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Line 63: − + + + − + − − − − === बुद्धिप्रचोदकः || Buddhi Prachodaka === − As given in Rig Veda, the Gayatri mantra is as follows:<blockquote>तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि । धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥१०॥ (Rig. Veda. 3.62.10)<ref>Rig Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A9.%E0%A5%AC%E0%A5%A8 Mandala 3 Sukta 62])</ref></blockquote>However, the ritualistic procedure, recitation with intonation or svara and deities to worship is given in Taittriya Aranyaka <blockquote>ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः । तत्स॑वि॒तुर्वरेण्यं॒ भर्गो॑ दे॒वस्य॑धीमहि । धियो॒ यो नः॑ प्रचो॒दया॑त् ॥ (Tait. Aran. 2.11)<ref>Taittriya Aranyaka ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0)/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A Prapathaka 2 Anuvaka 11])</ref></blockquote>The Gayatri mantra, addressed to deity Savitru, a form of Surya is recited with high reverence by men who have undergone the sacred thread ceremony, as a part of the Upanayana since ancient times in Bharatavarsha. First given by Visvamitra maharshi, this mantra is in Gayatri chandas, praising Gayatri (a form of Saraswati). It is performed as a part of the nityakarma Sandhyavandanam, to be performed thrice a day. 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. − + − + + − + Line 97:
Line 95: − + + + + − + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − The chariot has three nabhis representing the three caturmasyas, and six bands representing the six seasons. The height of the chariot is 36 lakhs yojanas and it has a width of 8 yojanas inside. Arunadeva is his charioteer, and the seven chandas are the horses. The seven chandas are, Gayatri, Brhati, Usnik, Jagati, Tristubh, Anustubh and Pankti.(Page 296 of Reference<ref name=":1" />) + − +
added content and citations
'''Rigveda Samhita''' gives the following attributes of Surya <blockquote>चित्रं देवानामुदगादनीकं चक्षुर्मित्रस्य वरुणस्याग्नेः । आप्रा द्यावापृथिवी अन्तरिक्षं सूर्य आत्मा जगतस्तस्थुषश्च ॥१॥ (Rig Veda 1.115.1)<ref>Rig Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7.%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AB Mandala 1 Sukta 115])</ref></blockquote>Meaning : Surya is the 'atma' (soul) of all inanimate things and animate beings of the universe. The shine of Surya is the lustre (तेजस्) of the strength of all devatas put together. Rising sun represents the extraordinary 'eye' of devatas like Mitra, Varuna and Agni and spreads across the Dyurloka, Prithviloka and Antariksha filling the universe with his efflugence.<ref>Satvalekar, Pt. Sripada Damodar. (1985) ''Rigved ke Subodh Bhashya, Volume 1.'' Parady; Svadhyaya Mandal</ref>
'''Rigveda Samhita''' gives the following attributes of Surya <blockquote>चित्रं देवानामुदगादनीकं चक्षुर्मित्रस्य वरुणस्याग्नेः । आप्रा द्यावापृथिवी अन्तरिक्षं सूर्य आत्मा जगतस्तस्थुषश्च ॥१॥ (Rig Veda 1.115.1)<ref>Rig Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A7.%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AB Mandala 1 Sukta 115])</ref></blockquote>Meaning : Surya is the 'atma' (soul) of all inanimate things and animate beings of the universe. The shine of Surya is the lustre (तेजस्) of the strength of all devatas put together. Rising sun represents the extraordinary 'eye' of devatas like Mitra, Varuna and Agni and spreads across the Dyurloka, Prithviloka and Antariksha filling the universe with his efflugence.<ref>Satvalekar, Pt. Sripada Damodar. (1985) ''Rigved ke Subodh Bhashya, Volume 1.'' Parady; Svadhyaya Mandal</ref>
'''Taitriya Aranyaka''' explains <blockquote>योऽसौ तपन्नुदेति । स सर्वेषां भूतानां प्राणानादायोदेति ।..... असौ योऽस्तमेति । स सर्वेषां भूतानां प्राणा-नादायास्तमेतिं । .....(Tait. Aran. 1.14.14)<ref>Taittriya Aranyaka ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0)/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7 Prapathaka 1 Anuvaka 14])</ref> </blockquote>Meaning : When surya rises, all beings (who are asleep and mentally detached from the world during the night time), become revitalized. When surya (planetary aspect) sets, even though the world is exists, it is like dead.<ref>Narayanacharya, K. S. (2011). ''Veda Sanskritiya Parichaya, Part I''. Hubli:Sahitya Prakashana.</ref>
'''Taitriya Aranyaka''' explains <blockquote>योऽसौ तपन्नुदेति । स सर्वेषां भूतानां प्राणानादायोदेति ।..... असौ योऽस्तमेति । स सर्वेषां भूतानां प्राणा-नादायास्तमेतिं । .....(Tait. Aran. 1.14.14)<ref>Taittriya Aranyaka ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0)/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7 Prapathaka 1 Anuvaka 14])</ref> </blockquote>Meaning : When surya rises, all beings (who are asleep and mentally detached from the world during the night time), become revitalized. When surya (planetary aspect) sets, even though the world is exists, it is like dead.<ref name=":2">Narayanacharya, K. S. (2011). ''Veda Sanskritiya Parichaya, Part I''. Hubli:Sahitya Prakashana.</ref>
