63. KEEZH SURYA MOOLAI

SURYA KOTTEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 7kms from Suriyanar Koyil, 20kms from Mayiladuthurai and 25kms from Kumbakonam

Shiva: Surya Kotteeswarar

Amman: Pavazhakodi Amman

Sthala Viruksham: Iluppai tree

Specialty:

It is believed that the Sun worships here full day. The Sun's rays falls on the inner walls of the temple the whole year during day time. 

The Navagraha Sannidhi is in the Northwest and the Bhairavar and Suriyan Sannidhi to the Northeast of the temple.

The Dhakshinamurthy is called as Aanandha Dhakshinamurthy and the Vinayaka is called Shakthi Vinayaka.

The Swarna Bhairavar is said to remove the Adverse effects of the Sun and the moon debts and wants.

During Dheepa Aaradhana we can see a ray of light near the neck of the Bhairavar.

The Durga of this temple wears a toe ring (Metti) in one leg.

Worshipping this temple removes the adverse effects of the Sun god and promotes good eye sight.

Shiva faces east and Amman faces south. 

Since the Sage lighted a crore lamps Suriyakotteeswarar is said to have the Prakash of 1 crore Suriyas.

To get relieved from Suriya Dhosha devotees perform Tender coconut water (ilaneer) abhisheka to Lord Shiva. 

History:

Yagna Valkiyar submitted benefits of his penance to Lord Shiva in a Baskara Chakra. All the benefits and powers generated from his penance became an Illuppai tree. This became the Sthala Viruksha of the temple. He crushed the seeds of the tree and generated Illuppai oil. With that oil he created Illuppai forest. With the oil generated from all the seeds of the trees of the forests he lit 10million Deepas a day. It occured in the evening. The Suriyan was sad all his life time because he was not able to Participate in the Pradhosha pooja of Shiva since it took place after sunset. He delivered his feelings to Sage Yagna Valkiyar. The Sun God had the Dharshan of these Deepas and he was happy to gain the benefits of Pradhosha worship. He got a boon from Lord Shiva that Pradhosha time would be calculated from a certain period just before sunset. So that the sun god could participate in it. From then onwards the Pradhosha Kaalam was shifted to 4:30pm.