Surya Ashtottara Shatanamavali in pdf - 108 names of Surya – Importance And Role Of Navagraha Surya In Hinduism
Importance And Role Of Navagraha Surya In Hinduism
Navagraha Surya, or the Sun God, holds immense significance
and plays a pivotal role in Hinduism. Revered as a symbol of life, light, and
energy, Surya is not only a celestial deity but also a vital aspect of Hindu
cosmology and spirituality. Here's an expanded view of the importance and role
of Navagraha Surya in Hinduism:
Source of Life and Light: In Hindu mythology, Surya is
considered the source of all life on earth. His radiant light and warmth
sustain existence, making him essential for the sustenance of life. The Sun is
also symbolic of knowledge and enlightenment, dispelling the darkness of
ignorance.
Cosmic Significance: Surya is one of the Navagrahas, the
nine celestial bodies that influence human lives according to Hindu astrology.
The position of the Sun at the time of one's birth is believed to shape their
personality, temperament, and destiny. Devotees often worship Surya to mitigate
the negative effects of planetary positions or to enhance their positive
influence.
Deity of Health and Healing: Surya is associated with good
health and vitality. Worshiping Surya is believed to bestow strength, vitality,
and immunity. In some Hindu rituals, devotees offer water to the Sun during
sunrise as a form of purification and to seek blessings for good health.
Symbol of Divinity and Worship: Surya is revered as a deity
in Hinduism and is worshipped in various forms across different regions of
India. The most common form of worship is through the Surya Namaskar, a
sequence of yoga postures performed in reverence to the Sun. Temples dedicated
to Surya, such as the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha, stand as magnificent
architectural marvels and centers of devotion.
Mythological Narratives: Hindu scriptures contain numerous
stories and myths surrounding Surya. He is often depicted riding a chariot
driven by seven horses, symbolizing the days of the week. The most famous
narrative is the story of Surya's son, Hanuman, who is an ardent devotee of
Lord Rama.
Festival Celebrations: The most notable festival dedicated
to Surya is Chhath Puja, widely celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of
Uttar Pradesh. During this four-day festival, devotees offer prayers to the Sun
God, seeking blessings for prosperity, well-being, and longevity. The festival
is marked by rigorous rituals, including fasting, holy bathing, and offering
prayers to the rising and setting Sun.
Symbol of Time and Cyclical Nature: Surya symbolizes the
cyclical nature of time in Hindu cosmology. His journey across the sky, from
dawn to dusk, represents the passage of time and the cycle of life, death, and
rebirth. This symbolism underscores the transient nature of existence and the
eternal rhythm of the universe.
In essence, Navagraha Surya holds a multifaceted role in
Hinduism, embodying the principles of life, light, vitality, and divine grace.
Worshipping Surya is not only an act of reverence but also a means of seeking
blessings for health, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment.