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Editing and adding transliteration for newsletter use
Surya (Samskrit : सूर्यः) occupies a prominent position in bharateeya samskruti as 'Pratyaksha Daivam' since Vedic times. Vedic wisdom of human consciousness was 'to see light'. For life to be complete and viewed beautifully the primary requirement is to dispel darkness. In the philosophical sense this 'seeing light' is said to be 'attaining knowledge', that which dispels the ignorance of Self and realization of Paramatma.
Surya (Samskrit : सूर्यः) occupies a prominent position in bharatiya samskrti as 'Pratyaksha Daiva' since Vedic times. Vedic wisdom of human consciousness was 'to see light'. For life to be complete and viewed beautifully the primary requirement is to dispel darkness. In the philosophical sense this 'seeing light' is said to be 'attaining knowledge', that which dispels the ignorance of Self and realization of Paramatma.
Surya gives light to all the other grahas (planets). According to Puranic Encyclopedia<ref name=":1">Vettam. Mani, (1975). ''[https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft Puranic encyclopaedia : A comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature].'' Delhi:Motilal Banasidass.</ref>, Surya has an area of 50 crore yojanas and its distance from the earth is 22 crore yojanas. In the external world, the trees, plants and birds, every living being depends on Light.
Surya gives light to all the other grahas (planets). According to Puranic Encyclopedia<ref name=":1">Vettam. Mani, (1975). ''[https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft Puranic encyclopaedia : A comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature].'' Delhi:Motilal Banasidass.</ref>, Surya has an area of 50 crore yojanas and its distance from the earth is 22 crore yojanas. In the external world, the trees, plants and birds, every living being depends on Light.
== परिचयः || Introduction ==
== परिचयः || Introduction ==
Since Vedic times, Surya who is considered as the visible 'lamp of the solar system' is worshiped as 'pratyaksha daivam (Visible God)'. All life forms depend on Surya, his rays, and the heat, for virtually everything. Most importantly the earthly Kala (time) year, month, week, seasons, rains; all time factors depend upon on light and Surya. Needless to say that without Surya there is no life on Earth.
Since Vedic times, Surya who is considered as the visible 'lamp of the solar system' is worshiped as 'pratyaksha daiva (Visible God)'. All life forms depend on Surya, his rays, and the heat, for virtually everything. Most importantly the earthly Kala (time) year, month, week, seasons, rains; all time factors depend upon on light and Surya. Needless to say that without Surya there is no life on Earth.
Surya appears in Rig veda as Mitra along with Varuna mostly in Vedic literature as against Surya or the Bhaskara in more recent post vedic texts. Following are the different aspects associated with Surya across the various texts.
Surya appears in Rigveda as Mitra along with Varuna mostly in Vedic literature as against Surya or the Bhaskara in more recent post vedic texts. Following are the different aspects associated with Surya across the various texts.
* '''सन्ध्यावन्दनम् ||''' '''Sandhyavandanam''' : All the Veda prescribed activities start with Surya for example, performance of Sandhyavandam.
* '''सन्ध्यावन्दनम् ||''' '''Sandhyavandana''' : All the Veda prescribed activities start with Surya for example, performance of Sandhyavandam.
* '''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 is worshiped to stimulate the mind.
* '''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 is worshiped to stimulate the mind.
* '''कर्मप्रवृत्तकः ||''' '''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.
* '''वातावरणांशाः || Climatic aspects''' : सूर्यरश्मयः ||Surya rashmi characteristic seven rays of the Suryarashmi (sun rays) play an important role in sustaining life forms.(Kurma Purana, Purvabhaga, Adhyaya 43)<ref name=":7">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> Brahmanda Purana, Matsya and Vayu Purana give deep insights about the role of Surya in causing days and nights, seasons, solistices and equinoxes, the heat energy, water cycle and rainfall, thus maintaining life on earth and regulating the heavenly bodies.
* '''वातावरणांशाः || Climatic aspects''' : सूर्यरश्मयः ||Surya rashmi characteristic seven rays of the Suryarashmi (sun rays) play an important role in sustaining life forms.(Kurma Purana, Purvabhaga, Adhyaya 43)<ref name=":7">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> Brahmanda Purana, Matsya and Vayu Purana give deep insights about the role of Surya in causing days and nights, seasons, solistices and equinoxes, the heat energy, water cycle and rainfall, thus maintaining life on earth and regulating the heavenly bodies.
