The Sun as a Deity
Since ancient times, human beings have worshipped the Sun. Solar deities include Ra (Egypt), Sol (Rome), Mithra (Persia), Apollo/Helios (Greece), Surya (India), Amaterasu (Japan), and many more. Without the Sun’s light, heat, and energy, the earth could not have existed. Hence, the ancients gave it the status of a god, and in some places, goddess.
The magnificent Sun temple in Konark, Odisha, testifies to the importance of the Sun in Hindu belief. The Samba Purana is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. It says that the first Sun temple was built in Konark by Samba, the son of Lord Krishna.
It was Samba who supposedly began Sun-worship in Hinduism. Legend says that Samba built the temple in the 19th century BC. He worshipped the Sun for 12 years at Maitreyavana, and was cured of his leprosy.
In the Magadh region, Chhath Pooja is dedicated to the Sun God and his sister, Chhathi Maiya. The Rig Veda has hymns on Sun worship. The Mahabharatha and Ramayana too speak of Sun worship.
In the Mahabharatha, Draupadi performed rituals that resembled Chhath Pooja. This helped resolve her problems and the Pandavas were able to recover their kingdom. The Ramayana says that Rama and Sita worshipped the Sun in Kartik month after being in exile for 14 years. In agricultural societies, the Sun was worshipped as it provided life and sustenance.
Ratha Sapthami
Rathasapthami is an important festival for Hindus and is a ritual for Sun worship. It is dedicated to Lord Suryanarayana. Ratha means chariot, and Saptami means 7th moon. This festival occurs in Magha month (Jan-Feb). During this time, the Sun moves northwards in the sky.
The festival heralds the onset of spring and the harvest season. For Indian farmers, it marks the new harvest Year. The festival is celebrated in many Sun temples all over India. It is also called Surya Jayanthi as it is supposedly the birthday of the Sun God when he was born to sage Kashyapa and his wife Aditi.
Sun in Astrology
The Sun has an important place in Vedic Astrology, too. He is the king of the planets and is placed in the center of the Navagrahas/nine planets. The Vedas clearly describe the characteristics of the Sun and the other planets.
Surya in Vedic Astrology signifies the king, the father, the government, authority, power, soul, and the way the native appears to other people, etc. It is responsible for the vital energy within the native, which determines their success and self-expression. It indicates career, confidence, and leadership skills. It is also the Karaka of one’s profession or work.
For all these reasons, Hindus have always believed in the importance of Sun worship.
What to do on Ratha Saptami?
Wake up in the morning before sunrise. Take a bath and offer oblations to the Sun God. Women should draw a rangoli of the Sun God with 7 horses in a chariot in front of their home. day. Married women must take a holy bath by placing 7 erukkam (arka) leaves on their body. A pinch of turmeric and some raw rice are kept on top of the leaf. One leaf is placed on the head, two on the shoulders, two on the knees, and two on the feet when taking a bath. Men must take bath with only erukkam leaves and rice without any turmeric.
After the Ratha Saptami Pooja and prayers, Chakkara Pongal ( sweet rice) and Vadas are offered as naivedyam to the Sun God along with coconuts, betel leaves, bananas, and fruits.
Benefits of Worshipping Suryanarayana
Many people worship the Sun God because he has the power to bestow health and wealth. The Sun should be worshipped early in the morning when the first rays appear.
Exposure to the Sun’s rays is good for health, as it helps our bodies to make Vitamin D. They infuse our bodies with energy, making us feel rejuvenated. They also purify the mind and body. Hence, many Hindus do Suryanamaskaras (12 yogic postures of prostrating to Surya) early in the morning.
Hymns and Mantras for Surya Bhagwan
The holy Vedas have given us many hymns/Stotras and Mantras that are dedicated to the Sun God. They include Aditya Hridayam, Surya Ashtakam, Surya Shathakam, etc. By reciting them, we can get many benefits like health, wealth, and success.
The Taittareeya Aaranyakam comprises Aruna Prashna, a powerful Veda Mantra associated with the Sun. Another name for it is Surya Namaskara Prasna. In the Ramayana, Sage Agasthya advises Lord Rama to worship Surya to defeat Ravana. He also gave him the Aditya Hridayam upadesha(teaching) for this purpose.
