Festivals at Arasavalli Suryanarayana Swamy Temple

 

The Arasavalli Sun Temple hosts several grand festivals throughout the year, with Ratha Saptami being the most significant.

Major Festivals

• Ratha Saptami – Celebrated in February or March, marking the birthday of Lord Surya (Surya Jayanti). It symbolizes the transition from winter to spring and is believed to bring health and prosperity. Devotees can have Nija Rupa Darshan from 5 AM to 2 PM.
• Kalyanotsavam – A six-day divine wedding festival of Lord Surya with his consorts Usha, Padmini, and Chaya, observed in March or April.
• Maha Shivaratri – Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple’s Kshetrapalaka (guardian deity), celebrated with Rudra Abhishekam and Jagaranam (night-long prayers).
• Dolotsavam (Holi) – Also known as Holika Pournima, celebrated in March with Kamadahanam (burning of straw) and a procession of the deity.
• Maha Vaisakhi – A sacred month for Sun worshippers, where devotees offer prayers for health and wealth.
• Rakhi Pournami – Observed on Sravana Pournami, where Lord Surya is adorned with a new sacred thread.
• Janmashtami – A nine-day festival celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth, featuring Vratam, Utti Festival, and Prasadam distribution.
• Dusserah (Navaratri) – Celebrated from Aswayuja Padyami to Dasami, with Chakrarchana, Homam, and Avararchana.
• Naraka Chaturdasi & Diwali – The idol of Narakasura is burned, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, followed by temple illumination.
• Teppotsavam – Held on Kartika Dwadasi, where Lord Surya is taken on a boat procession (Hamsa Nava) in Indra Pushkarini.
• Vaikuntha Ekadashi – The Vaikunta Dwara (North Gate) is opened, symbolizing the path to heaven, with special Vratam and Annadanam.
• Makara Sankranti – Marks the transition of the Sun from Dakshinayana to Uttarayana, celebrated with special Abhishekam and Archana.