== व्युत्पत्तिः|| Etymology ==
== व्युत्पत्तिः|| Etymology ==
'''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 । भास्कराहस्करब्रध्नप्रभाकरदिवाकराः || (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.
'''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 । भास्कराहस्करब्रध्नप्रभाकरदिवाकराः || (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><blockquote>''sūrasuryāryamādityadvādaśātmadivākarāḥ । bhāskarāhaskarabradhnaprabhākaradivākarāḥ || (Amara 1. vyomā. 29)''</blockquote><blockquote>''bhāsvadvisvatsaptāśvaharidaśvoṣṇaraśmayaḥ । vikartanārkamārtaṇḍamihirāruṇapūṣaṇaḥ || (Amara 1. vyomā. 30)''</blockquote><blockquote>''dyumaṇistaraṇirmitrascitrabhānurvirocanaḥ । vibhāvasurgrahapatistviṣāṁpatiraharpatiḥ || (Amara 1. vyomā. 31)''</blockquote><blockquote>''bhānurhaṁsaḥ sahasrāṁśustapanaḥ savitā raviḥ । māṭharaḥ piṅlo daṇḍaścaṇḍāṁśoḥ pāripārśvikāḥ || (Amara 1. vyomā. 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.
'''Niruka''' by Yaskacharya describes Surya as <blockquote>स्वीर्यतेः वा । सुवतेः वा । सूर्यः सर्तेः वा । (Nirukta 12.14)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Meaning : Surya is One who travels, one who creates and one who inspires.
'''Niruka''' by Yaskacharya describes Surya as <blockquote>स्वीर्यतेः वा । सुवतेः वा । सूर्यः सर्तेः वा । (Nirukta 12.14)<ref name=":0" /> ''svīryateḥ vā । suvateḥ vā । sūryaḥ sarteḥ vā ।''</blockquote>Meaning : Surya is One who travels, one who creates and one who inspires.
'''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><blockquote>''citraṁ devānāmudagādanīkaṁ cakṣurmitrasya varuṇasyāgneḥ । āprā dyāvāpr̥thivī antarikṣaṁ sūrya ātmā jagatastasthuṣaśca ॥1॥''</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 name=":2">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><blockquote>''yo'sau tapannudeti । sa sarveṣāṁ bhūtānāṁ prāṇānādāyodeti ।..... asau yo'stameti । sa sarveṣāṁ bhūtānāṁ prāṇā-nādāyāstametiṁ ।''</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 Swaroopa ==
=== Birth and Family ===
=== Birth and Family ===
==== Family ====
==== Family ====
<blockquote>सूर्यस्य पत्नी संज्ञाभूत्तनया विश्वकर्मणः । मनुर्यमो यमी चैव तदूपत्यानि वै मुने ।। २ ।। (Vish. Pura. 3.2.2)<ref>Vishnu Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%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 Amsha 3 Adhyaya 2])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>संज्ञयमित्यथार्कश्व छायायामात्मजत्रयम । शनैश्वरं मनुञ्चन्यं तपतीञ्चप्यजीजनत् ।। ४ ।। (Vish. Pura. 3.2.4)</blockquote><blockquote>ततो विवस्वानाख्याते तयैवारण्यसंस्थिताम् । समाधिदृष्टया ददृशे तामश्वां तपसि स्विताम ।। ६ ।। (Vish. Pura. 3.2.6)</blockquote><blockquote>वाजिरूपधरः सोऽथ तस्यां देवावथाश्विनौ । जनयामास रेवन्तं रेतसोऽन्ते च भास्करः ।। ७ ।। (Vish. Pura. 3.2.7)</blockquote>Surya has two wives Samjna, (the daughter of Viswakarma), and Chaya. Samjna begot three children by Surya : '''वैवस्वतमनु ॥ Vaivasvata''' '''Manu, [[Yama (यमः)|Yama]] and Yami.''' By Chaya, three children were born : '''सावर्णिमनु''' '''॥ Savarni Manu, Sanaischara and Tapati.'''
