Hinduism, the world’s oldest major religion, is one of the few religions that has multiple gods, religious gods, who are responsible for shaping the lives of people. Among the gods of Hinduism, the Sun God, called Surya in Sanskrit, plays a significant role. He is honored for being the source of light and life-giving energy for humans, plants, and all living things in general. Surya, who is artistically portrayed as riding a chariot drawn by seven horses, is believed to have been around before the establishment of the four great religions of the world: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Christianity. Historically, Surya was one of the most worshipped and revered deities in Hinduism and is still an important part of many rituals in India and other countries affected by Hinduism.
Surya is said to have been born from the union between the sea god, Vahini, and the solar deity Vivaswata, who was also the lord of all three worlds: the celestial, the underworld, and the earthly world. In some interpretations, Surya is regarded as a part of the trinity of gods that includes Agni, the god of Fire, and Varuna, the god of Water. In addition, Surya has been associated with the Supreme Being, and is believed to be one of the foundations of the world. Unfortunately for the Sun God, however, he is rarely identified as the primary deity in any of the major Indian religious systems.
The Sun God is associated with the power to bestow good health, success and prosperity on people. In many religious rituals, worshippers pray to Surya, asking him to provide health, wealth, and long life. Furthermore, Surya is known to have developed five forms of himself, with each form representing a specific aspect of his power. These five forms are in the form of a bull, a horse, a ram, a mongoose and a man. Surya is also believed to have originated the ancient language of Sanskrit and is the beloved God of Yoga, meditation and astrology. He is often featured in yoga poses in order to invoke his power, and at the same time pray for his blessings.
Every part of India from its northernmost province to the southernmost tip has temples dedicated to Surya. The most prominent of these temples is the Surya Pahar, located in Assam. The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and visitors from around the world. It is believed that the temple was constructed centuries ago, and is devoted towards the worship of the Sun God. On the plains of Indian village, it is a very common practice to pray to Surya, who is still the constant source of energy, light and life on earth. People believe that his blessings can bring good health, wealth and prosperity to anyone devoted to him.
In modern Hinduism, Surya is often depicted in art as a beautiful deity with four arms that hold lotus flowers, a bow and an arrow, and a discus. He rides through the sky on a chariot of seven horses that represents the seven chakra systems in the human body. His presence is seen in the form of sunlight, mesmerizing the eyes of his devotees who cherish his presence. It is often said that a person who has the spiritual blessings of Surya would always stay radiant, energetic, and self-sufficient.
Duties Of The Sun God
The Sun God’s primary duty is to bring light and life to the world as he travels across the sky each day. In addition to providing the energy that sustains the life and growth of all living beings on the planet, Surya plays an important role in maintaining the cosmic balance of nature. He appears in many religious stories and is credited for helping the victims of natural disasters, such as floods and drought, to overcome their hardships.
He is also believed to have a role in the Hindu cycle of life, which is why he is known as the lord of creation. Surya is said to have made the first human beings and created the Vedic times and is one of the oldest gods in the Hindu pantheon. Furthermore, it is believed that those who still practice Vedic rituals today are doing so in the name of Surya. In Hindu belief, Surya is thought to be one of the three deities responsible for maintaining cosmic order and it is believed that all life forms, be they humans or animals, owe their existence to this great God.
Surya’s immense and powerful energy is often worshipped for bringing illumination, warmth, and peace to the world. He is known to bring psychological and spiritual energy to his devotees and is regarded as the physical embodiment of enlightenment. Lastly, Surya is said to bring prosperity, wealth, good health and long life to those who remain devoted and loyal to him.
Influence Of Surya Worship
Today, Surya worship is deeply rooted in Hindu culture, and it is widely practiced across India. People wake up early in the morning to offer their prayers and praises to Surya, believing that it will bring about a brighter day for them and the world. Particularly in Hindu homes, where the practice of Surya worship is carried down from generation to generation, it is common to find an altar that holds a deity that is devotedly decorated with images and objects relating to the Sun God.
