I bow to the Sun.

Surya atma jagasthushsch yadaditya gatam tejo jagadbhasayate akhilam.

The Sun is the soul of a whole universe; Sun is the source of life for all living beings.

We have just celebrated a three-day festival called Chhaat, praying to Surya Devata, at sunrise and sunset. The concept is beautiful as one bathes in running water at dawn and dusk. Fasting is observed for three days, and one is purified.

The Rishis had made a study on the effects and benevolence of Surya Devata. We consider Surya as the preserver and protector of life on earth. The prayer to Surya is called Surya Gayatri.

Aum bhu: Aum bhuva: Aum swa: Aum maha: Aum tapa: Aum satyam: Aum tatsaviturvarnyam bhargo devasasya dhimayi dhiyoyona: prachadayat Aum.

We pray and pay homage to Surya, who is the creator and preserver of the universe. He loves and protects all; His whole body radiates with his ecstasy owing to his powers, energy, and potency. He keeps us free from fear and vices and increases our brilliance.

Banishing all miseries and sins

Aditya Hrudayam is the most powerful prayers to Surya. When all hope was lost in the battle against Ravana, the sage Agastya from the heavens appeared in front of Rama. His aim was to rejuvenate Rama and hasten the outcome of the battle. He taught Rama the prayer to Surya Devata. Rama received the prayer from Agasthya and became revitalized, upon reciting it. He lifted his bow for the final confrontation. Its gist is that invoking Surya one attains the power to vanquish all enemies, victory, blessings for the reciter with unending auspiciousness, sound health (implying curing all diseases) and banishing all miseries and sins.

According to Rishi Patanjali by meditating on Surya, one obtains Samyama Shakti. Samyama describes the uppermost limbs of Raja Yoga, which is the simultaneous practice and experience of concentration and meditation. Samyam Shakti will grant one the blessings of Surya.

Surya Devata rides on a chariot, which is driven by seven horses, which represent the seven chakras. Red is the lucky color for Surya, and his day is Sunday. The practice of Surya Namaskara would also benefit one.

Aim Hrim Klim

Photo by Alonso Reyes on Unsplash