Changes

* '''पुराणपुरुषः || Purana Purusha''' : Innumerable instances of Surya are seen in Puranas (Bhavisya Purana was told by Surya to Manu), Ramayana (Mulapurusha of Ikshwaku dynasty, Father of Sugriva, Guru of [[Hanuman]]) and Mahabharata (as the father of Karna, Bestower of Akshayapatra to Yudhisthira).   

* '''पुराणपुरुषः || Purana Purusha''' : Innumerable instances of Surya are seen in Puranas (Bhavisya Purana was told by Surya to Manu), Ramayana (Mulapurusha of Ikshwaku dynasty, Father of Sugriva, Guru of [[Hanuman]]) and Mahabharata (as the father of Karna, Bestower of Akshayapatra to Yudhisthira).   

* Vajasaneya Shaka : He was worshiped and pleased by Yagnavalkya, to whom he gave the Yajurveda knowledge thus Vajasaneya (Shukla) Shaka of Yajurveda came into existence.  

* Vajasaneya Shaka : He was worshiped and pleased by Yagnavalkya, to whom he gave the Yajurveda knowledge thus Vajasaneya (Shukla) Shaka of Yajurveda came into existence.  

* '''सूर्यलोकः || 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. According to Nirukta (7.5)<ref>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%B8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 7])</ref> : सूर्यः द्युस्थानः । Surya's location is Dyus.

* '''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.     

* '''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.     

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

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

'''[[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>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>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% Adhyaya 12])</ref></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" /></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>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 there, 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>Narayanacharya, K. S. (2011). ''Veda Sanskritiya Parichaya, Part I''. Hubli:​Sahitya Prakashana​.</ref>  

== सूर्यदेवतास्वरुपम् || Surya Devata Swaroopam ==

== सूर्यदेवतास्वरुपम् || Surya Devata Swaroopam ==

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.

According to Puranic Encyclopedia<ref name=":1" />, Surya descended from Mahavishnu, in the following order:

According to Nirukta : सूर्यः द्युस्थानः । Surya's location is Dyu

Vishnu - Brahma - Marichi - Kashyapa - Surya  

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.'''

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|Dvadasa Adityas]] (12 Adityas) are. Very often these names are used as synonyms of Surya.<ref name=":1" />

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. Surya took Chaya to be his wife Samjna and got three children of her : Sanaiscara, Manu () and Tapati. Besides them Surya had another daughter named Savitri also (Bhav. Pura. Chap 47). The celebrated Kuru king (ancestor of Kauravas) was the son of Tapati with Samvarana of Chandravamsa.<ref name=":1" />

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>  

Once Chaya not being the real mother of Yama was angry with him and cursed him. Noticing the unmotherly behaviour Surya and Yama understand that she was not Samjna. Knowing from Chaya about her, Surya found out that Samjna was practising austerities taking the form of a mare. Then Surya went to her disguised as a horse and with her co-operation produced three children of which the first two came to be known as Aswinikumaras. The third son was called Revanta. Then Surya took Samjna to his place (Chapter 2, Amsa 3, Visnu Purana). Yama became the God of Death, and Aswinikumaras the Vaidyas or physicians. 

संज्ञयमित्यथार्कश्व छायायामात्मजत्रयम । शनैश्वरं मनुञ्चन्यं तपतीञ्चप्यजीजनत् ।। ४ ।। (Vish. Pura. 3.2.4)  

ततो विवस्वानाख्याते तयैवारण्यसंस्थिताम् । समाधिदृष्टया ददृशे तामश्वां तपसि स्विताम ।। ६ ।। (Vish. Pura. 3.2.6)  

 

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. The rotation and revolutions of the planetary systems, Dhruva mandala (son of Uttanapada) called as 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. </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.

वाजिरूपधरः सोऽथ तस्यां देवावथाश्विनौ । जनयामास रेवन्तं रेतसोऽन्ते च भास्करः ।। ७ ।। (Vish. Pura. 3.2.7)

The chariot has also 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 Pahkti.   