<blockquote>सूर्यस्य पत्नी संज्ञाभूत्तनया विश्वकर्मणः । मनुर्यमो यमी चैव तदूपत्यानि वै मुने ।। २ ।। (Vish. Pura. 3.2.2)<ref>Vishnu Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%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 Amsha 3 Adhyaya 2])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>संज्ञयमित्यथार्कश्व छायायामात्मजत्रयम । शनैश्वरं मनुञ्चन्यं तपतीञ्चप्यजीजनत् ।। ४ ।। (Vish. Pura. 3.2.4)</blockquote><blockquote>ततो विवस्वानाख्याते तयैवारण्यसंस्थिताम् । समाधिदृष्टया ददृशे तामश्वां तपसि स्विताम ।। ६ ।। (Vish. Pura. 3.2.6)</blockquote><blockquote>वाजिरूपधरः सोऽथ तस्यां देवावथाश्विनौ । जनयामास रेवन्तं रेतसोऽन्ते च भास्करः ।। ७ ।। (Vish. Pura. 3.2.7)</blockquote><blockquote>''sūryasya patnī saṁjñābhūttanayā viśvakarmaṇaḥ । manuryamo yamī caiva tadūpatyāni vai mune ।। 2 ।। (Vish. Pura. 3.2.2)''</blockquote><blockquote>''saṁjñayamityathārkaśva chāyāyāmātmajatrayama । śanaiśvaraṁ manuñcanyaṁ tapatīñcapyajījanat ।। 4 ।। (Vish. Pura. 3.2.4)''</blockquote><blockquote>''tato vivasvānākhyāte tayaivāraṇyasaṁsthitām । samādhidr̥ṣṭayā dadr̥śe tāmaśvāṁ tapasi svitāma ।। 6 ।। (Vish. Pura. 3.2.6)''</blockquote><blockquote>''vājirūpadharaḥ so'tha tasyāṁ devāvathāśvinau । janayāmāsa revantaṁ retaso'nte ca bhāskaraḥ ।। 7 ।। (Vish. Pura. 3.2.7)''</blockquote>Surya has two wives Samjna, (the daughter of Viswakarma), and Chaya. Samjna begot three children by Surya : '''वैवस्वतमनु ॥ Vaivasvata''' '''Manu, [[Yama (यमः)|Yama]] and Yami.''' By Chaya, three children were born : '''सावर्णिमनु''' '''॥ Savarni Manu, Sanaischara and Tapati.'''
Once, Samjna unable to bear the brightness or the effulgence of Surya created Chaya, (her look alike) out of her shadow and engaged her to take her place to look after Surya and her children. She then left for the forests to do penance.
Once, Samjna unable to bear the brightness or the effulgence of Surya created Chaya, (her look alike) out of her shadow and engaged her to take her place to look after Surya and her children. She then left for the forests to do penance.
=== रविः || Illumination ===
=== रविः || Illumination ===
<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. (Page No 276) </ref>
<blockquote>अवति त्रीनिमाँल्लोकान् यस्मात्सूर्यः परिभ्रमन् ।। अविधातुः प्रकाशाख्यो ह्यवनात्स रविः स्मृतः ।। २१.४ ।। (Brahmanda. Pura. 1.21.4)</blockquote><blockquote>''avati trīnimām̐llokān yasmātsūryaḥ paribhraman ।। avidhātuḥ prakāśākhyo hyavanātsa raviḥ smr̥taḥ ।। 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. (Page No 276) </ref>
=== कर्मप्रेरकः || Karma Preraka ===
=== 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><blockquote>''tat sūryasya devatvaṁ tanmahitvaṁ madhyā kartorvitataṁ saṁ jabhāra | yadedayukta haritaḥ sadhasthādādrātrī vāsastanute simasmai ||''</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 ===
=== 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 name=":2" />
As given in Rigveda, 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><blockquote>''tatsaviturvareṇyaṁ bhargo devasya dhīmahi । dhiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt ॥10॥''</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><blockquote>''oṁ bhūrbhuvaḥ svaḥ । tatsペvi̱turvareṇyaṁ̱ bhargo̍ de̱vasy𰶭hīmahi । dhiyo̱ yo naḥ̍ pracoyā̍t ॥''</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 name=":2" />
=== आरोग्यप्रदाता || Arogya Pradata ===
=== आरोग्यप्रदाता || Arogya Pradata ===
<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>
<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><blockquote>''ārogyaṁ bhāskarādiccheddhanamiccheddhutāśanāt । īśvarājjñānamicchecca mokṣamicchejjanārdanāt ।। 68.41 ।।''</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>
Worshiping Surya for health is an ancient practice prescribed in astrological texts. Surya is a great healing power, obviously because of the healing quality of his rays. In the Rig veda, he is worshipped for the removal of jaundice and for good eyesight. (Rig Veda. 1.50.12 and 10.37.7). Atharvana veda fully expands on the healing properties of Surya and he is prayed for a cure of yellowness of skin, teeth, eyes as well as for different heart ailments. (Atha. Veda. 1.22 and 7.107 and 9.8 and 9.22).
