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Surya appears in Rig veda as Mitra along with Varuna mostly in Vedic literature as against Surya or the Bhaskara in more recent spiritual texts.  There are different opinions about the Dwasasha Aditya's and Surya's association with them. Following are the different aspects associated with Surya across the various texts.   

Surya appears in Rig veda as Mitra along with Varuna mostly in Vedic literature as against Surya or the Bhaskara in more recent spiritual texts.  There are different opinions about the Dwasasha Aditya's and Surya's association with them. Following are the different aspects associated with Surya across the various texts.   

*    '''Gayatri mantra''' : The Gayathri mantra is essentially a prayer for awakening of wisdom of the mind. This internal wisdom and Jnana is far more brighter than the external brightness that is coming from Surya. Meditation thus shows the way because all aspire that our intelligence may lead us to right path. Thus Surya as Savitru stands for knowledge.

*    '''सन्ध्यावन्दनम् ||''' '''Sandhyavandanam''' : All the Veda prescribed activities start with Surya for example, performance of Sandhyavandam and Suryanamaskarams.

* '''Sandhyavandanam''' : All the Veda prescribed activities start with Surya for example, performance of Sandhyavandam and Suryanamaskarams.

*    '''बुद्धिप्रचोदकः || Buddhi Prachodaka'''  The Gayathri mantra is essentially a prayer for internal awakening of wisdom of the mind. All beings aspire that our intelligence may lead us to right path. Thus Surya as Savitru stands for knowledge.

* '''Karma Pravrittaka''' : He inspires all the living beings into performing their duties an activities of daily life.  

* '''कर्मप्रवृत्तकः ||''' '''Karma Pravrittaka''' : He inspires all the living beings into performing their duties an activities of daily life.  

* '''Arogya Pradaata''' : 'Aarogyam bhaskaraadichhet' as given in the texts imparts great significance to Surya as the bestower of health to mankind.   

* '''आरोग्यप्रदाता || Arogya Pradaata''' : 'Aarogyam bhaskaraadichhet' as given in the texts imparts great significance to Surya as the bestower of health to mankind.   

* '''Dwadasha Adityas''' : The dwadasha (12) Adityas (sons of [[Aditi and Diti|Aditi]] or the Devamata) are different forms of Surya having different roles and personifications of natural phenomena.   

* '''आदित्यस्वरूपः || Dwadasha Adityas''' : The dwadasha (12) Adityas (sons of [[Aditi and Diti|Aditi]] or the Devamata) are different forms of Surya having different roles and personifications of natural phenomena.   

* '''Navagraha Adhipati''' : Surya receives a prominent position among devatas and he is the first among the Navagrahas. Ravi or Surya is the adhipati (leader) of the navagrahas and associated with the precious stone 'ruby'.   

* '''नवग्रहाधिपतिः || Navagraha Adhipati''' : Surya receives a prominent position among devatas and he is the first among the Navagrahas. Ravi or Surya is the adhipati (leader) of the navagrahas and associated with the precious stone 'ruby'.   

* '''Panchaloka Palaka''' : Ganapati, Surya, Vishnu, Durga/Devi, And Shiva form the panchalokapalakas who are the deities worshiped in the altars of householders according to some prominent traditions (panchayatana puja) of Sanatana Dharma.  

* '''पञ्चलोकपालकः || Panchaloka Palaka''' : Ganapati, Surya, Vishnu, Durga/Devi, And Shiva form the panchalokapalakas who are the deities worshiped in the altars of householders according to some prominent traditions (panchayatana puja) of Sanatana Dharma.  

* '''Purana Purusha''' : Innumerable instances of Surya are seen in Puranas (Bhavisya Purana was told by Surya to Manu), Ramayana (Lord of Ikshwaku dynasty, Father of Sugriva, Guru of [[Hanuman]]) and Mahabharata (as the father of Karna, Bestower of Akshayapatra to Yudhisthira). He was worshiped and pleased by Yagnavalkya, to whom he gave the Yajurveda knowledge thus Vajasaneya (Shukla) Shaka of Yajurveda came into existence.  

* '''पुराणपुरुषः || Purana Purusha''' : Innumerable instances of Surya are seen in Puranas (Bhavisya Purana was told by Surya to Manu), Ramayana (Lord of Ikshwaku dynasty, Father of Sugriva, Guru of [[Hanuman]]) and Mahabharata (as the father of Karna, Bestower of Akshayapatra to Yudhisthira). He was worshiped and pleased by Yagnavalkya, to whom he gave the Yajurveda knowledge thus Vajasaneya (Shukla) Shaka of Yajurveda came into existence.  