== सूर्यदेवतास्वरुपम् || Surya Devata Swaroopam ==
== सूर्यदेवतास्वरुपम् || Surya Devata Swaroopam ==
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. (Page No 276) </ref>
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. (Page No 276) </ref>
=== कर्मप्रवृत्तकः || Karma Pravrittaka ===
=== कर्मप्रेरकः || Karma Preraka ===
Rigveda Samhita explains <blockquote> तत् सूर्यस्य देवत्वं तन्महित्वं मध्या कर्तोर्विततं सं जभार | यदेदयुक्त हरितः सधस्थादाद्रात्री वासस्तनुते सिमस्मै || (Rig Samhita 1.115.4)<ref>Rig Veda Samhita ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhitas-mandal-01-sukta-115/ Mandala 1 Sukta 115])</ref></blockquote>Meaning: The greatness of Surya and His mastership spreads over and everything is revealed through his rays, whose setting hides all His greatness and thus putting to rest all the activities of the living entities. The rising Surya springs all beings into action and life again.
Rigveda Samhita explains <blockquote> तत् सूर्यस्य देवत्वं तन्महित्वं मध्या कर्तोर्विततं सं जभार | यदेदयुक्त हरितः सधस्थादाद्रात्री वासस्तनुते सिमस्मै || (Rig Samhita 1.115.4)<ref>Rig Veda Samhita ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhitas-mandal-01-sukta-115/ Mandala 1 Sukta 115])</ref></blockquote>Meaning: The greatness of Surya and His mastership spreads over and everything is revealed through his rays, whose setting hides all His greatness and thus putting to rest all the activities of the living entities. The rising Surya springs all beings into action and life again.
=== बुद्धिप्रचोदकः || Buddhi Prachodaka ===
As given in Rig Veda, the Gayatri mantra is as follows:<blockquote>तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि । धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥१०॥ (Rig. Veda. 3.62.10)<ref>Rig Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A9.%E0%A5%AC%E0%A5%A8 Mandala 3 Sukta 62])</ref></blockquote>However, the ritualistic procedure, recitation with intonation or svara and deities to worship along with the chanting of Gayatri mantra is given in Taittriya Aranyaka. <blockquote>ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः । तत्स॑वि॒तुर्वरेण्यं॒ भर्गो॑ दे॒वस्य॑धीमहि । धियो॒ यो नः॑ प्रचो॒दया॑त् ॥ (Tait. Aran. 2.11)<ref>Taittriya Aranyaka ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0)/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A Prapathaka 2 Anuvaka 11])</ref></blockquote>The Gayatri mantra, addressed to deity Savitru, a form of Surya is recited with high reverence by men who have undergone the sacred thread ceremony, as a part of the Upanayana since ancient times in Bharatavarsha. First given by Visvamitra maharshi, this mantra is in Gayatri chandas, praising Gayatri (a form of Saraswati). Sandhyavandanam is performed thrice a day as a part of the nityakarma and Gayatri mantra japam is an important aspect during that time. It addresses the Surya as "one who illuminates my Mind and activates my Buddhi". And it also says that Surya is the one who gives us inspiration for wisdom.<ref>Narayanacharya, K. S. (2011). ''Veda Sanskritiya Parichaya, Part I''. Hubli:Sahitya Prakashana.</ref>
=== आरोग्यप्रदाता || Arogya Pradata ===
=== आरोग्यप्रदाता || Arogya Pradata ===
आरोग्यं भास्करादिच्छेद्धनमिच्छेद्धुताशनात् । ईश्वराज्ज्ञानमिच्छेच्च मोक्षमिच्छेज्जनार्दनात् ।। ६८.४१ ।। (Mats. Pura. 68.41)<ref>Matsya Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AC%E0%A5%AE Adhyaya 68])</ref>
<blockquote>आरोग्यं भास्करादिच्छेद्धनमिच्छेद्धुताशनात् । ईश्वराज्ज्ञानमिच्छेच्च मोक्षमिच्छेज्जनार्दनात् ।। ६८.४१ ।। (Mats. Pura. 68.41)<ref>Matsya Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AC%E0%A5%AE Adhyaya 68])</ref></blockquote>Meaning : Health ought to be sought from Bhaskara (sun), wealth from Hutashana (Agni), Jnana (knowledge) from Ishvara and Moksha (liberation) from Janardhana (Vishnu).<ref>Basu, B. D. (1916) ''[https://archive.org/stream/in.ernet.dli.2015.45856/2015.45856.The-Matsya-Puranam#page/n221/mode/2up The Matsya Puranam , Part 1.]'' Allahabad: The Panini Office, Bhuvaneswari Asrama, Bahadurganj</ref>
Meaning : Health ought to be sought from Bhaskara (sun), wealth from Hutashana (Agni), Jnana (knowledge) from Ishvara and Moksha (liberation) from Janardhana (Vishnu).<ref>Basu, B. D. (1916) ''[https://archive.org/stream/in.ernet.dli.2015.45856/2015.45856.The-Matsya-Puranam#page/n221/mode/2up The Matsya Puranam , Part 1.]'' Allahabad: The Panini Office, Bhuvaneswari Asrama, Bahadurganj</ref>
=== आत्मा || Atma ===
Worshiping Surya for health is an ancient practice prescribed in astrological texts.
