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==      Introduction ==

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

 

Following are the different aspects associated with Surya across the various texts.

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

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

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

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

== देवतास्वरुपम् ॥ Surya Devataswaroopam ==

== देवतास्वरुपम् ॥ Surya Devataswaroopam ==

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

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

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

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

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, (another) Manu and Tapati.   

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, (another) Manu and Tapati. '''manu repeated twice???'''  

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.   

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.   

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 ).   

== Discussion ==

== Discussion ==   

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

== References ==

== References ==