Adithyapuram Sun Temple, Kottayam

Aditya (Surya), the Sun God temple · Iravimangalam, near Kaduthuruthy, Kottayam, Kerala, India

The Adithyapuram Sun Temple, also called the Adithyapuram Surya Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, at Iravimangalam in Kottayam district, Kerala. Wikipedia places it about 3 km from Kaduthuruthy.

Kerala Tourism describes it as the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Aditya, and Wikipedia makes the same claim, citing Kerala Tourism and Mathrubhumi. It is listed among the sun temples of the Indian subcontinent alongside better-known shrines such as Konark and Modhera.

By the HinduTone Editorial Team · Last reviewed 1 November 2026. Editorial policy & corrections

Faith & Tradition

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Religious Significance of Adithyapuram Sun Temple, Kottayam

Kerala Tourism says the idol is said to be made of a special stone that absorbs oil, which is why the temple is known for its oil-absorbing idol. The tourism portal also states that the temple has special worship on the last Sundays of the Malayalam months of Vrischikam and Medam, observed as auspicious according to the zodiac.

Because Surya shrines are uncommon in Kerala, the temple draws devotees from other parts of the country, according to Kerala Tourism.

Heritage

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History of Adithyapuram Sun Temple, Kottayam

According to Kerala Tourism, the temple's legend concerns a member of the Marangattu Kapikkad Mana, a well-known Namboodiri family, who worshipped the Sun God and received his blessing to install an idol of the deity in a temple. This is reported as tradition; the sources give no date for the founding.

Wikipedia records the annual festival as Thiruvutsavam in the month of Medam. Kerala Tourism describes grand celebrations on the last Sundays of November-December and April-May. The two sources describe the festival cycle differently, so dates should be confirmed with the temple.

Architecture and sacred features

Wikipedia describes the temple as built in the traditional Kerala style and shows a murti of the sun god. Neither source gives measurements or details of the sanctum, so no further architectural description is offered here.

Plan Your Visit

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Darshan and Visitor Information

Opening hours and dress rules were not given by the sources consulted. Confirm timings with the temple, particularly on the festival Sundays when crowds are expected.

Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration (official website) before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.

Sacred Calendar

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Festivals at Adithyapuram Sun Temple, Kottayam

Thiruvutsavam

Last Sundays of Vrischikam and Medam

Location

How to Reach Adithyapuram Sun Temple, Kottayam

Wikipedia places the temple at Iravimangalam, about 3 km from Kaduthuruthy in Kottayam district. OpenStreetMap labels the temple on a road near Kuruppanthara, Kaduthuruthy.

The sources opened did not give railway or airport information, so none is stated here. Visitors can ask for directions at Kaduthuruthy.

Location: Iravimangalam, near Kaduthuruthy, Kottayam, Kerala, India

More in Hindu temples in Kerala · Aditya (Surya), the Sun God temples · Temples in Vaikom Taluk · Temples in Kottayam District

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Questions

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