Surya, the god of the sun

Hindu mythology, rich and colorful, is an intricate tapestry of deities, stories, and symbolism woven together to form a fabric of faith and philosophy. Among these, the solar god Surya holds a place of distinction. This article will explore his role, his presence in art and sacred texts, his relationship with other gods, and his relevance in everyday life in India.

Who is the god of the sun in Hindu mythology?

Surya, the god of the sun, is a central figure in Hindu mythology. He is the giver of life, light, and heat, the one who illuminates the world and dispels darkness. He is also the eternal witness to earthly events, the eye of the world and the all-seeing one. His presence in mythology is as old as Hinduism itself, and he is mentioned in numerous sacred texts.

What does Surya mean?

The name “Surya” literally translates as “the supreme luminous one,” which speaks to the importance he holds in Hindu mythology. In addition to being the god of the sun, Surya is also known as the god of health, since he is believed to control life, death, and illness.

The origin of Surya: the creation of the sun god

According to Hindu mythology, Surya is the son of the gods Kashyap and Aditi. Kashyap is a venerated sage, one of the seven Manus, the progenitors of humanity, while Aditi is the goddess of immensity and the mother of the gods. In some writings, it is said that Surya was born from the vision of the gods Brahma and Vishnu.

The Rig Veda, one of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, describes Surya as the “brilliant light” born of the gods. This text also mentions that he travels across the sky in a chariot drawn by seven horses. In the Mahabharata, a Hindu epic, he plays a significant role as the father of the hero Karna.

Depictions of Surya in Hindu art

In Hindu art, Surya often appears in a chariot drawn by seven horses or a single horse with seven heads, symbolizing the seven colors of light and the seven days of the week. He is shown looking young and healthy, with golden hair and skin, a crown on his head, two lotuses in his hands, and surrounded by a halo of light.

Depictions in sculpture, painting, and Hindu temples often show these symbolic details. In some images, Surya is shown flanked by his consort, the goddess Chhaya, and his two sons, Shani and Yama. These elements not only represent the sun god’s physical characteristics, but also his sphere of influence and his role in Hindu mythology.

Meanings and symbolism

Surya’s iconography is rich and symbolic. As the god of the sun, he is often shown with a solar disc or halo around his head, symbolizing the light and energy of the sun. The two lotuses he holds in his hands represent purity and divine beauty. His seven horses represent the seven chakras, or energy centers, in the human body, as well as the seven colors of the rainbow.

In some depictions, he is flanked by two goddesses: Usha, the goddess of dawn, and Pratyusha, the goddess of dusk. This symbolizes the eternal cycle of day and night. In addition, he is often accompanied by two helpers, the Ashvins, who are the physicians of the gods and represent healing and medicine.

The seven horses of Surya’s chariot

The seven horses that pull Surya’s chariot in Hindu mythology carry a profound symbolic meaning. They are believed to represent the seven colors of the rainbow, as well as the seven chakras, or energy centers, in the human body. At the same time, the seven horses also represent the seven days of the week.

The chariot is also driven by Aruna, the charioteer, who is the brother of Garuda, the mount of the god Vishnu. Aruna symbolizes the dawn and is considered a messenger of the gods. Aruna’s presence in the chariot reinforces Surya’s role as the illuminator of the world and giver of light.

A multifaceted god in Hindu mythology

Surya is not only the god of the sun in Hindu mythology, but also has many other roles and attributes. He is a god of health and immunity, since his light and heat are believed to be vital for life and health. He is the god of oaths, honor, loyalty, and truth, since nothing can be hidden from the light of the sun.

He is also the god of knowledge and wisdom. He is said to illuminate the world not only with his physical light, but also with the light of truth and wisdom. In some stories, he is said to have been the teacher of the god Hanuman, to whom he taught the Vedas and the martial arts.

The sun salutation in Hindu yoga: Surya Namaskar

Surya Namaskar, or sun salutation, is a sequence of twelve yoga postures performed in honor of Surya. Each posture is associated with a dedicated mantra or hymn, and the full sequence is performed at dawn to greet the rising sun. Surya Namaskar is considered a comprehensive yoga practice that benefits the body, mind, and spirit.

Surya Namaskar is also an act of devotion and gratitude toward Surya. By performing the postures and reciting the mantras, it is believed that one can channel energy and light, which can lead to greater well-being and spirituality. In yoga philosophy, Surya represents prana, or life force, and Surya Namaskar is considered a way to recharge and revitalize this life force.

Myths and legends related to Surya

In the Mahabharata, one of India’s greatest epics, Surya is said to be the father of the hero Karna. According to legend, Karna was born to princess Kunti, who received a mantra from a sage that allowed her to summon any god to father a child. Kunti summoned Surya and gave birth to Karna, who inherited his father’s radiance and martial skill.

Another popular legend says that Surya married Sanjna, daughter of the god Vishwakarma. But Sanjna could not bear his radiance and created a shadow of herself, Chhaya, to take her place. Chhaya bore several children, including Shani, the god of karma and justice.

Presence in sacred Hindu texts

In the Rigveda, one of the four Vedas that form the foundation of sacred Hindu literature, Surya appears more than 170 times, underscoring his importance. He is described as a radiant god who travels across the sky in his chariot drawn by seven horses. He is also credited with the ability to cure diseases and grant eternal life. In the Mahabharata, another sacred text, he appears as the father of the hero Karna, to whom he provided an invulnerable shield and an infallible sword.

Temples and cults dedicated to him in India

In India, there are numerous temples and shrines dedicated to Surya. Among the most notable is the Sun Temple of Konark, in the state of Odisha. This temple, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its intricate reliefs and sculptures, which tell stories from Hindu mythology. Devotees also celebrate the festival of Makar Sankranti, which marks the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. On this day, people fly kites, make donations, and take sacred baths in honor of the Sun god.

His relationship with other Hindu gods

The god Surya has a close relationship with other Hindu deities. He is associated with Indra, the king of the gods, and with Agni, the god of fire. In some texts, he is said to be the son of Dyaus Pita (the sky) and Prithvi Mata (the earth). He is also the twin brother of the goddess of dawn, Usha, and of the god of dusk, Sandhya. He is likewise considered the father of the planets Mars, Saturn, and Mercury, and his wife is said to be the goddess Saranyu.

Relevance in Hindu culture and daily life

Surya’s influence on culture and daily life in India is immense. The Sun god is considered the dispenser of health and prosperity, which is why Hindus often invoke him in their morning prayers. In the practice of yoga, the sequence of postures known as Surya Namaskar, or “Sun Salutation,” is performed to greet and honor Surya. In addition, in Hindu astrology, Surya occupies a central place, as he is considered the ruler of the zodiac sign Leo and is believed to influence people’s personality and destiny.