Konark (Sun Temple Orissa):

Konark Sun Temple is a Sun Temple located in Konark, Orissa. Konark Surya Mandala was built in the 13th century. People from all over the world visit this temple to see the magnificent architecture of the Konark Sun Temple. Locals call it the Black Pagoda Temple. According to Konark temple history, the present structure was built by Narasimhadeva 1 during the Eastern Ganga dynasty and is the only Indian temple whose blueprint and plan are written in Sanskrit. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most Downloaded Indian Temple Images from Konark.

Address: Konark, Odisha 752111

Timings: 6 AM - 8 PM

Dress Code: There is no dress code

Approximate Visit Duration: 2 hours

How to reach: Puri is 35 km, and Bhubaneswar Airport is 64 km.

Temple Website: http://www.konark.nic.in/

Best time to visit: There is no specific day as this temple has no pooja idol.

Other attractions: Outside the campus is a great place for photography and shopping of local artefacts. You can also take Konark temple photos back home as a souvenir.



7. Sun Temple at Modhera:

Located in Modhera, Gujarat, this Sun Temple was built in 1026 AD. The temple is designed in such a way that the rays of the sun enter the temple and directly touch the image of the sun. It is now a protected monument and there is no worship. Three main areas make up the temple: Gudamandapa (Sabhamandapa), and Kunta. Modhera Surya Temple images are very popular among artists and photographers.

Address: On Becharaji Highway, Modhera, Gujarat 384212

Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM

Dress Code: There is no dress code

Approximate Visit Duration: 2 hours

How to reach: 16 km from Modhera Railway Station, and 102 km from Ahmedabad Airport.

Temple Website: NA

Best time to visit: October-March

Other attractions: Surya Kund, a huge tank with steps