Arasavalli Sun Temple, Srikakulam: History, Timings & Visitor Guide

Arasavalli Sun Temple is open every day, usually from early morning to late evening with a break in the afternoon. Darshan and aarti timings change with the season and on festival days.

• MorningOpens early morning (around 5 to 6 AM)
• AfternoonShort break around midday at many temples
• EveningEvening aarti around sunset, closes by about 8 to 9 PM

Ask the temple office on arrival for the day's aarti schedule.

Dress Code & Temple Rules

• DressModest, traditional clothes covering shoulders and knees
• FootwearRemove before entering; use the shoe stand
• PhotographyNot allowed inside the sanctum
• Not AllowedLeather items, tobacco, alcohol, non-veg food
• QueueFollow queue lines and staff instructions on festival days

According to Padmapuranam, Sage Kasyapa installed the Idol of Surya at Arasavalli for the welfare of mankind. The Surya is of Kasyapasa Gotra. He is also termed a planetary King.

The walls are inscribed saying the creator of the temple was the ruler Devendra Varma, stating it was built in the time period known to them as the 7th century. The walls also state the temple was fixed and changed to help with some of the sun temple's major flaws during the 18th and 19th century. Many of these changes were donated by the Dusi family. The temple fell into disrepair over the centuries and was reconstructed in 1778 CE by Elamanchili Pullaji Panthulu. Over the years the Sun temple was a landmark for many of the festivals celebrated in the town. Including festival Rathasaptami.

Architecture of Arasavalli Sun Temple

The temple is recognized as an architectural achievement. It employed the skills of Vishwakarma Brahmins or Maharanas of Odisha. The early morning sun falls on the feet of the deity twice a year (Uttaraynam - March 9–11 and Dakshinayam - October 1–3), even when the 5 entrance gates are closed.