Surya Pooja

सूर्यलाई अर्घ निवेदन गर्ने मन्त्र:

एहि सूर्य सहस्रांशो तेजोराशे जगत्पते ।

अनुकम्पय मां भक्त्या गृहाणार्घं दिवाकरः ।।

ॐ भूर्ब्भुवः स्वः जगतसाक्षिणे श्रीसूर्यनारायणाय नमः ।।

The influence of the Sun is present on Earth and in every living being here in countless ways. It is perhaps the largest, brightest, and most influential celestial body that humanity has observed so far. Therefore, worshipping and honoring the Sun is important from both religious and scientific perspectives.

However, if we look at Surya Narayan (the Sun God) beyond religion and faith, the Sun itself is an absolute source of power and a relative source of influence. The Sun is both the deity and the religion. People of every faith, belief, and identity across the world express their gratitude, reverence, and devotion to the Sun in one way or another.

The truth is that the existence of Earth and the life force of all living beings here are possible only as long as the hydrogen within the Sun continues to sustain its immense energy and power. Once that energy is exhausted, there will be no alternative but cosmic destruction. Among the many days dedicated to remembering and worshipping the Sun God, Ravi Saptami is one such occasion, where the unique combination of the lunar date (tithi) and the day of the week is given profound spiritual significance.

According to Hindu belief, the Sun God is regarded as Brahma, the embodiment of purity and creation, during the early morning hours. At midday, the Sun, associated with the transformative aspect of existence, is considered a manifestation of Mahadeva (Lord Shiva). In the evening, the Sun is believed to assume a regal and sustaining form, representing Vishnu, the preserver of the universe.

उदय ब्रह्मणोरूपं मध्यान्हेतु महेश्वरः ।

अस्तकाले स्वयं विष्णु त्रिमूर्तिश्च दिवाकरः ।।

While worshipping the Sun, who is endowed with twelve divine aspects (kalas), devotees invoke His twelve forms: Dhata, Aryama, Mitra, Varuna, Indra, Vivasvan, Pusha, Parjanya, Anshuman, Bhaga, Tvashta, and Vishnu.

Generally, devotees observe a fast on Sundays to please the Sun God and obtain auspicious results. According to scriptural tradition, the Sunday fast should begin either on the auspicious occasion of Ravi Saptami or on the first Sunday of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha). On such sacred occasions, worshippers are advised to wear red garments and offer prayers to Surya Narayana.

Ideally, one should observe this fast for twelve months; if that is not possible, observing it for twelve Sundays is considered beneficial. On the day of the fast, devotees rise early, worship Surya Narayana, offer arghya (water oblation) to the Sun, and then undertake the fast.

It is believed that such worship and devotional practices enhance one's knowledge, wisdom, and brilliance, making them radiant like the Sun itself. According to Vedic astrology, if a person has Sun-related afflictions or planetary hardships in their birth chart, prayers and invocations performed on such auspicious days can help reduce these negative influences and bring the blessings and grace of Surya Narayana.