Located in the hamlet of Tirumangalakkudi near
Kumbhakonam, Suryanaar Koyil is a 10th century shrine dedicated to
Lord Surya. It was constructed during the reign of the
Cholas. The temple also houses shrines dedicated to each of the other eight celestial bodies - the Nava Grahams.
The Suryanaar Koyil faces west and the presiding deity here is Suryanarayana. There are also shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Visalakshi and Brihaspati in the temple. Shrines to the celestial bodies are located outside of the sanctum. The sanctum and the ardhamandapam are built in stone while the rest of the shrines are brick structures. The shrine of Kol Theertha Vinayakar is considered the most revered.
An elaborate worship protocol involving circumambulating the entire temple nine times is prescribed for devotees visiting the temple. Protocol requires that one visit the Tirumangalakkudi Shivastalam before visiting Suryanaar Koyil. Ratha Saptami and Vijayadashmi are the major festivals celebrated here.
