Adithyapuram Sun Temple
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2018}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple
| name = Adithyapuram Surya Deva Temple
| image = File:A_Surya_Deva_Kshetram_Hindu_temple_Adithyapuram_Kerala_India.jpg
| alt =
| caption =
| map_type = India Kerala
| map_caption = Location in Kerala
| coordinates = {{coord|9.74024|76.48666|format=dms|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline,title}}
| native_name = ആദിത്യപുരം സൂര്യദേവ ക്ഷേത്രം
| country = India
| state = Kerala
| district = Kottayam
| location = Kaduthuruthy
| elevation_m =
| deity = Surya
| festivals= Thiruvutsavam in Medam
| architecture = Traditional Kerala style
| temple_quantity =
| monument_quantity=
| inscriptions =
|established =
| year_completed =
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| governing_body = http://www.adithyapuramtemple.org
| website =
}}
File:A Surya Deva image inside Kerala Hindu temple, Adithyapuram India.jpg
Adithyapuram Surya Temple is a Hindu temple located in Iravimangalam near Kaduthuruthy in Kottayam district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is noted mainly as the only 'Adithya' (Hindu solar deity) shrine in the state.{{Cite web|url=https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/surya-temple-adityapuram/489|title=Surya Temple - only temple in Kerala dedicated to Aditya, the sun god at Adityapuram, Kottayam {{!}} Kerala Tourism|website=www.keralatourism.org|access-date=2016-12-08}}{{Cite web|url=http://english.mathrubhumi.com/mobile/travel/hot-spots/adityapuram-surya-temple-1.33587|title=Adityapuram Surya Temple|website=english.mathrubhumi.com|access-date=2016-12-08|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220193322/http://english.mathrubhumi.com/mobile/travel/hot-spots/adityapuram-surya-temple-1.33587|url-status=dead}} The temple is situated just {{cvt|200|m|km}} from the main highway leading to Vaikom. It is about 3 km from Kaduthuruthy, 17 km from Ettumanoor and 16 km from Vaikom.
Legend
Legend has it that the idol of Surya Deva was consecrated during the Treta Yuga. But there are no much factual evidences behind the origin of the temple. Once a Nambudiri who belonged to the 'Kapikkadu Marangattu Mana' performed a deep meditation or 'Tapas' to please the Sun God 'Adithya'. Pleased by the devotion, Adithya appeared before him and instructed him to consecrate an idol in the place. From that time onwards, regular pujas and rituals were started. At present, descendants of that Nambudiri hold the tantric rights of the temple.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
Temple
The 'Sreekovil' or the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is circular. The idol faces west with a meditative posture. It is made of a special kind of stone that has the capability to absorbe oil. 'Abhishekam' or the holy bathing of idol is performed in morning followed by the abhishekam of water. It is really a wonder that there will be no presence of oil after sprinkling water on the idol. The upper right hand holds the 'Chakra' (rotating disk) and the upper left hand holds the 'Shankha' (conch) and the lower right and left hands are in a 'tapo mudra' posture.{{Cite web|url=http://www.adithyapuramtemple.org/EN/?page_id=210|title=Adithyapuram Sooryadeva Temple Kottayam kerala {{!}} Adithyapuram sooryadeva kshethram kottayam kerala {{!}} soorya deva temple kerala {{!}} soorya deva kshethram kerala {{!}} temples in kaduthuruthy kottayam {{!}} temples in kerala {{!}} Sun temple in kerala {{!}} Sun temple in India|website=www.adithyapuramtemple.org|access-date=2016-12-08|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220074841/http://www.adithyapuramtemple.org/EN/?page_id=210|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.webindia123.com/city/kerala/kottayam/destinations/temples/suryadevatemple.htm|title=Adityapuram Surya Deva Temple, Kottayam City Guide Tourist attractions Kerala|website=www.webindia123.com|access-date=2016-12-08}} An interesting fact is that there are no 'Navagraha' pratishtas here.{{Cite web|url=http://www.pilgrimaide.com/adithyapuram-surya-temple-.html|title=Adithyapuram Surya Temple - Pilgrimaide.com|website=www.pilgrimaide.com|access-date=2016-12-08|archive-date=21 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221042725/http://www.pilgrimaide.com/adithyapuram-surya-temple-.html|url-status=dead}}
Poojas
Adithyapooja (for curing eye and skin related diseases), Udayasthamana pooja, Enna (oil) Abhishekam, Bhagavathi pooja and Navagraha (9 planet deities) pooja are the most important poojas in the temple.{{Cite news|url=http://www.trawell.in/kerala/kottayam/surya-deva-temple-adityapuram|title=SURYA DEVA TEMPLE - ADITYAPURAM - TRAVEL INFO|newspaper=Trawell.in|access-date=2016-12-08}}
Offerings
'Ada Nivedyam' and 'Raktha Chandana samarppanam' are the main offerings often done to cure diseases.
Festivals
The last Sundays of Malayalam months 'Vrishchikam' (October and November) and 'Medam' (May and June) are considered to be the most propitious days.
Rituals
Special rituals such as 'Abhishekam' and 'Rakthachandana Kaavadi' are performed on the festive occasions. There is also a custom that one member from the Marangattu Illam must participate in the Kaavadi.
Deities
Apart from Surya Deva, Devi (facing east), Sastha and Yakshi are the sub deities.{{Cite web|url=http://www.vaikhari.org/Surya.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101105161229/http://vaikhari.org/Surya.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=5 November 2010|title=Surya Temples in Kerala|website=www.vaikhari.org|access-date=2016-12-08}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.thekeralatemples.com/templeinfo/others/adithiyapuram_soorya_temple.htm|title=KERALA TEMPLES - ADITHIYAPURAM SURYA TEMPLE|website=www.thekeralatemples.com|access-date=2016-12-08}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.adithyapuramtemple.org/EN/?page_id=7|title=Adithyapuram Sooryadeva Temple Kottayam kerala {{!}} Adithyapuram sooryadeva kshethram kottayam kerala {{!}} soorya deva temple kerala {{!}} soorya deva kshethram kerala {{!}} temples in kaduthuruthy kottayam {{!}} temples in kerala {{!}} Sun temple in kerala {{!}} Sun temple in India|website=www.adithyapuramtemple.org|access-date=2016-12-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220075834/http://www.adithyapuramtemple.org/EN/?page_id=7|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=dead}}