Introduction to Lord Suryadev
In Hinduism, Lord Suryadev has been given a special place as a visible deity. The importance of the Sun as the main source of light, energy and life in the entire universe is considered immense. In the Vedic tradition, Suryadev is worshipped as the soul of creation and the sustainer of all living beings. The tradition of Sun worship has been going on in India since ancient times and special descriptions of his glory are found in many holy texts.
Lord Surya has special importance in the Panchadev Upasana. Devotees worship Suryadev for health, longevity, brightness, confidence and success. According to the belief, with the grace of Suryadev, positivity, energy and self-strength develop in human life. He is known by many holy names like Bhaskar, Aditya, Divakar, Mitra, Prabhakar and Narayan.
Origin of Lord Surya
The Puranas describe that once the Asuras defeated the gods and took over the heavens. The gods, saddened, approached Mother Aditi and expressed their grief. Seeing her children in distress, Mother Aditi began to worship Lord Surya harshly. Pleased with her penance, Surya appeared and asked Mother Aditi to ask for a boon.
Mother Aditi requested Surya to be born as her son. Surya was pleased with her devotion and accepted this boon. In due time, Lord Surya appeared from a divine ray. Sage Kashyap named him “Vivasvan”. Due to the influence of his divine rays and radiance, the Asuras fled from the battlefield.
Importance of Lord Suryadev
The Sun God is considered the giver of life, as all life on earth depends on sunlight. In Ayurveda and Yoga, worship of the Sun is considered beneficial for excellent health and mental strength. Ancient sages used to worship the Sun by offering Surya Namaskar and Arghyadan.
According to Hindu beliefs, regular worship of the Sun God provides benefits related to the eyes, heart and health. Many devotees also worship the Sun God for children, success and mental strength. Festivals like Chhath Puja, Makar Sankranti and Rath Saptami are dedicated to the Sun God.
The Family of the Sun God
Lord Surya's father is Maharishi Kashyap and mother is Aditi. His two wives — Sangya and Chhaya — are described in religious texts. Shani Dev, Yamaraj and Yamuna are known as the famous children of Surya Dev.
In addition, characters like Vaivaswat Manu, Ashwinikumar, Revanta, Tapati and Karna are also considered to be associated with the Suryavansh. Surya Dev's family holds a very important place in Hindu Puranas.
Description of the form of Surya Dev
Lord Surya is depicted in a bright and divine form. He is usually depicted riding a chariot pulled by seven horses. These seven horses are considered to symbolize seven colors, seven days and seven types of energy.
Surya Dev is depicted in a quadrangular form holding a conch shell, a chakra and a lotus. One of his hands is in the mudra of blessing. His charioteer is Arun, who is considered to be the symbol of sunrise.
Importance of the Sun in Astrology
In Vedic astrology, the Sun is considered to be the cause of the soul. In the horoscope, the Sun represents a person's self-confidence, patrimony, leadership, honor and career. If the Sun is strong, the self-confidence, leadership ability and success increase in the person.
According to astrology, the Sun is the lord of the Leo zodiac sign and is considered to be associated with copper, gold, ruby and fire. If the Sun is weak, there is a possibility of mental stress, eye problems and loss of self-confidence.
Mantra of Lord Suryadev
॥ ॐ गृणी सुर्याय नमह ॥
॥ Om Hraam Hriam Hraum Saam Suryaaya Namah ॥
॥ Om Adityaya Vidyamhe Prabhakaraaya Dhimahi . Tannaah Suryaah Prachodayat ॥
Morning remembrance mantra:
Prataah Smarana Mantra:
Prataah Smarana Khalu Tatsaviturvarenyaam Rupaam Hi Mandalamruchoth Tanuryajunshi. Samaani Yasya Kiranaah Prabhavadihetu Brahmaharat Malakshyam Chintyarupaam ॥
Festivals associated with Suryadev
Festivals like Chhath Mahaparva, Makar Sankranti, Uttarayan and Rath Saptami are dedicated to Lord Surya. During these festivals, devotees offer Arghya to Suryadev and pray for happiness, prosperity and health.
The tradition of offering Arghya to the rising and setting sun is very popular, especially during Chhath Puja.
Famous Temples of Lord Surya
The Konark Sun Temple in Odisha is world famous and is also known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Modera Sun Temple in Gujarat is famous for its stunning architecture.
Apart from that, the Martand Sun Temple (Kashmir), Aungari Sun Temple (Bihar) and many other ancient temples show the importance of Sun worship.