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.'''  

Night is called Usa and day Vyusti and the time in between is Sandhya. (Ref 2) 

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.  

Eclipses of Surya and Chandra are attributed to Rahu and Ketu. Eclipse is the phenomenon of Rahu and Ketu swallowing Surya and Chandra as and when opportunity presents itself for it. But, since the throat of Rahu is severed from the body, Surya and Candra thus swallowed get out through the throat. (Bhagavata Astama skanda).  

Surya took Chaya to be his wife Samjna and got three children of her : Sanaiscara, Manu and Tapati. Chaya not being the real mother of Yama was angry with him and cursed him. Noticing the unmotherly behaviour, Surya and Yama understand that she was not Samjna. Knowing from Chaya about her identity, Surya found out that Samjna was practising austerities taking the form of a mare. Then Surya went to her disguised as a horse and with her co-operation produced three children of which the first two came to be known as '''Aswini Kumaras'''. The third son was called '''Revanta'''. Then Surya took Samjna to his place and Visvakarma reduced the effulgence of Surya to a bearable level.  

The famous Konark Temple, though the sanctum sanctorium is closed for many years now, still holds the secrets of time calculations of past ages.

Yama became the Dharmadevata, Tapati was blessed to be a river and Aswinikumaras became the Vaidyas or physicians.The celebrated Kuru king (ancestor of Kauravas) was the son of Tapati with Samvarana of Chandravamsa.<ref name=":1" />

Thus, while Surya has been attributed to various things, the Atma tattva of Surya is greatly significant and he is worshiped by sadhakas for attaining the 'Atma Jnana'.

Besides them Surya had another daughter named '''Savitri''' also (Bhav. Pura. Chap 47). On other occasions other sons such as '''Sugriva''', '''Kalindi''' and '''Karna''' were born of Surya.

== Surya Tattvam ==

==== रविः || Illumination ====

The tatva or nature of Surya has been explained in many contexts of scriptures.  

अवति त्रीनिमाँल्लोकान् यस्मात्सूर्यः परिभ्रमन् ।। अविधातुः प्रकाशाख्यो ह्यवनात्स रविः स्मृतः ।। २१.४ ।। (Brahmanda. Pura. 1.21.4)

====== Karma Pravrittaka ======

====== कर्मप्रवृत्तकः || Karma Pravrittaka ======

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.   

====== Buddhi Prachodaka ======

====== बुद्धिप्रचोदकः || Buddhi Prachodaka ======

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.  

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

====== आत्मा || Atma ======

सूर्यः आत्मा जङ्गमस्य च स्थावरस्य च । । १२.१६ । (Nirukta 12.16<ref>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>)   

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>)   

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.   

====== Veda Swaroopa  ======

====== वेदस्वरूपः || Veda Swaroopa  ======

Surya is associated with Vedas and his 'Bhagavat tatva' is explicitly given as -  

Surya is associated with Vedas and his 'Bhagavat tatva' is explicitly given as -  

Thus this Vaisnavite power which is having the attribute of purity (Sattva) and Vedas, pervades mainly the sun though it remains on the seven groups also. Being the seat of this power, the Sun blazes with his rays and destroys the darkness in all the worlds. Such a Sun is praised by the hermits. The Gandharvas sing in front of the Sun. The celestial maids dance before him. The giants guard him, the serpents prepare his chariot, the Yaksas hold the bridle and the Balakhilyas stand around him. Visnu who is having the figure of the Sun pervaded by the power of the Vedas, never rises or sets. The seven groups are separate from that Visnu. As the figures of those who approach, are reflected in a mirror fixed on a post, that power of Visnu, without separating itself from that chariot, pervades them who come every month in turn. (Visnu Purana, Amsa 2, Chapter 11 ).   