* '''Surya Loka''' :  He offers shelter to about 60,0000 Valakhilyas who surround and meditate upon the Surya Paramatma, in Surya mandala or Loka.

* '''सूर्यलोकः || Surya Loka''' :  He offers shelter to about 60,0000 Valakhilyas who surround and meditate upon the Surya Paramatma, in Surya mandala or Loka.

* '''Chakshu'''  : In Jyothisha Surya is represents the power of sight, right eye and illnesses associated with it.

* '''ज्योतिष्यांशः|| Jyotisha aspects''' : The Brhdaranyaka, Chandogya and Kausitaki Upanishads expound the Atmatattva of Surya and path for the realization of the soul. Surya is the Atmakaraka according to Jyotishashastra and represents the power of sight, right eye and illnesses associated with it. Surya Siddhatanta, is an authoritative text on astronomy and calculations of time prescribed in the field of Jyotisha (Vedanga) of the Vedic period.  

* '''Atma karaka''' : The Brhdaranyaka, Chandogya and Kausitaki Upanishads expound the Atmatattva of Surya and path for the realization of the soul.

* '''सू्र्योपनिषद् ||Suryopanishad''' :  A minor Upanishad in the name of Surya.

* '''Suryopanishad''' :  A minor Upanishad in the name of Surya.

* '''सूर्यरश्मयः ||Surya rashmi''' : The characteristic seven rays of the Suryarashmi (sun rays) and their importance in sustaining life forms.(Kurma Purana, Purvabhaga, Adhyaya 43)<ref>Kurmapurana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%BD%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Purvabhaga Adhyaya 43])</ref>

* '''Surya rashmi''' : The characteristic seven rays of the Suryarashmi (sun rays) form the rainbow (Kurma Purana, Purvabhaga, Adhyaya 43)

Therefore Surya represents the unlimited power of God, His brightness, Creation and the power of imparting knowledge. Surya Siddhatanta, is an authoritative text on astronomy and calculations of time prescribed in the field of Jyotisha (Vedanga) of the Vedic period. Jyotisha as one of the Vedanga, deals with ascertaining the time of the day and forecasting auspicious day and time for Vedic rituals (muhurta).

'''[[Amarakosha]]''' defines the following about Surya in व्योमादिवर्ग (Prathama kanda Slokas 29 - 32, Page No 29 of Reference <ref>[http://www.sanskritebooks.org/2009/07/amara-kosa-the-sanskrit-thesaurus-with-notes-index/ Amarakosha]</ref>)  <blockquote>सूरसुर्यार्यमादित्यद्वादशात्मदिवाकराः । भास्कराहस्करव्रध्नप्रभाकरदिवाकराः || (Amara 1. व्योमा. 29)</blockquote><blockquote>भास्वद्विस्वत्सप्ताश्वहरिदश्वोष्णरश्मयः । विकर्तनार्कमार्तण्डमिहिरारुणपूषणः || (Amara 1. व्योमा. 30)</blockquote><blockquote>द्युमणिस्तरणिर्मित्रस्चित्रभानुर्विरोचनः । विभावसुर्ग्रहपतिस्त्विषांपतिरहर्पतिः || (Amara 1. व्योमा. 31)</blockquote><blockquote>भानुर्हंसः सहस्रांशुस्तपनः सविता रविः । माठरः पिङ्लो दण्डश्चण्डांशोः पारिपार्श्विकाः || (Amara 1. व्योमा. 32)</blockquote>Synonyms for Surya include Soora, Surya, Yama, Aditya, Dwadashatma, Divakara, Bhaskara, Ahaskara, Martanda, Aruna, Pushana, Tarani, Mitra, Chitrabhanu, Tapana and many others as given above.

==    व्युत्पत्ति || Etymology  ==

[[Sayanacharya (सायनाचार्यः)|Sayanaacharya]] in '''Saayanabhashyam''' while defining Surya, explains:<blockquote>sushtu aryaha swami sarvantharaymi thaya sushtu prerakaha (Ref?)</blockquote>Meaning : The best of the masters, sarvatharayami (one who dwells everywhere), the best inspirer- such paramatma is compared to Surya.   