सूर्यः आत्मा जङ्गमस्य च स्थावरस्य च । । १२.१६ । (Nirukta 12.16<ref name=":0">Nirukta ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 12])</ref>)
=== आत्मास्वरूपः || Atma Swaroopa ===
<blockquote>सूर्यः आत्मा जङ्गमस्य च स्थावरस्य च । । १२.१६ । (Nirukta 12.16<ref name=":0">Nirukta ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 12])</ref>)</blockquote>Meaning : Surya is the Atma or inner self of the animate and inanimate creation.
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.<ref name=":2" />
=== वेदस्वरूपः || Veda Swaroopa ===
=== वेदस्वरूपः || Veda Swaroopa ===
Surya exists within the universe and is called Martanda as he is said to have originated from the dead (mrta) egg (anda). Surya divides the sky, heaven, hell, the earth, east, west, north, south etc. from one another.<ref name=":1" />
Surya exists within the universe and is called Martanda as he is said to have originated from the dead (mrta) egg (anda). Surya divides the sky, heaven, hell, the earth, east, west, north, south etc. from one another.<ref name=":1" />
The rotation and revolutions of the planetary systems, Dhruva (son of Uttanapada) mandala (the constellation of Polaris), formation of clouds, precipitation as rains, vishuvats (equinoxes and solisticies), ayanas (uttarayana, daksinayana), winds and movements, and finally division of time are well described in Brahmandapurana (Purvabhaga, Adhyayas 20 to 24)<ref>Brahmanda Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%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%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%A8 Purvabhaga, Adhyaya 22])</ref>. <blockquote>ध्रुवेणाधिष्टितश्चैव सूर्योऽपो गृह्य वर्षति ।। तदेष दीप्त किरणः स कालग्निर्दिवाकरः ।। २२.१२ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>परिवर्त्तक्रमाद्विप्रा भाभिरालोकयन् दिशः ।। सूर्यः किरणजालेन वायुयुक्तेन सर्वशः ।। २२.१३ ।। </blockquote><blockquote>जगतो जलमादत्ते कृत्स्नस्य द्विजसत्तमाः ।। आदित्यपीतं सकलं सोमः संक्रमते जलम् ।। २२.१४ ।।</blockquote>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. (Page No 292) </ref>
The rotation and revolutions of the planetary systems, Dhruva (son of Uttanapada) mandala (the constellation of Polaris), formation of clouds, precipitation as rains, vishuvats (equinoxes and solisticies), ayanas (uttarayana, daksinayana), winds and movements, and finally division of time are well described in Brahmandapurana (Purvabhaga, Adhyayas 20 to 24)<ref name=":3">Brahmanda Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%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%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%A8 Purvabhaga, Adhyaya 22])</ref>.
==== Water Cycle ====
<blockquote>ध्रुवेणाधिष्टितश्चैव सूर्योऽपो गृह्य वर्षति ।। तदेष दीप्त किरणः स कालग्निर्दिवाकरः ।। २२.१२ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>परिवर्त्तक्रमाद्विप्रा भाभिरालोकयन् दिशः ।। सूर्यः किरणजालेन वायुयुक्तेन सर्वशः ।। २२.१३ ।। </blockquote><blockquote>जगतो जलमादत्ते कृत्स्नस्य द्विजसत्तमाः ।। आदित्यपीतं सकलं सोमः संक्रमते जलम् ।। २२.१४ ।।</blockquote>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. (Page No 292) </ref>
=== सूर्यरथः || Surya's Chariot ===
=== सूर्यरथः || Surya's Chariot ===
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.
