Sooriyanar Kovil Darshan Timings: Essential Travel Guide

Sooriyanar Kovil Darshan Timings are one of the most asked questions by travellers planning a visit to the famed Sun God temple in Tamil Nadu. This article covers all you need to know about visiting Suriyanar Kovil (also spelled Sooriyanar Kovil), including exact temple timings, entry fee, booking process, how to reach, nearby attractions, best time to visit and frequently asked questions for planning your trip with confidence. For official information, visit official TTD portal.

Quick Facts About Sooriyanar Kovil

Location	Suriyanar Kovil, Thirumangalakudi, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, India
Temple Timings	6:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee	Free / Optional Special Darshan ₹20 approx
Nearest Railway	Kumbakonam (≈15 km)
Nearest Airport	Tiruchirappalli Airport (≈90–100 km)
Contact	+91-435-2472349 (Temple)
Official Wiki Info	Suryanar Kovil Wikipedia

About Sooriyanar Kovil

Sooriyanar Kovil, commonly known as Suryanar Kovil, is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and his consorts Ushadevi and Pratyusha Devi, located near Aduthurai in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the revered Navagraha temples and uniquely houses separate shrines for all nine planetary deities.

Sooriyanar Kovil Darshan Timings

The general temple opening times for darshan are typically split into morning and evening sessions: Understanding Sooriyanar Kovil Darshan Timings is essential.

• Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM – Best for sunrise darshan and cooler hours.
• Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM – Ideal for sunset visit and calm evening rituals.

On some travel sites, slight variations like opening till 8:30 PM or Sunday extended hours are mentioned, but the most consistent reported schedule is 6:00 AM–12:30 PM and 4:00 PM–8:00 PM.

Sooriyanar Kovil Entry Fee & Booking

General darshan at Sooriyanar Kovil is free of cost. Devotees can enter the temple grounds without a ticket. However, optional offerings and special darshan passes may be available on site for small charges (around ₹20 per head) for a quicker queue or guided entry.

As of latest verified public information, there is no official temple-run online booking portal for darshan tickets. Most devotees purchase any special darshan or pooja tickets directly at the temple counters on arrival. Temple-specific pujas like Navagraha Archana or Abhishekam have separate fees and can often be booked in person, but always confirm with the temple office upon arrival. This relates to Sooriyanar Kovil Darshan Timings.

Steps To Book Special Darshan / Pooja At The Temple

1. Arrive at temple during opening hours (preferably early).
2. Visit the counters near the main entrance where special darshan or pooja tickets are issued.
3. Choose the service you require (special queue, archana, etc.).
4. Pay the nominal fees in cash at the counter and retain the ticket.
5. Present the ticket to the temple staff at the designated darshan line.

Contact the temple office on the listed phone number for any updates or queries about special pujas before you travel.

How To Reach Sooriyanar Kovil

By Air

The nearest major airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ). From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus towards Kumbakonam and then onward to Aduthurai/Thirumangalakudi via road.

By Train

The closest railway station is Kumbakonam Station, about 15 km from the temple. From Kumbakonam, taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available for the onward journey to Sooriyanar Kovil. Learn more about Sooriyanar Kovil Darshan Timings.

By Road

Buses from major cities in Tamil Nadu like Chennai, Madurai or Tiruchirappalli to Kumbakonam often stop at or near Aduthurai or Thirumangalakudi. From there, local transport can take you directly to the temple. Self-drive via car or rental taxi is also a convenient option with good road connectivity.

Insider Tips From My Visit

When I visited Sooriyanar Kovil on a winter morning, I observed the temple is much less crowded early in the day, so aim for the first opening session for peace and better photos.

What surprised me most was how all nine planetary shrines face the main Sun deity — a rare layout not found in many temples. I personally recommend visiting during the cooler months between November and February for comfortable darshan. Bring water and wear modest attire for respect; the temple grounds are spacious and require walking. I also noticed most local devotees finish a quick holy dip in the temple’s water tank before entry if the weather isn’t too cool.

Nearby Attractions With Distance

• Aduthurai Railway Station – ~3 km away.
• Kumbakonam Town – ~15 km away.
• Prananatheswarar Temple, Thirumangalakudi – ~2 km.
• Navagraha Temples Cluster (other shrines near Kumbakonam) – various.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Sooriyanar Kovil is during the cooler months from October to February when the weather in Tamil Nadu is more pleasant for temple visits and outdoor walking. During this time, festivals like Ratha Saptami (typically January–February) bring lively celebrations which improve your cultural experience. Avoid mid-summer months (April to June) if you’re sensitive to heat, as daytime temperatures can be high.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Sooriyanar Kovil Darshan Timings?

The temple generally opens 6:00 AM–12:30 PM and reopens 4:00 PM–8:00 PM for darshan.

Is There an Entry Fee?

No standard entry fee; general darshan is free. Optional special darshan tickets may cost a small fee.

Can I Book Tickets Online?

As of the latest verified information, the temple does not have an official online booking portal for general darshan. Special services are typically booked at the temple counter.

Are There Any Dress Codes?

Modest traditional attire is recommended. Avoid sleeveless and overly casual clothing out of respect for temple customs.

How Much Time Should I Plan?

Plan at least 1–2 hours for a relaxed visit including darshan, puja, and exploring the planetary shrines. Peak festival days may require more time due to larger crowds.