'''[[Amarakosha]]''' defines the following about Surya in व्योमादिवर्ग (Prathama kanda Slokas 29 - 32)  <blockquote>"सूरसुर्यार्यमादित्यद्वादशात्मदिवाकराः । भास्कराहस्करव्रध्नप्रभाकरदिवाकराः || (Amara 1. व्योमा. 29)"</blockquote><blockquote>"भास्वद्विस्वत्सप्ताश्वहरिदश्वोष्णरश्मयः । विकर्तनार्कमार्तण्डमिहिरारुणपूषणः || (Amara 1. व्योमा. 30)"</blockquote><blockquote>"द्युमणिस्तरणिर्मित्रस्चित्रभानुर्विरोचनः । विभावसुर्ग्रहपतिस्त्विषांपतिरहर्पतिः || (Amara 1. व्योमा. 31)"</blockquote><blockquote>"भानुर्हंसः सहस्रांशुस्तपनः सविता रविः । माठरः पिङ्लो दण्डश्चण्डांशोः पारिपार्श्विकाः || (Amara 1. व्योमा. 32)"</blockquote>Synonyms for Surya include Soora, Surya, Yama, Aditya, Dwadashatma, Divakara, Bhaskara, Ahaskara, Martanda, Aruna, Pushana, Tarani, Mitra, Chitrabhanu, Tapana and many others as given above.   

[[Sayanacharya (सायनाचार्यः)|Sayanaacharya]] in '''Saayanabhashyam''' while defining Surya, explains:<blockquote>"sushtu aryaha swami sarvantharaymi thaya sushtu prerakaha (Ref?)"</blockquote>Meaning : The best of the masters, sarvatharayami (one who dwells everywhere), the best inspirer- such paramatma is compared to Surya.   

Yaska maharshi explains in '''Nirukthi'''<blockquote>suryaha sathirva suthirva suryathe va (Ref?)</blockquote>Meaning : Surya is One who travels, one who creates and one who inspires.   

Yaska maharshi explains in '''Nirukthi'''<blockquote>"suryaha sathirva suthirva suryathe va (Ref?)"</blockquote>Meaning : Surya is One who travels, one who creates and one who inspires.

The mantras connected to Surya, are chanted and recited by those who perform their daily sandhyavandanam, as Surya is the 'preraka (inspirer) to perform one's Karma. Rig Mantras consider Surya as the eyes of Vedapurusha and the 'antaratma' as explained in '''Rig Samhita''' as follows <blockquote>चित्रं देवानामुदगादनीकं चक्षुर्मित्रस्य वरुणस्याग्नेः |</blockquote><blockquote>आप्रा दयावाप्र्थिवी अन्तरिक्षं सूर्य आत्मा जगतस्तस्थुषश्च || (Rig Veda 1.115.1)</blockquote><blockquote>citraṃ devānāmudaghādanīkaṃ cakṣurmitrasya varuṇasyāghneḥ |</blockquote><blockquote>āprā dyāvāpṛthivī antarikṣaṃ sūrya ātmā jaghatastasthuṣaśca || (Rig Veda 1.115.1)</blockquote>Meaning : One who is antaryami taya sarvasya prerakaha paramatma according to Sayana Acarya whose commentary says that 'Surya is the atma of the universe and the cause of the universe'.

'''Taitriya Aranyaka''' explains  <blockquote>yo asau tapan udethi' (1.14.1) </blockquote>Meaning : Surya is the atma of the universe.  

 

'''Taitriya Aranyaka''' explains  <blockquote>"yo asau tapan udethi' (1.14.1) "</blockquote>Meaning : Surya is the atma of the universe.  

When Sun rises, the people who are asleep and mentally detached from the world ('dead to the world') during the night time, become revitalized. It becomes [[Sat (सत्)|Sat]] if he sets, even though the world is there, it is almost like dead. Paramatma is always responsible for wakefulness, sleep, living and dying, completeness and incompleteness as per Sayana in his bhashya.

When Sun rises, the people who are asleep and mentally detached from the world ('dead to the world') during the night time, become revitalized. It becomes [[Sat (सत्)|Sat]] if he sets, even though the world is there, it is almost like dead. Paramatma is always responsible for wakefulness, sleep, living and dying, completeness and incompleteness as per Sayana in his bhashya.

== देवतास्वरुपम् ॥ Surya Devataswaroopam ==

== देवतास्वरुपम् ॥ Surya Devataswaroopam ==

It is said that the Surya was born to Kasyapa by his wife Aditi. Several sons were born to Kashyapa by Aditi the daughter of Daksa. They are known by the names Adityas, Vasus, Rudras and so on. Of these, Adityas (son of Aditi)  are twelve in number. There is a difference of opinion as to who these [[Dwadasa Adityas]] (12 Adityas) are. Very often these names are used as synonyms of Sun.  

It is said that the Surya was born to Kasyapa by his wife Aditi. Several sons were born to Kashyapa by Aditi the daughter of Daksa. They are known by the names Adityas, Vasus, Rudras and so on. Of these, Adityas (son of Aditi)  are twelve in number. There is a difference of opinion as to who these [[Dwadasa Adityas]] (12 Adityas) are. Very often these names are used as synonyms of Sun.  

