Salutations to the Sun God!

Kowsalya supraja Rama poorva sandhya pravarthathe
Uthishta narasardoola karthavyam daivamahnikam ...

Growing up, I always woke up every morning to this melodious recital by M.S.Subbalakshmi.The fragrance of the coffee wafting from the kitchen, somehow seemed to tie-up with my mom's appearance in front of me, with a smile on her face. The rising Sun, the sight of Mumma clad in a simple, soft cotton saree, and her forehead adorned with a red 'Bindi' was my perfect start to any day!
Just those sights and sounds are so strongly etched in my memory - that even to this day, they make me nostalgic whenever I smell the morning coffee or hear to the above Shloka...

As the mercury levels rise, the activity around me seems to increase too...there is happiness around - children screaming, laughing, splashing water in the parks, people walking, biking, running - they all of a sudden seem to be charged with life - sunshine smiles all around!

Our lives appear to be so intricately wound with that of the Sun God!
Our sleep, day/night, sleep/fatigue, even our moods...everything is so very much linked to him!

In the Hindu mythology, he is worshipped as one of the 'Navagrahas' (Nine Planets literally). They are considered in all Hindu traditions as important steps towards creation of life on the earth.

Many other mythologies like Greek, Egyptian etc. recognize the Sun as a celestial being and refer to him as one of the Gods.

In the Hindu mythology, he is refered by various names- Surya, Adithya, Ravi, Bhanu etc.

Beeja Mantram

OM, Hram, Hreem, Hroum, Sah, suryaya namah |

This mantra they say is to be recited six thousand times to propitiate Surya Bhagavan and to obtain his blessings on every Sunday in the morning by those who are suffering from all bodily ailments to get rid of them.


Further, Lord Surya (Sun God) is said to have Seven rays :

These are 1. Susumna 2. Suradana 3. Udanvasu 4. Visvakarma 5. Udavasu 6. Visvavyaca 7. Harikesa

“Susumna”: This is equivalent to the brightness of thousand rays. This ray with this name make Candra (Moon) the most beautiful one.

“Surandana” : The moon has originated from this ray. Even the rays of are only the rays of Surya (Sun) alone.

“Udannvasu” : From this the Kuja graha (planet) is originated. This ray of Surya will protect the living being from the defects of blood, and gives them health, brilliance and wealth.

“Visva karma” : This constructs the Budhagraha (planet). This ray will remove the mental agitations of the people and grants all auspiciousness and peace.

“Udavasu” : This ray constructs Bruhaspati planet. This planet grants pleasures and liberation to all living beings. By worshipping this planet all hurdles, obstructions, opposition will be removed and success is achieved.

“Visva vyaca” : From this ray Sukra and Sani have originated. Among them sukra is responsible for Virya (sperm) Sukra is incharge of humans procreation and also his ray brings death. Hence by worshipping this ray one will get complete longevity.

“Harikesa” : Due to this ray, all Stars (Nakshatras) are born. These come to be known as Nashatra because they are protecting the human bodies from the loss of strength, virya, and teja.

Whether worshipped as a God or not, he seems to be a force of nature that breathes the very life! My salutations to the mighty Sun....

Have a great summer!