Vriddha Aditya Temple
Timings
The temple is open for the devotees from 5 AM till 10 PM.
According to Kashi Khand, once a staunch devotee called Harit, who was very old in age, stationed himself near Visalakshi Devi and intensely prayed to Lord Surya. After a long time, Lord Surya appeared before him and told the old man that he (Lord Surya) was pleased and the old man may seek any divine boon.
The old man said “for performing Tap (Tapas – rigorous ascetic practices), a devotee needs sufficient strength. There is nothing in this world as good as Tapas which gives prosperity, enlightenment and all joys. However, one needs to be young and virile enough for carrying out Tapas.” Accordingly, the old man requested Lord Surya that he should be made young.
Lord Surya was deeply moved by the sincerity and devotion of the old man and he granted boon accordingly. Thus the old man became young. Since Lord Surya was eulogized by an old man at that place, the Lord came to be known as Vriddh Aditya at that place. According to Kashi Khand, a person who regularly prays to Vriddh Aditya will always remain energetic like a young man.
