Adithyapuram ''Surya'' Temple - only place in Kerala dedicated to Surya Dev (Sun God)

Adithyapuram Surya temple, Kerala. en.wikipedia.org

Surya, a Sun God in Hinduism, is an important planetary god, according to Indian Astrologers. The worship of Surya is popular in many Indian states notably Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh. In the latter Surya temple at Khajuraho (11th century CE is a famous one. The Chitragupta Temple is the only one in the whole of Khajuraho complex dedicated to the Sun God (Surya). In this heritage temple the tall statue of Surya is seen riding a chariot of seven horses. He is shown standing, dressed in an armored coat and boots, and holding lotus flowers. Surya is one among the major five deities in Hinduism, meditating on him is also an aspect of realizing Brahman in accordance with the Smarta Tradition.

Adythyapuram Surya temple, Kerala. ourmyindia.com

God Surya goes by other names such as Aditya, Bhanu, Savitr, Ravi, Martanda, Mitra, Bhaskaraand Prabhakara, etc. This deity also found in the arts and literature of Buddhism and Jain is depicted with a Chakra, also interpreted as Sun Temple. Suntemple, Modhera, Gujarat (11th century CE), Deo Surya Mandir, Odisha Konark Sun Temple, Odhisa (13th century CE are some examples across India.

Map of Kottayam District, Kerala kerala.gov.in

In the state of Kerala there is a popular Surya temple at Iravimangalam near Kaduthuruthy in Kottayam district. It is called Adithyapuram Surya Temple and is just 17 km from Ettumanoor and 16 km from Vaikom. It is the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Aditya.

Surya Deva Idol, Adithyapuram, Kerala. upload.wikimedia.org/

Here, the Surya Deva is believed to have been consecrated during the Treta Yuga but there are no factual evidences to back it up. As to the legend, it is said once upon a time a Nambudiri Brahmin of the 'Kapikkadu Marangattu Mana' meditated deeply on the Sun God 'Adithya'. Pleased with his steadfast devotion and spiritual fervor, Sun God Adithya appeared before him and and asked him to build a temple and consecrate the idol in the sanctum. Since the installation of the idol of Surya in this place on God's instruction, rituals and pujas have been regularly going on here. Presently, it is mentioned, descendants of the old Nambudiri family are taking care of the temple rituals, etc. Besides Surya Deva and Devi there are Sastha and Yakshi deities.

The idol of Surya in a meditative posture faces west in the sanctum (Garbagriha / Srikovil) which is circular shaped. Circular shaped Srikovils are common in many Kerala temples, but elsewhere the sanctum is invariably square-shaped.

The main deity made of a special kind of rock has the capability to absorb oil applied on it as part of ritual of 'Abhishekam' (anointing) or the holy bathing of idol.This normally regular in all Shiva temple, whereas in Vishnu temples it is rarely done. Applying oil or herbal oil on the idol of Vishnu is called Thailakappu in Tamil. This is followed by the abhishekam of water. Once the ritual is over, the idol becomes bone dry upon which decoration with flowers, etc is done by the priest. The idol's upper right hand carries the 'Chakra' ( disk) and the upper left hand holds has Sangu (conch) and the lower right and left hands show a 'tapo mudra' posture. Though it is a temple dedicated to Surya, there is no 9 nine navgraha shrine here. Nor are there small shrines or stone idols of other planetary gods such as Budtha, Shani, Chandra Ragu, Kettu, etc.

The popular pujas are conducted here for various treatments of health problems. For example Adithyapooja is held for curing eye and skin related problems; Udayasthamana pooja, Enna (oil) Abhishekam, Bhagavathi pooja (for the goddess) and Navagraha pooja are being conducted for the welfare and prosperity of the family, society, etc. The auspicious days are last Sundays of Malayalam months 'Vrishchikam' (October and November) and 'Medam' (May and June). This is the right time to propitiate the Surya god.

On the festive days special rituals such as 'Abhishekam' and 'Rakthachandana Kaavadi' are held and the tradition has been that a member of the Nambudiri family must take part in the Kavadi attam.

'The special offering to god are Ada Nivedyam' and 'Raktha Chandana samarppanam' and they are done to cure various ailments. It is a Prathana sthalam where you can make make wishes and if your wishes are answered, then you can make the offering to the deity as an expression of your gratitude.

It-bits:

The following are the famous Surya temples across India.

01. Konarak Sun temple, Odisha.

02. Sun Temple, Gaya.

03. Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat

04. Surya Pahar Temple, Assam.

05. Suryanar Temple, Kumbakonam. Tamil Nadu

06. Surya Narayana Temple, Arasavalli. ...

07. The Bhramanya Dev Temple at Unao in Madhya Pradesh. ...

08. Martand Sun temple, Jammu.

https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/surya-temple-adityapuram/489

https://en.wikipedia.org/Adithyapuram_Sun_Temple