Worshiping Surya for health is an ancient practice prescribed in astrological texts. Surya is a great healing power, obviously because of the healing quality of his rays. In the Rig veda, he is worshipped for the removal of jaundice and for good eyesight. (Rig Veda. 1.50.12 and 10.37.7). Atharvana veda fully expands on the healing properties of Surya and he is prayed for a cure of yellowness of skin, teeth, eyes as well as for different heart ailments. (Atha. Veda. 1.22 and 7.107 and 9.8 and 9.22).
=== आत्मास्वरूपः || Atma Swaroopa ===
=== 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.
<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>) ''sūryaḥ ātmā jaṅgamasya ca sthāvarasya ca । । 12.16 ।''</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.<ref name=":2" />
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 is associated with Vedas and his 'Bhagavat tatva' is explicitly given as - <blockquote>ऋग्भिः पूर्वाह्णे दिवि देव ईयते । यजुर्वेदे तिष्ठति । मध्ये अह्नः । सामवेदेनास्तमये महीयते । वेदैरशून्यस्त्रिभिरेति सूर्यः । (Tait. Brah. 3.12.9.1)<ref>Taittriya Brahamana ([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%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%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%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%83)/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A9/%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%E0%A5%A8 Kanda 3 Prapathaka 12])</ref></blockquote>Meaning : Surya when rises in eastern direction is associated with Rig veda, at peak is associated with Yajur Veda and while setting he is associated with Sama Veda.
Surya is associated with Vedas and his 'Bhagavat tatva' is explicitly given as - <blockquote>ऋग्भिः पूर्वाह्णे दिवि देव ईयते । यजुर्वेदे तिष्ठति । मध्ये अह्नः । सामवेदेनास्तमये महीयते । वेदैरशून्यस्त्रिभिरेति सूर्यः । (Tait. Brah. 3.12.9.1)<ref>Taittriya Brahamana ([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%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%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%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%83)/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A9/%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%E0%A5%A8 Kanda 3 Prapathaka 12])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''r̥gbhiḥ pūrvāhṇe divi deva īyate । yajurvede tiṣṭhati । madhye ahnaḥ । sāmavedenāstamaye mahīyate । vedairaśūnyastribhireti sūryaḥ ।''</blockquote>Meaning : Surya when rises in eastern direction is associated with Rig veda, at peak is associated with Yajur Veda and while setting he is associated with Sama Veda.
Surya though unseen in the physical plane traverses the path of the Vedas or along the Vedic path. He symbolizes the Vedas which are hence called: asunya. Symbolically, His connection to the Vedas and Veda Jnana is intertwined and expressed beautifully by the path traversed by Him in the form of jnana surya.<ref name=":2" />
Surya though unseen in the physical plane traverses the path of the Vedas or along the Vedic path. He symbolizes the Vedas which are hence called: asunya. Symbolically, His connection to the Vedas and Veda Jnana is intertwined and expressed beautifully by the path traversed by Him in the form of jnana surya.<ref name=":2" />
=== जलपरिवर्त्तनक्रमम् || Water Cycle ===
=== जलपरिवर्त्तनक्रमम् || 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>
