Surya Dev, the Sun God, is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. He symbolizes light, energy, and the life-giving force. Worshiping Surya Dev is believed to bring health, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to pray to Surya Dev, along with some additional information, simple prayers, puja steps, associated gods and goddesses, mantras, rare facts, and relevant traditions.
1. Importance of Surya Dev in Hinduism
Surya Dev is considered the source of all life and energy on Earth. He is often depicted riding a chariot driven by seven horses, which represent the seven colors of light and the seven days of the week. In the Vedas, Surya is referred to as the soul of all that moves and is immovable. He is also associated with health and well-being, as sunlight is essential for life.
2. Simple Prayers to Surya Dev
Here are a few simple prayers that you can recite while worshiping Surya Dev:
Surya Namaskar Mantra:
Om Mitraya Namah (Salutations to the Friend of All) Om Ravaye Namah (Salutations to the Shining One) Om Suryaya Namah (Salutations to the Dispenser of Light) Om Bhanave Namah (Salutations to the Bright One) Om Khagaya Namah (Salutations to the All-Perceiving One) Om Pushne Namah (Salutations to the Nourisher)
Aditya Hridayam Stotra:
Japa Kusuma Sankasham Kashyapeyam Mahadyutim Tamorim Sarva Papaghnam Pranatosmi Divakaram (I salute the Sun, who is red like a hibiscus flower, the descendant of Kashyapa, the one with great brilliance, the destroyer of darkness and sins)
Gayatri Mantra:
Om Bhur Bhuvaḥ Svaḥ Tat Savitur Vareṇyaṃ Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo Naḥ Prachodayat (We meditate on the glory of the Creator, who has created the universe, who is worthy of worship, who is the embodiment of knowledge and light, who is the remover of all sin and ignorance. May He enlighten our intellect.)
3. Puja Steps to Worship Surya Dev
Worshiping Surya Dev can be done daily, but Sundays and the time of sunrise are considered particularly auspicious. Here are the steps for a simple Surya puja:
Preparation:
- Wake up early, ideally before sunrise.
- Take a bath and wear clean clothes, preferably in shades of red, orange, or yellow, which are associated with the Sun.
- Find a clean place, preferably facing the east, where you can see the rising sun.
Offering Water (Arghya):
- Stand facing the Sun with a copper vessel (kalash) filled with water. Add red flowers, kumkum (vermillion), rice, and a few grains of wheat.
- Slowly pour the water in a steady stream while reciting the Surya Gayatri Mantra:
Om Bhaskaraya Vidmahe Mahadyutikaraya Dhimahi Tanno Aditya Prachodayat
Lighting a Diya (Lamp):
- Light a ghee or oil lamp and place it in front of the Surya idol or image.
- Offer red flowers, kumkum, and sandalwood paste to the image.
Reciting Mantras and Stotras:
- Chant the Surya Namaskar Mantras or the Aditya Hridayam Stotra with devotion.
- Meditate on the brilliance of Surya Dev, imagining his rays filling you with energy and vitality.
Offering Prasad:
- Offer fruits, especially red or orange-colored fruits like oranges or pomegranates, as well as sweets.
- Distribute the prasad to family members after the puja.
Concluding the Puja:
- Conclude the puja with a final prayer, asking for Surya Dev’s blessings for good health, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
4. Ideal Gods or Goddesses to Worship Alongside Surya Dev
Surya Dev is often worshiped alongside other deities to enhance the spiritual benefits:
- Mata Aditya (Sun God’s Consort): She is often invoked during Surya puja to gain blessings for good fortune and well-being.
- Chhaya Devi: Another consort of Surya Dev, who represents his shadow and is worshipped for protection.
- Hanuman: Devotees often worship Lord Hanuman on Sundays, along with Surya Dev, as Hanuman is considered the son of the wind god Vayu and a devotee of Surya.
- Shiva: Lord Shiva is associated with the sun as a source of life and is often worshipped alongside Surya Dev, especially in the form of Rudra.
5. Important Mantras for Surya Dev
Here are a few powerful mantras associated with Surya Dev:
Surya Gayatri Mantra:
Om Adityaya Vidmahe Sahasra Kiranaya Dhimahi Tanno Surya Prachodayat
Beej Mantra of Surya:
Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah
Aruna Prashna (From the Taittiriya Aranyaka): This is a Vedic hymn dedicated to Surya, recited during the Surya Namaskar. It is long and requires dedicated practice to chant properly.
6. Rare Facts about Surya Dev
- Surya in Different Cultures: Surya is worshiped in various forms across different cultures. In Zoroastrianism, the Sun is revered as a symbol of divine light, and in ancient Egypt, the Sun God was known as Ra.
- Surya and the Chakras: In Hinduism, Surya Dev is associated with the Manipura Chakra (Solar Plexus), which governs personal power, energy, and self-esteem.
- The Surya Siddhanta: This ancient Indian text is one of the earliest works on astronomy, attributed to Surya Dev. It lays the foundation for Hindu astronomy.
7. Relevant Traditions and Festivals
- Makar Sankranti: Celebrated in January, this festival marks the sun’s entry into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). It signifies the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. Devotees take holy dips in rivers and worship Surya Dev for prosperity.
- Ratha Saptami: This festival, celebrated in February, symbolizes the seventh day of the sun's movement towards the northern hemisphere. Devotees perform a special puja to Surya Dev and offer prayers for good health and longevity.
- Chhath Puja: Predominantly celebrated in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, this four-day festival is dedicated to Surya Dev and his sister Chhathi Maiya. It involves fasting, offering prayers, and taking holy dips in rivers at sunrise and sunset.
Praying to Surya Dev is a practice steeped in tradition and reverence. By performing Surya puja, one can invite the blessings of the Sun God into their life, fostering physical and spiritual well-being. Whether through simple daily rituals or more elaborate pujas on special days, worshiping Surya Dev is a powerful way to align oneself with the divine energy that sustains all life on Earth.