Eramathoor Sun Temple
There are very few temples dedicated to the Sun God in India and one such is Eramathoor Pattambalam Adhichavattom Soorya Temple. The Surya Temple is dedicated to the Navagrahas. This famous temple is situated in Alapuzha District and the boundary line between Mavelikkara, Chenganoor Taluk passes through the compound of the Temple. According to legend Naranathu Bhrandan, the son of Vararuchi worshipped the idol. The Idol was his Upasana Moorthy.
There is proof that Naranathu Bhrandan lived in the South East side of the temple because of the presence of Naranathu Kunnu and the pond even to-day. About 1 acre pond has been protected by Chennithala Grama Panchayat by building a wall around it.
In 1965 the ownership of the temple was handed over to a managing committee under NSS Karayogam 3405 and 2294 by the owner - Adimuttathu Madom Bhadradas Bhattathiripad. Even to-day the committee under both Karayogams is controlling the activities of the temple and they are the owners of the temple. The uniqueness about the temple is that this is the only temple where the sun god is depicted as an Idol which is made of white coral. It is 3 ft in height. Standing in a lotus with four arms towards the West. Another Unique feature of this temple is that there are no Sub Deities in this Temple.
Location
Chengannur
Main Deity
Lord Surya
Other Deities
There are 'NO' Sub Deities in this temple.
Festivals
The Saptaha Parayana festival is celebrated from Vrischikarn 1 to 7 and on Medam 10th there is Aditya Pongala which is unique to this temple. The main festivals are Bhagavatha Prayanam in Aswathi star of all Malayalam months, Chirappu from 1st to whole Mandala Kalam of Malayalam month Vrischikarn and Dhanu which also includes Para, Anpoli, Akathezhunnullippu, Guruthi etc from 10th to 14th of Malayalam month Medom.
Main Offerings
Aditya Pooja, Navagraha Pooja, Sani-Rahu Dosha Pooja, Navagraha Homam, Soorya Gayathri Homam etc. Opposite to the Soorya Temple, facing east there is another temple dedicated to Eramathoor Patambalathil Amma.
How To Reach
By Air
Cochin Air Port – Alapuzha – SuryaTemple 92 KM
Thiruvananthapuram Airport 95 KM
By Rail: The temple is 11KMs from Chenganoor Railway Station.
By Road: The temple is 1 km away from Mannar Store Junction in Kayarnkulam - Thiruvalla State Highway. Besides, the temple is well connected via roads and there are Government and Local buses that ply through the roads in front of the temple.