In the temple city of Mangaluru, Karnataka, there is an ancient temple dedicated to the Sun God located in Maroli. Yes, the worship of the Sun God or Surya Bhagavan has been an age-old tradition in India. Among the Sun temples in the country, the Maroli Sri Suryanarayana Temple in Mangaluru is considered one of the most ancient.
A 1,200-Year-Old Historic Temple
This temple has a magnificent history of about 1,200 years and is considered historically significant. It is also regarded as one of the very few temples of its kind in the entire country.
According to tradition, ascetics once meditated in a dense forest in this region. During their spiritual practices, they had a vision of the Supreme Divine (Parabrahma) appearing as a sphere of radiant light. They worshipped this formless divine manifestation and eventually built a temple at this sacred spot. Followers of the Nath tradition are said to have installed the idol of the Sun God here.
Over time, the temple fell into ruins. Later, a female chieftain from the Jain lineage of Bajal Boodu renovated the dilapidated structure and arranged for regular daily worship and rituals. This event is an important part of the temple’s historical tradition.
Today, the temple is protected and maintained by three guardian families—Bajal Boodu, Jeppugudde Guthu, and Badilaguthu. It is also revered as the village deity (Gramadevata) for seven surrounding villages: Maroli, Kankanadi, Bajal, Alape, Kannur, Padavu, and Jeppu.
Devotees together carried out a complete renovation of the temple complex. From 17 April 2016 to 26 April 2016, sacred ceremonies were conducted including:
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Re-installation (Punar Pratishtha) of Lord Suryanarayana and accompanying deities
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Ashtabandha Brahmakalashotsava, an important consecration ritual
Since then, daily worship and rituals continue according to the temple’s traditional practices.
Guardian Deity and Ritual Traditions
The Sri Vaidyanatha Daiva, located at Jappinamogaru Kambisthana, is considered the chief guardian spirit (Banta) of this temple. During the Brahmakalashotsava ceremony, sacred offerings were ceremonially brought from there, and the traditional Neamotsava ritual was performed.
Architecture and Artistic Features
The sanctum (Garbhagriha) and the Tirtha Mantapa (holy pavilion) are completely made of stone and feature a roof made of wood and copper.
The surrounding prakara (enclosure wall) has:
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A stone base
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Attractive red-stone walls
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A roof made of wood and traditional Mangalore tiles
The temple is beautifully decorated with intricate stone and wooden carvings.
Within the temple complex, carvings depict many sacred elements associated with Lord Suryanarayana, including:
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The Navagrahas (nine planetary deities)
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Presiding and subordinate deities
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Forms of the Nakshatras (constellations)
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Days of the week
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Seasons
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Manvantaras (cosmic eras)
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The twelve forms of the Sun (Dwadasha Adityas)
These are artistically carved on stone pillars and wooden structures.
Near the temple there is also a sacred pond used for the ceremonial bathing (Snana) of the deity.
Beliefs and Miracles Associated with the Temple
Devotees believe that prayers offered to Lord Suryanarayana help overcome difficulties related to:
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Health problems
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Childbirth (blessings for children)
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Court cases and legal issues
It is also believed that when there is insufficient rainfall, performing a special “Siyala Abhisheka” ritual to the deity brings rain.
Healing and Blessings
Surya Namaskara is considered a particularly beloved offering to the Sun God. Many devotees believe they have been healed from ailments such as:
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Headaches
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Skin diseases
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Stomach problems
The deity is also believed to bless devotees with:
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Marriage prospects
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Success in education
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General prosperity
Special Rituals and Daily Worship
The temple is especially famous for the Siyala Abhisheka ritual. Several religious services are performed regularly, including:
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Ranga Pooja
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Alankara Pooja (decorative worship)
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Flower worship
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Karthika Pooja
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Rudrabhisheka
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Surya Namaskara Pooja
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Surya Sahasranama chanting
These rituals are performed daily with devotion.