by Lalitha Subbaraman

Created on: August 28, 2009   Last Updated: May 23, 2010

Surya means Sun in Sanskrit language. Surya is the only visible form of God in Hinduism. Surya, the Sun god is celebrated and worshiped throughout Hindu culture from ancient times. Surya is the prime solar God. He is the son of Kasyaba and one of his wife Aditi. Surya, the Sun God has been described as God with arms and hair of gold. He sails among the sky in his chariot, with seven horses or one horse with seven heads. His charioteer, Aruna is a god of the Hindus.

Some Hindus (Vaisnavas) who worship God Vishnu consider Surya as a source of Vishnu. They describe him as Suryanarayana. Hindus who worship God Siva , (Sivaites) regard him a part of God Siva. They believe that he is one of the eight forms of Siva. Surya is an unique, distinct Sun God in Hindu culture.

"Surya Namaskara" is a way of paying respects to Surya during the sun rise every day in Hindu culture from ancient time. Twelve sacred mantras are expressed during the namaskaras. It is a way of thanking Surya for helping our planet as a cosmic architect , a prime source of life. The Gayathri Mantra is also linked with Surya. It is also supposed to help developing a healthy breathing exercise routine. Gayathri Mantra is another way of expressing thanks to Surya, the Sun God.

"Aditya Hridayam" is another hymn which  reveres Surya. Sage Agastya helped Lord Rama with this hymn at the battle field before Lord Ram's battle with Ravana (demon king). Ravana kidnapped Lord Rama's wife Sita.

Surya, the Sun God's mythological relationships are intriguing ones. He has three wives Sangya, Prabha and Ragyi. Sangya bore him Manu a son. She also has twins Yama (God of Death) and Yami (the river Yamuna). She also bore Surya another set of twins called Aswins. Aswins are known as divine horsemen and physicians to Devas (heavenly saints). Lord Rama is supposed to be the descendant from Surya, the sun God dynasty.

During the era of Mahabharata, a princess Kunti got a boon from the sage Durvasa. By using the hymns she can summon any god and have a child with him. As a teenager she tried without second thought. She has the child of Surya, the Sun God. She sets the child in basket with special robe in a river. Karna, (the human son of Surya) that child grew up and played a vital role in the battle of Mahabharata. Karna is also known for his generous nature.

In Astrology, Surya symbolizes courage,soul, energy, power, and father . Red or copper color is associated with Surya. Gold is associated with Surya. Gem stone Ruby is linked with Surya. Astrological facts are food for thought.

The Sun temple of Konark, Orissa is  well known one. This temple has been classified as one of the World Heritage cultural site. This temple was built during the 13th century. It is supposed to be in the shape of Chariot of Surya. This temple is a symbol of Surya in transition. There is another sun temple built by a Solanki dynasty king in Gujarat. There is a Sun temple in Arasavalli and navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu. Sun temple in Jammu and Kashmir was destroyed .

Sankaranthi is celebrated every year during the middle of January in Tamil Nadu (India). This is a harvest festival  and is also dedicated to the Surya, the Sun God. Farmers and every walks of people clean houses, decorate them. Steamed Rice with milk and sugar and butter is being cooked and offered as a way of saying thanks to the Surya the Sun god for bountiful harvest.

Surya, the Sun god plays a vital role from ancient time to modern era of day-to-day lives. Summer solstice is being celebrated in many cultures.  As the world orbits around Sun(Surya), Surya has been a benevolent cosmic presence in Hindu culture.Can we afford to take Sun (Surya) granted?

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