The temple has a history several centuries. A stone inscription in the temple vicinity states that Ramadevi, mother of the local chieftain Somanatha had donated land for the construction of a temple dedicated to Sooryanarayana in the year 1489. Ramadevi was an ardent devotee of God Sooryanarayana and would not take food without having the darshan of the Sun god. It is said that she used to worship Sun God by creating a ‘Sooryamandala’ during rainy season.
Legend says that Sun God appeared before her in the form of a Brahmana boy. She asked him ‘who are you?’ and he said “Na Ravi” (I am Sun). From then onwards, the place came to be called as Naravi.
The idol of Sooryanarayana is more than two and half feet tall and is sculpted out of Rudraksha stone. Historians believe that the statue belongs to 11th century and is one of the best examples of South Indian sculpture. There are several examples of childless couple getting issues and unmarried getting married after performing pooja at the temple. Many devotees perform ‘Urulu seve’ on Meena Sankramana.
The sanctum sanctorum of the ancient temple was in dilapidated condition for several years. It was renovated at the cost of Rs 3 crore. The sanctum sanctorum, Theertha mantapa, the enclosing structures and the portico have been rebuilt.
Free meals are provided to the devotees during every Sankramana. More than 50,000 devotees visit the temple on Sankramana to worship Sun God. The temple is open from 6 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm. The consecration of the renovated structure and the annual fair of the temple will be held till May 15. As part of the consecration and annual fair, cultural programmes will be held in the evening till May 15 along with religious meets.