Thus this Vaisnavite power which is having the attribute of purity (Sattva) and Vedas, pervades mainly the sun though it remains on the seven groups also. Being the seat of this power, the Sun blazes with his rays and destroys the darkness in all the worlds. Such a Sun is praised by the hermits. The Gandharvas sing in front of the Sun. The celestial maids dance before him. The giants guard him, the serpents prepare his chariot, the Yaksas hold the bridle and the Balakhilyas stand around him. Visnu who is having the figure of the Sun pervaded by the power of the Vedas, never rises or sets. The seven groups are separate from that Visnu. As the figures of those who approach, are reflected in a mirror fixed on a post, that power of Visnu, without separating itself from that chariot, pervades them who come every month in turn. (Visnu Purana, Amsa 2, Chapter 11 ).   

== Verses and Meanings ==

== Verses and Meanings ==

Surya is a prominent as Mitra and Savitru in many Rig veda mantras and the Surya or saura sukas in Rig veda are as follows : 1.50. 1 to 13, 1.115. 1 to 6, 1.164.46 among many others. The following is the famous Rig veda soura suktam which is recited by many people across India.  <blockquote>नमो मित्रस्य वरुणस्य चक्षसे महो देवाय तद रतंसपर्यत | दूरेद्र्शे देवजाताय केतवे दिवस पुत्रायसूर्याय शंसत || 1 ||</blockquote><blockquote>सा मा सत्योक्तिः परि पातु विश्वतो दयावा च यत्रततनन्नहानि च | विश्वमन्यन नि विशते यदेजतिविश्वाहापो विश्वाहोदेति सूर्यः || 2 ||</blockquote><blockquote>न ते अदेवः परदिवो नि वासते यदेतशेभिः पतरैरथर्यसि | पराचीनमन्यदनु वर्तते रज उदन्येनज्योतिषा यासि सूर्य || 3 ||</blockquote><blockquote>येन सूर्य जयोतिषा बाधसे तमो जगच्च विश्वमुदियर्षिभानुना | तेनास्मद विश्वामनिरामनाहुतिमपामीवामप दुष्वप्न्यं सुव || 4 ||</blockquote><blockquote>विश्वस्य हि परेषितो रक्षसि वरतमहेळयन्नुच्चरसिस्वधा अनु | यदद्य तवा सूर्योपब्रवामहै तं नो देवानु मंसीरत करतुम || 5 ||</blockquote><blockquote>तं नो दयावाप्र्थिवी तन न आप इन्द्रः शर्ण्वन्तु मरुतोहवं वचः | मा शूने भूम सूर्यस्य सन्द्र्शिभद्रं जीवन्तो जरणामशीमहि || 6 ||</blockquote><blockquote>विश्वाहा तवा सुमनसः सुचक्षसः परजावन्तो अनमीवानागसः | उद्यन्तं तवा मित्रमहो दिवे-दिवे जयोग जीवाःप्रति पश्येम सूर्य || 7 ||</blockquote><blockquote>महि जयोतिर्बिभ्रतं तवा विचक्षण भास्वन्तं चक्षुषे चक्षुषे मयः | आरोहन्तं बर्हतः पाजसस परि वयंजीवाः परति पश्येम सूर्य || 8 ||</blockquote><blockquote>यस्य ते विश्वा भुवनानि केतुना पर चेरते नि च विशन्तेक्तुभिः | अनागास्त्वेन हरिकेश सूर्याह्नाह्ना नोवस्यसा-वस्यसोदिहि || 9 ||</blockquote><blockquote>शं नो भव चक्षसा शं नो अह्ना शं भानुना शंहिमा शं घर्णेन | यथा शमध्वञ्छमसद दुरोणेतत सूर्य दरविणं धेहि चित्रम || 10 ||</blockquote><blockquote>अस्माकं देवा उभयाय जन्मने शर्म यछत दविपदेचतुष्पदे | अदत पिबदूर्जयमानमाशितं तदस्मेशं योररपो दधातन || 11 ||</blockquote><blockquote>यद वो देवाश्चक्र्म जिह्वया गुरु मनसो वा परयुतीदेवहेळनम | अरावा यो नो अभि दुछुनायते तस्मिन तदेनोवसवो नि धेतन || 12 || (Rig Veda 10.037.1 to 12)<ref>Surya Suktam in Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandal-10-sukta-037/ Mandala 10])</ref></blockquote>