Brahmapurana (Purvabhaga, Adhyaya 22) gives a complete description of Surya's chariot.<blockquote>संस्थितेनैकचक्रेण पंचारेण त्रिनाभिना ।। हिरण्मयेन भगवांस्तथैव हरिदर्वणा ।। २२.६१ ।। <ref name=":3" /></blockquote>Meaning : Surya's proceeds by means of a golden chariot that has a single wheel with five spokes and three nabhis and a single rim with six phases. Its horses are green. The whole chariot, embellished with gold, shines brightly.<ref name=":4">Tagare, G. V. (2000 Reprint) [https://archive.org/stream/BrahmandaPurana/BrahmandaPuI#page/n297/mode/2up The Brahmanda Purana, Part 1.] Delhi : Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd. (Page No 299)</ref> <blockquote>स तस्य ब्रह्मणा सृष्टो रथो ह्यर्थवशेन तु ।। असंगः कांचनो दिव्यो युक्तः पवनगैर्हयैः ।। २२.६४ ।।</blockquote>Meaning : His chariot is divine and golden. It is drawn with horses swift as the wind. It has no impediments anywhere. It was for a specific purpose that it was created by Brahma.<ref name=":4" />
It is by this means that Surya traverses the skies. The Vedic meters in the form of seven horses draw the chariot by the left. The wheel is fixed to the Axis and the axis is laid on Dhruva. The extremities of the harness and the axis of the chariot that move in circles in the sky are caught hold of by Dhruva. Both the rein-chords whirl on the axis and they follow Dhruva who too revolves. During Uttarayana the rein-chords become reduced (in lenght) as they move in circles. During the Dakshinayana they increase in size.
==== Esoteric Significance<ref name=":4" /> ====
The chariot is occupied and presided over by the Devatas, Adityas, Rishis, Gandharvas, Apsaras, Gramanis, Serpents and Rakshasas. This sublime concept of the chariot is based on the Yajurveda (15.15.19).
* Devatas, Rishis and Gandharvas represent light and immortality - the actinic portion of the solar spectra.
* Serpents, Gramanis and Rakshasas signify heat or death or the thermal field of the solar spectra.
* This heptad signifies the mutual difference in the different "wavelengths" of the seven colours. This may be called as the Puranic VIBGYOR.
{| class="wikitable"
!
!Madhu and Madhava
!Suchi and Sukra
!Nabhas and Nabhasya
!Asvina and Kartika
!Hemanta
!Tapas and Tapasya
|-
!Devatas
|Dhatru and Aryaman
|Mitra and Varuna
|Indra and Vivasvin
|Parjanya and Pusa
|Arhasha and Bhaga
|Tvastr and Vishnu
|-
!Rishis
|Pulastya and Pulaha Prajapati
|Atri and Vasishta
|Angirasa and Bhrugu
|Bharadhvaja and Gautama
|Kashyapa and Kratu
|Jamadajnya and Visvamitra
|-
!Gandharvas
|Narada and Tumburu
|Haha and Huhu
|Vishvavasu and Ugrasena
|Pravasu and Suruchi
|Chitrasena and Urnayu
|Dhrtarastra and Suryavarchas
|-
!Yakshas
|Rathakrit and Rathaujas
|Rathasvana and Rathachitra
|Sveta and Aruna
|Syenajit and Susena
|Tarksha and Aristanemi
|Rtajit and Satyajit
|-
!Apsaras
|Susthala and Punjikasthala
|Sahajanya and Menaka
|Pramlocha and Anumlocha
|Visvachi and Ghritachi
|Urvasi and Purvachitti
|Tilottama and Rambha
|-
!Serpents
|Airavata, Vasuki, Karsha, Bhima
|Takshaka and Rambhaka
|Elapatra and Sankhapala
|Airavata and Dhananjaya
|Mahapadma and Karkotaka
|Kambala and Asvatara
|-
!Rakshasas
|Heti and Praheti
|Paurusheya and Vadha
|Sarpa and Vyaghra
|Apas and Vata
|Vidyutsphurja and Satayu
|Brahmapeta and Yajnapeta
|}
Puranic Encyclopedia gives a different version of Surya's chariot as follows:
Night is called Usa and day Vyusti and the time in between is Sandhya. (Ref 2)
The wheel represents a year and the twelve spokes stand for the twelve months of the year. The chariot has three nabhis representing the three caturmasyas, and six bands representing the six seasons. The height of the chariot is 36 lakhs yojanas and it has a width of 8 yojanas inside. Arunadeva is his charioteer, and the seven chandas are the horses. The seven chandas are, Gayatri, Brhati, Usnik, Jagati, Tristubh, Anustubh and Pankti. Night is called Usa and day Vyusti and the time in between is Sandhya (Page 296 of Reference<ref name=":1" />).
=== सूर्यग्रहणम् || Solar Eclipse ===
=== सूर्यग्रहणम् || Solar Eclipse ===