Legend goes that Surya has two wives Samjna, who was the daughter of Viswakarma, and Chaya.  Samjna begot three children by Surya : '''Manu, [[Yama (यम)|Yama]] and Yami.'''  

Legend goes that Surya has two wives Samjna, who was the daughter of Viswakarma, and Chaya.  Samjna begot three children by Surya : '''Manu, [[Yama (यम)|Yama]] and Yami.'''  

== Surya and Kalachakra ==

== Surya and Kalachakra ==

Surya exists within the universe, and is called Martanda as he is said to have originated from the dead (mrta) egg (anda).   

 

Surya exists within the universe, and is called Martanda as he is said to have originated from the dead (mrta) egg (anda).   <blockquote>अवति त्रीनिमाँल्लोकान् यस्मात्सूर्यः परिभ्रमन् ।। अविधातुः प्रकाशाख्यो ह्यवनात्स रविः स्मृतः ।। २१.४ ।। (Brahmanda. Pura. 1.21.4)</blockquote>Meaning : The root अव Av means illumination and protection. Revolving all round, the sun illuminates and protects the three worlds. Hence, on account of illumination and protection he is remembered as रविः Ravi.<ref>Tagare, G. V. (2000 Reprint) [https://archive.org/stream/BrahmandaPurana/BrahmandaPuI#page/n275/mode/2up The Brahmanda Purana, Part 1.] Delhi : Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd. </ref>  

 

Surya divides the sky, heaven, hell, the earth, east, west, north, south etc. from one another.   

ध्रुवेणाधिष्टितश्चैव सूर्योऽपो गृह्य वर्षति ।। तदेष दीप्त किरणः स कालग्निर्दिवाकरः ।। २२.१२ ।।  

According to the travel course of Surya three periods of time or 'seasons' like uttarayana, daksinayana and visuvat are caused.   

 

Meaning : Presided over by Dhruva, surya (sun) takes up water and showers it. This sun whose rays are ablaze, is the fire of the destruction of the universe. In the course of his revolution, Oh Brahmanas, he illuminates the दिशः quarters. With the mass of his rays and accompanied by the wind, the sun takes away the water of the entire world, Oh Brahmanas. The moon transmits the entire water drunk by the sun. <ref>Tagare, G. V. (2000 Reprint) [https://archive.org/stream/BrahmandaPurana/BrahmandaPuI#page/n291/mode/2up The Brahmanda Purana, Part 1.] Delhi : Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd. </ref>  

Surya's chariot has one wheel and twelve spokes. The wheel represents a year and the twelve spokes stand for the twelve months of the year.   

Surya's chariot has one wheel and twelve spokes. The wheel represents a year and the twelve spokes stand for the twelve months of the year.   

Surya is the devata for Gayatri mantra which explains " May the light coming from Surya activate my Mind or Buddhi" . And it also says that Surya or Bhagavan is the one who gives us inspiration for wisdom. It also explains that it is the beautiful harmony between jnana and karma. This is the breath  or essence of Gayathri and it is a beautiful formula to make life auspicious and wonderful. In this way Surya or sun god is initiator or inspirer for all activities.  

Surya is the devata for Gayatri mantra which explains " May the light coming from Surya activate my Mind or Buddhi" . And it also says that Surya or Bhagavan is the one who gives us inspiration for wisdom. It also explains that it is the beautiful harmony between jnana and karma. This is the breath  or essence of Gayathri and it is a beautiful formula to make life auspicious and wonderful. In this way Surya or sun god is initiator or inspirer for all activities.  

====== Atma Jnanakaraka ======

====== Atmajnanakaraka ======

 

Surya represents transcendental knowledge and also only because of him the great karma or the great action becomes inspired. He represents that Light or Jnana which is beyond the external sun, called as 'paranjyothi'  as a personification of Knowledge of the Brahman.   

Surya represents transcendental knowledge and also only because of him the great karma or the great action becomes inspired. He represents that Light or Jnana which is beyond the external sun, called as 'paranjyothi'  as a personification of Knowledge of the Brahman.   

== References ==

== References ==

# Narayanacharya, K. S. (2011). ''Veda Sanskritiya Parichaya, Part I''. Hubli:​Sahitya Prakashana​.

# Narayanacharya, K. S. (2011). ''Veda Sanskritiya Parichaya, Part I''. Hubli:​Sahitya Prakashana​.

# Amarakosha Reference : <nowiki>http://www.sanskritebooks.org/2009/07/amara-kosa-the-sanskrit-thesaurus-with-notes-index/</nowiki> (Page no 29)

#