<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><blockquote>''dhruveṇādhiṣṭitaścaiva sūryo'po gr̥hya varṣati ।। tadeṣa dīpta kiraṇaḥ sa kālagnirdivākaraḥ ।। 22.12 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''parivarttakramādviprā bhābhirālokayan diśaḥ ।। sūryaḥ kiraṇajālena vāyuyuktena sarvaśaḥ ।। 22.13 ।।''</blockquote><blockquote>''jagato jalamādatte kr̥tsnasya dvijasattamāḥ ।। ādityapītaṁ sakalaṁ somaḥ saṁkramate jalam ।। 22.14 ।।''</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 importance of Surya rashmi or sun's rays and their role in nourishing the planets is portrayed in this Purana.<blockquote>ह्रियन्हरिस्तैर्हरिभिस्तुरंगमैर्हरत्यथापः किरणैर्हरिद्भिः ।। विसर्गकाले विसृजंश्च ताः पुनर्बिभर्त्ति शश्वत्सविता चराचरम् ।। २३.४२ ।।</blockquote>Meaning: Surya is led by green horses. At that time, he removes (evaporates) water by means of his green rays. By discharging and releasing water, he sustains the animate and inanimate beings.<ref name=":4" />
The importance of Surya rashmi or sun's rays and their role in nourishing the planets is portrayed in this Purana.<blockquote>ह्रियन्हरिस्तैर्हरिभिस्तुरंगमैर्हरत्यथापः किरणैर्हरिद्भिः ।। विसर्गकाले विसृजंश्च ताः पुनर्बिभर्त्ति शश्वत्सविता चराचरम् ।। २३.४२ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>''hriyanharistairharibhisturaṁgamairharatyathāpaḥ kiraṇairharidbhiḥ ।। visargakāle visr̥jaṁśca tāḥ punarbibhartti śaśvatsavitā carācaram ।। 23.42 ।।''</blockquote>Meaning: Surya is led by green horses. At that time, he removes (evaporates) water by means of his green rays. By discharging and releasing water, he sustains the animate and inanimate beings.<ref name=":4" />
=== सप्तरश्मयाः || Seven Rays ===
=== सप्तरश्मयः || Seven Rays ===
Kurma Purana beautifully describes the names of the seven rays of Surya and their functions. Surya's rays are सर्वलोकप्रदीपकाः || illuminators of the worlds and of them सप्त रश्मयो ग्रहयोनयः || seven rays are the sources of planets. <blockquote>सुषुम्नो हरिकेशश्च विश्वकर्मा तथैव च । विश्वश्रवाः पुनश्चान्यः संयद्वसुरतः परः ।। ४३.३ (Kurm. Pura. Purv. 43.3)<ref name=":7" /></blockquote><blockquote>अर्वावसुरिति ख्यातः स्वरकः सप्त कीर्तिताः । सुषुम्नः सूर्यरश्मिस्तु पुष्णाति शिशिरद्युतिम् ।। ४३.४ (Kurm. Pura. Purv. 43.4)</blockquote>Meaning : Sushumna, Harikesa, Visvakarma, Visvasravas, Samyadvasu, Arvavasu, and Svaraka are the glorified seven rays (of Surya).
Kurma Purana beautifully describes the names of the seven rays of Surya and their functions. Surya's rays are सर्वलोकप्रदीपकाः || illuminators of the worlds and of them सप्त रश्मयो ग्रहयोनयः || seven rays are the sources of planets. <blockquote>सुषुम्नो हरिकेशश्च विश्वकर्मा तथैव च । विश्वश्रवाः पुनश्चान्यः संयद्वसुरतः परः ।। ४३.३ (Kurm. Pura. Purv. 43.3)<ref name=":7" /></blockquote><blockquote>अर्वावसुरिति ख्यातः स्वरकः सप्त कीर्तिताः । सुषुम्नः सूर्यरश्मिस्तु पुष्णाति शिशिरद्युतिम् ।। ४३.४ (Kurm. Pura. Purv. 43.4)</blockquote><blockquote>''suṣumno harikeśaśca viśvakarmā tathaiva ca । viśvaśravāḥ punaścānyaḥ saṁyadvasurataḥ paraḥ ।। 43.3 (Kurm. Pura. Purv. 43.3)''</blockquote><blockquote>''arvāvasuriti khyātaḥ svarakaḥ sapta kīrtitāḥ । suṣumnaḥ sūryaraśmistu puṣṇāti śiśiradyutim ।। 43.4 (Kurm. Pura. Purv. 43.4)''</blockquote>Meaning : Sushumna, Harikesa, Visvakarma, Visvasravas, Samyadvasu, Arvavasu, and Svaraka are the glorified seven rays (of Surya).
The seven rays and their functions are listed below as given in Kurmapurana.<ref>Tagare, Ganesh Vasudeo. (1981) ''[https://archive.org/stream/KurmaPurana.Vol.1/Kurma%20Purana.%20Vol.%201#page/n331/mode/1up The Kurma Purana, Part 1]'' Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass</ref>
The seven rays and their functions are listed below as given in Kurmapurana.<ref>Tagare, Ganesh Vasudeo. (1981) ''[https://archive.org/stream/KurmaPurana.Vol.1/Kurma%20Purana.%20Vol.%201#page/n331/mode/1up The Kurma Purana, Part 1]'' Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass</ref>
According to Kurma Purana, the chariot of Surya is 9000 Yojanas long.
