Suryanarayana Temple, Arasavalli – Legends

Suryanarayana Temple, Arasavalli – Legends

Arasavalli:

As per legend, Balarama, brother of Lord Krishna brought the Nagavali river with his plow during Dwapara Yuga. He also built the Rudra Koteeswara Temple in Srikakulam at the banks of the Nagavali river. All the devas worshipped Lord Shiva and Parvathi at this temple during its consecration. Indra arrived late and tried to enter the temple, but Nandi stopped him from entering as it would disturb the ceremonies. But, Indra tried to enter the temple forcefully.

Nandi got furious and kicked him with his foot strongly and thrown him away from the temple. Indra laid unconscious with extreme body pains. After, he regained his consciousness, Indra dug the place where he fell down and found an image of Suryanarayana Swamy. He performed pooja to the idol and got relieved from the pain. He also created Indra Theertham with his weapon Vajrayudha. As his pain got turned into joy at this place, the place came to be called as Harshavalli (Abode of Joy). Later Harshavalli got corrupted to Arasavalli.

References in Padma Purana:

As per Padma Purana, Sage Kashyapa installed an idol of Surya at Arasavalli for the welfare of mankind. Thus, Surya is of Kashyapa Gotra and also termed as planetary King.