Paush Month (December – January) in Hindu calendar falls
during the peak winter season and it is considered highly meritorious to
worship Surya (Hindu Sun God) in this month. The popular belief is that Sun increases
his luster in this month to give warmth to all living beings on earth. Surya is
worshipped in the form of Bhaga (भग).
Bhaga form of Surya is associated with auspiciousness,
Dharma, prosperity, fame, wealth, knowledge, dispassion and detachment.
As per Aditya Purana, a devotee should take water in copper
vessel, put red chandan and red flower in it and then offer to the rising sun.
Gayatri Mantra should be chanted while making this offering.
Observing vrat on Sunday and saptami tithi (seventh day of a
fortnight) in the month is highly auspicious. A devotee observing fast should
offer bhog or Prasad made with Til (sesame) and rice.
The benefits of observing Surya Vrat in Paush month include
fame, intelligence and progress.
How to Do Surya Puja in Paush Month?
- Wake up early in the morning before sunrise. Clean the house and then take bath.
- Offer prayers to Ganesha.
- Then offer prayers to Surya by lighting lamp using cow ghee.
- Dhoop should be of Chandan.
- Offer red and white color flowers.
- Akshat and Sugar should be offered to Sun.
- Kheer should be made and offered later (after all pujas)
- The kheer should be shared with family members, friends and relatives.
- The mantra on the day should be chanted using Chandan Mala.
- The mantra to be chanted is ॐ घृणि: आदित्य सूर्याय नमः॥
On Sunrise
Fill a copper vessel with water; put red chandan and red
flower in it. Face the rise sun and offer your prayers by pouring down the
water. Chant the Gayatri Mantra. Then recite the 12 names of Surya:
- Savitr
- Vivaswat
- Martanda
- Pusan
- Mitra
- Aryaman
- Dhatr
- Daksha
- Vajur
- Ashwina
- Bhaga
- Amsa
Offering red shoe flower on Sunday and Saptami Tithi to
Surya in Paush month will help in improving intelligence and knowledge.
Lighting kapur and putting kesar on it and offering dhoop to
Surya in the month will help in attaining fame and recognition.
Offering red chandan mixed water to Surya daily will help in
securing promotion and progress.