Sri Suryanarayana Temple at Bisalakoppa is an ancient and spiritually important Sun-God temple located in the Western Ghats region of Karnataka. Situated in Bisalakoppa village near Sirsi, the temple is surrounded by dense forests, hills, and streams, creating a serene and powerful spiritual atmosphere. It is especially revered during Makara Sankranti, when devotees gather in large numbers to worship Lord Surya and seek health, prosperity, and relief from planetary afflictions.
The temple is believed to be several centuries old, with origins tracing back to the early medieval period. Local traditions suggest that Sun worship at this spot existed long before the present temple structure was built. The temple has been renovated multiple times by local rulers and devotees, while preserving its ancient spiritual core.
The presiding deity is Lord Suryanarayana, the Sun God, worshipped as the source of light, life, health, and cosmic order. The idol depicts Lord Surya in a traditional form, associated with divine radiance and healing energy. Devotees believe that sincere worship here helps cure long-standing illnesses, eye problems, skin diseases, and issues related to planetary doshas, especially Surya dosha in astrology.
The temple follows a simple traditional Karnataka temple style, reflecting the rural and forest-based heritage of the region. The sanctum is modest but powerful, designed to focus attention on the deity rather than ornamentation. Natural light entering the temple during certain times of the day enhances the spiritual experience, symbolically connecting the Sun God with the physical sunlight.
According to local belief, sages and solar-worshipping communities once lived in the forests around Bisalakoppa. They worshipped the Sun as the supreme visible form of God. Over time, a shrine was established at this sacred spot, which later developed into a proper temple. Kings, landlords, and devotees from nearby regions supported the temple’s upkeep, especially during Sankranti and harvest festivals.
Long ago, the forests near Bisalakoppa were home to sages who performed intense penance to Lord Surya, seeking knowledge, health, and spiritual energy. Pleased by their devotion, Lord Suryanarayana appeared in a radiant form, blessing the sages and promising that this place would remain sacred. He instructed them to establish a permanent shrine where the first rays of the Sun would sanctify the idol daily.
Following this divine vision, the sages built the temple, and over generations, local villagers joined in worship, especially during the harvest season. Makara Sankranti became the most important festival, marking the Sun’s northward journey and symbolizing new beginnings, agricultural prosperity, and divine blessings. It is believed that worship here brings health, energy, relief from Surya dosha, and overall prosperity. Bathing in the nearby streams before prayers is said to purify both body and soul.
The most important festival celebrated here is Makara Sankranti, when Lord Surya begins his northward journey (Uttarayana). Special abhishekas, alankaras, and prayers are performed on this day. Devotees offer sugarcane, sesame seeds, jaggery, and traditional dishes. Other occasions like Ratha Saptami, Sundays, and Surya Jayanti are also observed with special poojas.