Besides this, many Hindu rituals and festivals, particularly those related to agriculture, use Surya as a focal point for religious ceremony. Most prominently, the yearly festival of Maha Shivaratri is observed in honor of Surya’s rise in the sky, when thousands of Hindus make a pilgrimage to the temple of Surya in Odhisa each year. Additionally, the festival of Chhath is celebrated twice a year, in which Surya is thanked for giving his blessings and providing sustenance to the people.
Furthermore, the ancient practice of Yoga is highly connected to the Sun God. Asanas (postures) such as Padmasana (lotus posture) and Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) are often used alone or as part of a meditation practice to honor Surya and call upon his energy. In addition to Yoga, meditation on Surya is also highly regarded and is typically done in the early morning, when the sun is considered the most powerful. Physically, the Sun God is believed to energize the body, make it strong and healthy, and protect it from disease.
Surya Mantra Practice
One of the most popular religious practices related to Surya is the chanting of a mantra. This mantra is generally recited early in the morning, and has been used as a way to honor and summon the Sun God. It is usually chanted while looking up towards the sun; it is believed that by connecting to the deity through energetic chanting, Surya will bring good fortune and positive energy to those who are devoted to him.
In some parts of India, there is also the tradition of offering food to the Sun God as part of daily worship. This is done in an invitation to Surya to accept the offerings made to him and to spread his blessings to all people. Additionally, many believers offer flowers, incense and other spiritual offerings, along with lighting an oil lamp to honor Surya.
Conclusion Of Surya Worship
The Sun God, Surya, will always be remembered as one of the most prominent deities in Hinduism. His influence within the culture is still felt today, as many Hindus still actively seek his guidance and blessings in their everyday lives. Not only does the worship of Surya bring with it spiritual and psychological benefits, but it also infuses people with a sense of hope, optimism, and confidence that the waters of life are never far away. Whether it’s the mesmerizing sight of the rising sun or a heartfelt prayer for its blessings, people all over India continue to offer their love and devotion to the Sun God.
Meaning Of Surya In Yogic Culture
In Yogic philosophy, the Sun God, Surya is believed to be the source of light and life on the planet. His divine energy is believed to be essential for the proper functioning of the universe, and just as the physical sun gives light, Surya gives illumination to the soul. In Yogic tradition, the Sun God is associated with seven cosmic rays of divine consciousness, which are believed to be connected to the seven main chakras in the body. By focusing on these rays and the power of Surya’s energy, a person can align the body and soul with the cosmic divine.
Besides this, the Sun God is also associated with the spiritual practice of Pranayama, which helps release the divine energy of Surya within the human body. This energy is believed to be the key to enlightenment and allow one to reach a higher level of consciousness. Lastly, the worship of Surya is also connected to the concept of Tapasya, which is the practice of purifying the mind and body to achieve inner peace. By understanding and connecting to the divine energy of Surya in the proper way, a Yogi can benefit both physically and spiritually.
Health Benefits Of Surya Worship
The Sun God is associated with many physical and mental health benefits. As a symbol of good health, Surya is believed to have the power to heal diseases, such as cancer, heart diseases, and mental disorders, as well as providing a sense of vitality and vigor to its devotees. Practicing Surya worship helps to improve energy levels, reduce stress and anxiety, and provide emotional balance. Surya’s energy also has the power to strengthen the immune system and help fight various forms of sickness.
In addition to providing physical benefits, Surya is also a symbol of mental clarity and academic excellence. It is believed that by worshipping the Sun God, a person can become focused, disciplined, and successful in life. Furthermore, Surya’s energy is said to provide clarity of thought and help people stay in the present. Finally, it has been said that Surya symbolizes harmony, balance, and peace, and that by connecting to the deity and its energy, one can find solace, comfort, and inner stability.
Working Of The Sun God In Life
The influence of Surya in Hinduism is still alive today, and many people believe that the Sun God should be given the same level of attention and respect as the other major gods of Hinduism. Regardless of whether one worships the Sun God or not, everyone needs to remember that Surya’s energy is an essential part of the natural order, for it is the Sun God’s light that gives us life and sustains us on our earthly journey. A person who is devoted to Surya will receive his blessings, which will bring them an abundance of energy, illumination, and prosperity.
Just as Surya travels across the sky each day, reminding us of his power, each of us can use this energy as a way to invigorate and energize our own lives. Every day, it is important to
