Surya, supreme light as it means in Sanskrit, the name that Sun God of Indian mythology goes by, has a special place in our daily lives. From dawn to dusk he radiates his powerful rays on us and provides the warmth and comfort to all beings on this planet. As the main source of heat and light from time unknown, it is no wonder that he is worshipped by most ancient civilizations across the world. Each civilization has its own interpretation and depiction of this major source of energy.

As depicted in our scriptures, he is said to be radiant red skinned with three eyes and four arms, holds water lilies with two of his hands. He encourages his worshipers with one and blesses them with the fourth hand. He is said to ride in a chariot drawn by seven mares. (Interestingly we know that light consists of seven colors.) He is said to be married to Sage Viswakarma's daughter,Usha aka Samjna. After begetting his three children, unable to bear his brilliance and radiation, she is said to have left her Pratyusha aka Chaaya (her reflection) in her guise and took refuge in forest as a mare. Surya in the form of a stallion later won her over and fathered her children Ashwin twins. He also fathered Shani, Yama and Yami with Chaaya. Surya has also been prayed to for boons of and blessed with children by many kings and sages per Hindu scriptures.

In vedic astrology, Surya is the epicenter of the navagrahas and Sunday is the day considered to be auspicious for his worship. He illuminates the house that he sits in, of any horoscope. Sun depicts the Atma or the soul of a person. Ruler of Leo, he embodies authority and power. Usually adorning yellow or red robes, he is said to prefer the offerings of lotus and wheat. Ruby is the gem associated with him and is said to bring about remedies to the afflicted Sun in one's horoscope. Surya transits houses every month in astrology and forms some important yogas when in conjunction with other planets like the Rajajarajeshwar yoga, budhaditya yoga, etc.

In yogic world, Surya collectively with moon rules the sixth chakra, known as the agnya chakra. It contains our ego and our possessions. When our vanity and superiority is burned away by the brilliance of Surya, the chakra opens our soul to self-realization, forgiveness. Surya gives best results at navel chakra on the lunar side, giving one fullest will power. Surya enables better perceiving and intuiting as the chakra is activated.

For ages, the learned, saints and sages have made it a practice to worship Surya at the break of dawn and at dusk. In addition to the navagrahas in most of the temples, where Surya occupies the center, he also is the main deity in temples like Konark. Martand temple in Kashmir is yet another temple which unfortunately in ruins now.

Sankranthi marks the transition of the sun into the zodiacal sign of Makara (Capricorn) on its celestial path. Generally falling in mid-January, this marks the beginning of the northward journey of sun, or uttrayan. Though various parts of Indian subcontinent celebrate it different, the major theme is to celebrate Surya, the benevolent one, thanking him for the great harvest and all the creations that survive under his radiance and glow.

Surya Gayathri to help with Power, Authority, Leadership, Fame, Courage, Will power and Father.

Om Aswadwajaya Vidhmahe
Pasa Hasthaya Dheemahe
Thanno Surya Prachodayath.

When science is using silica to harness solar energy, let's use our bodies and intellects to absorb this abundance and radiate from within as well.


By
Subandi Viva