According to Kurma Purana, the chariot of Surya is 9000 Yojanas long.
Brahmapurana (Purvabhaga, Adhyaya 22) also 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 from 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" />
Brahmapurana (Purvabhaga, Adhyaya 22) also gives a complete description of Surya's chariot.<blockquote>संस्थितेनैकचक्रेण पंचारेण त्रिनाभिना ।। हिरण्मयेन भगवांस्तथैव हरिदर्वणा ।। २२.६१ ।। <ref name=":3" /></blockquote><blockquote>''saṁsthitenaikacakreṇa paṁcāreṇa trinābhinā ।। hiraṇmayena bhagavāṁstathaiva haridarvaṇā ।। 22.61 ।।''</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 from 299)</ref> <blockquote>स तस्य ब्रह्मणा सृष्टो रथो ह्यर्थवशेन तु ।। असंगः कांचनो दिव्यो युक्तः पवनगैर्हयैः ।। २२.६४ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>''sa tasya brahmaṇā sr̥ṣṭo ratho hyarthavaśena tu ।। asaṁgaḥ kāṁcano divyo yuktaḥ pavanagairhayaiḥ ।। 22.64 ।।''</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 while during Dakshinayana they increase in size.
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 while during Dakshinayana they increase in size.
==== Valakhilyas ====
==== Valakhilyas ====
<blockquote>आवृत्ता वालखिल्यैस्ते भ्रमंते रात्र्यहानि तु ।। वचोभिरग्र्यैर्ग्रथितैः स्तूयमानो महर्षिभिः ।। २३.४९ ।। (Brhm. Pura. Purva. 23.49)</blockquote>Meaning : Surrounded by Valakhilyas, they wander both at night and day. Surya is praised by words of highest order composed by great rishis themselves.( Brahmanda Purana, Page 305 of Reference <ref name=":4" />).<blockquote>वालखिल्या नयन्त्यस्तं परिवार्योदयाद् रविम् ।४२.२० (Kurm. Pura. Purva. 42.20)<ref name=":5">Kurma Purana ([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%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%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 42])</ref></blockquote>Meaning : The Valakhilyas (thum-sized rishis) surround the rising sun and go along with him till setting time.(Kurma Purana, Page 329 of Reference <ref>Tagare, Ganesh, Vasudeo. (1981) ''[https://archive.org/stream/KurmaPurana.Vol.1/Kurma%20Purana.%20Vol.%201#page/n329/mode/1up The Kurma Purana, Part 1.]'' Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass</ref>)
<blockquote>आवृत्ता वालखिल्यैस्ते भ्रमंते रात्र्यहानि तु ।। वचोभिरग्र्यैर्ग्रथितैः स्तूयमानो महर्षिभिः ।। २३.४९ ।। (Brhm. Pura. Purva. 23.49)</blockquote><blockquote>''āvr̥ttā vālakhilyaiste bhramaṁte rātryahāni tu ।। vacobhiragryairgrathitaiḥ stūyamāno maharṣibhiḥ ।। 23.49 ।।''</blockquote>Meaning : Surrounded by Valakhilyas, they wander both at night and day. Surya is praised by words of highest order composed by great rishis themselves.( Brahmanda Purana, Page 305 of Reference <ref name=":4" />).<blockquote>वालखिल्या नयन्त्यस्तं परिवार्योदयाद् रविम् ।४२.२० (Kurm. Pura. Purva. 42.20)<ref name=":5">Kurma Purana ([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%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%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 42])</ref> ''vālakhilyā nayantyastaṁ parivāryodayād ravim ।42.20''</blockquote>Meaning : The Valakhilyas (thum-sized rishis) surround the rising sun and go along with him till setting time.(Kurma Purana, Page 329 of Reference <ref>Tagare, Ganesh, Vasudeo. (1981) ''[https://archive.org/stream/KurmaPurana.Vol.1/Kurma%20Purana.%20Vol.%201#page/n329/mode/1up The Kurma Purana, Part 1.]'' Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass</ref>)
==== Surya's Companions ====
==== Surya's Companions ====