Arasavalli Sun Temple

The Arasavalli Sun Temple is a 7th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) located in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. Along with the Konark Sun Temple and the Modhera Sun Temple, it is one of the notable Sun temples in India.

The temple is unique in that it is architecturally oriented such that the rays of the Sun fall directly on the main idol during the equinoxes. The sanctum enshrines a beautifully carved granite idol of Suryanarayana flanked by his two consorts Danda and Pingala.

The temple was built by Devendra Varma, the ruler of Kalinga, and shows a blend of Kalinga and Dravidian architectural styles. It is a major pilgrimage center, drawing thousands during Ratha Saptami.