Surya is a prominent as Mitra and Savitru in many Rig veda mantras and the Surya or saura sukas in Rig veda are as follows : 1.50. 1 to 13, 1.115. 1 to 6, 1.164.46 among many others. The following is the famous Rig veda soura suktam which is recited by many people across India.  <blockquote>नमो मित्रस्य वरुणस्य चक्षसे महो देवाय तद रतंसपर्यत | दूरेद्र्शे देवजाताय केतवे दिवस पुत्रायसूर्याय शंसत || 1 ||</blockquote><blockquote>सा मा सत्योक्तिः परि पातु विश्वतो दयावा च यत्रततनन्नहानि च | विश्वमन्यन नि विशते यदेजतिविश्वाहापो विश्वाहोदेति सूर्यः || 2 ||</blockquote><blockquote>न ते अदेवः परदिवो नि वासते यदेतशेभिः पतरैरथर्यसि | पराचीनमन्यदनु वर्तते रज उदन्येनज्योतिषा यासि सूर्य || 3 ||</blockquote><blockquote>येन सूर्य जयोतिषा बाधसे तमो जगच्च विश्वमुदियर्षिभानुना | तेनास्मद विश्वामनिरामनाहुतिमपामीवामप दुष्वप्न्यं सुव || 4 ||</blockquote><blockquote>विश्वस्य हि परेषितो रक्षसि वरतमहेळयन्नुच्चरसिस्वधा अनु | यदद्य तवा सूर्योपब्रवामहै तं नो देवानु मंसीरत करतुम || 5 ||</blockquote><blockquote>तं नो दयावाप्र्थिवी तन न आप इन्द्रः शर्ण्वन्तु मरुतोहवं वचः | मा शूने भूम सूर्यस्य सन्द्र्शिभद्रं जीवन्तो जरणामशीमहि || 6 ||</blockquote><blockquote>विश्वाहा तवा सुमनसः सुचक्षसः परजावन्तो अनमीवानागसः | उद्यन्तं तवा मित्रमहो दिवे-दिवे जयोग जीवाःप्रति पश्येम सूर्य || 7 ||</blockquote><blockquote>महि जयोतिर्बिभ्रतं तवा विचक्षण भास्वन्तं चक्षुषे चक्षुषे मयः | आरोहन्तं बर्हतः पाजसस परि वयंजीवाः परति पश्येम सूर्य || 8 ||</blockquote><blockquote>यस्य ते विश्वा भुवनानि केतुना पर चेरते नि च विशन्तेक्तुभिः | अनागास्त्वेन हरिकेश सूर्याह्नाह्ना नोवस्यसा-वस्यसोदिहि || 9 ||</blockquote><blockquote>शं नो भव चक्षसा शं नो अह्ना शं भानुना शंहिमा शं घर्णेन | यथा शमध्वञ्छमसद दुरोणेतत सूर्य दरविणं धेहि चित्रम || 10 ||</blockquote><blockquote>अस्माकं देवा उभयाय जन्मने शर्म यछत दविपदेचतुष्पदे | अदत पिबदूर्जयमानमाशितं तदस्मेशं योररपो दधातन || 11 ||</blockquote><blockquote>यद वो देवाश्चक्र्म जिह्वया गुरु मनसो वा परयुतीदेवहेळनम | अरावा यो नो अभि दुछुनायते तस्मिन तदेनोवसवो नि धेतन || 12 || (Rig Veda 10.037.1 to 12)<ref>Surya Suktam in Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandal-10-sukta-037/ Mandala 10])</ref></blockquote>

== References ==

== References ==