Inscriptions on the temple walls indicate that it was constructed in the 7th century by the Kalinga Ruler Devendra Varma of Orissa. Further, it reveals that grants were made by Aditya Vishnu Sarma and Bhanu Sarma of Kalinga clan towards the maintenance of temple during the later periods.
The present construction is largely the result of the renovations carried out in 18thDuring the early 19th century, the local family Dusi made financial contributions for the development of the temple.
Built in typical Orissa Style, the temple holds testimony to the architectural skills of the Vishwakarma Brahmins or Maharanas of Orissa. Arasavalli Suryanarayana temple is highly renowned for its magnificence and beauty.
Special Features of Arasavalli Suryanarayana Swamy Temple
The temple is constructed in such a way that sun's ray fall directly on the feet of the Lord for few minutes during the early hours of the day, twice a year in the months of February and June. Sun's rays would fall on the feet of the Lord through the five entrance doors. These rays are believed to cure several eye ailments.
- The temple is built in Panchayatana style, wherein the main shrine is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines. The idol of the Lord Surya is at the center with Ganesha, Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu idols in four directions across the four corners of the quadrangle.
- The 5 ft tall idol of the Surya exquisitely carved in black granite bears lotus buds in his hand (hence referred to as Padma Paani), flanked by his consorts Usha, Padmini and Chhaaya riding on the seven horses driven by Charioteer Aruna. At the base of the idol are the gate keepers Pingalaand Danda and high up are the two divine saints Sanakaand Sanandana holding Chatrams (umbrellas).
- A huge pillar was constructed by Jakkamasetty Venkanna in the temple premises in 1929 whose base is filled with jewels as an offering.
- It is believed that devotees visiting the temple are bestowed with good health after performing the Surya Namaskaras in the premises.
- It is regarded that the ill effects of the Ravi Dasa or Antar Dasa are nullified by offering prayers to Sun God.
According to the Padmapurana, the idol was believed to be installed by Sage Kashyapa for the welfare of mankind. The Sun God, termed as planetary God is thus considered to belong to Kashyapasa Gotra.
As per the Sthala Purana, Balarama in Dwaparayuga brought the River Nagavali to Earth by tilling the land and consecrated the temple of Uma and Koteswara on the shores of this river.
- When the Gods, Angels and their minions arrived on the shores of the Nagavali to worship Lord Rudra Indra, the king of Lords became late. By the time he arrived it was late in the night and he tried to gatecrash his entry. Then gate keeper Nandi didn't allow Indra to enter the temple as it was time for Lord Rudra to rest with Goddess Parvati.
- Indra was adamant with his demand and attempted to force enter the temple. Infuriated by the persistence of Indra, Nandi kicked him violently who was sent flying in the air in east direction.
- Indra lay unconscious with body pains. Then he prayed to Lord Sun to relieve of the body pains and exhaustion. Surya Deva heeded to his prayers and touched him with his rays whereby Indra regained strength.
- Indra then requested Lord Sun to remain in this place and bestow health to mankind. Sun God obliged. Thus Lord Indra himself consecrated the place with the idol of Lord Sun.
It is said that
Indra dug the land with his Vajrayudhawhereby a pond appeared, the pond that is now known as Indra Pushkarini. Even today, devotees visiting the temples tonsure their heads, take a dip in the pond and then proceed for Darshan.
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