Eight directions or ashta dikh is of great importance in
Hindu religion. When prayers are offered to Surya, a devotee stands facing
eight directions in clockwise. A mantra is chanted for each direction. The
mantra was taught by Sri Krishna to Yudhishtira. The eight direction prayer
dedicated to Surya is given below in Hindi.
Om Bhaskaraya Namah - mantra to be chanted facing east
Om Suryaya Namah - mantra to be chanted facing southeast
Om Arkayaya Namah - mantra to be chanted facing south
Om Aryamane Namah - mantra to be chanted facing southwest
Om Vasudhatre Namah - mantra to be chanted facing west
Oam Chanbanave Namah - mantra to be chanted facing northwest
Om Pushane Namah - mantra to be chanted facing north
Om Anandaya Namah - mantra to be chanted facing northeast
Om Bhaskaraya Namah - mantra to be chanted facing east
Om Suryaya Namah - mantra to be chanted facing southeast
Om Arkayaya Namah - mantra to be chanted facing south
Om Aryamane Namah - mantra to be chanted facing southwest
Om Vasudhatre Namah - mantra to be chanted facing west
Oam Chanbanave Namah - mantra to be chanted facing northwest
Om Pushane Namah - mantra to be chanted facing north
Om Anandaya Namah - mantra to be chanted facing northeast