Excavations led by the State Department of Archaeology have unearthed a 9th-century temple dedicated to Surya, the Sun-God, in a remote village in the Perambalur district. This structure, attributed to the Muttaraiyar dynasty, features rare granite friezes depicting the solar deity’s seven-horse chariot and remains remarkably intact despite being buried for centuries under layers of silt.
Archaeologists noted that the architectural style serves as a vital bridge between the late Pallava and early Chola periods. The discovery includes a unique sanctum layout specifically designed to capture the first rays of the dawn during the spring and autumn equinoxes, suggesting an advanced understanding of archaeo-astronomy by the Muttaraiyar builders. Preservation efforts are now underway to stabilize the stone foundations and restore the surrounding boundary walls.