Marthanda is a manifestation of Surya, the sun god in
Hinduism. Please note that quite often Marthanda is also equated with sun (is
another name of Surya). Legend has it that Aditi, the wife of Sage Kashyapa,
was serving food to her husband. Suddenly a guest came. Aditi could only attend
the guest after she had served her husband.
Aditi Devo Bhava – Guest is considered as God in Hindu
culture. The delay in attending to him angered the guest. The guest, in a fit
of anger, cursed Aditi that she would abort her fetus.
But Sage Kashyapa saved the fetus. The child that was born
was Martanda, the one resurrected from the aborted fetus.