Sūrya
Sūrya is the Sun and the solar deity in Hinduism, traditionally considered one of the five major deities in the Smarta tradition. He is revered as the dispeller of darkness, the source of knowledge, and the sustainer of life, and is often depicted riding a chariot pulled by seven horses. Sūrya holds significant importance in various Hindu traditions and scriptures, with his worship declining significantly around the 13th century.
Key Facts
- ›Sūrya is the Sun and the solar deity in Hinduism.
- ›He is one of the five major deities in the Smarta tradition.
- ›Iconographically, he is often shown riding a chariot pulled by seven horses.
- ›Sūrya is considered the father of Karna in the Mahabharata and Sugriva in the Ramayana.
- ›His worship declined around the 13th century, possibly due to the destruction of Sun temples.
- ›He is the lord of the zodiac sign Leo (Simha).
Ravi, Vivasvān, Bhāskara, Savitr, Pushan, Mārtanda, Bhaga, Arka
- Riding A Chariot Harnessed By Seven Horses
- Holding A Lotus Flower In Both Hands
- Wearing A Crown
- Wearing Northern-Style Dress With Boots
- Chariot Driver Is AruṇA
- Flanked By Two Female Figures Representing Dawn Goddesses Or His Wives
- Depicted With A Chakra
- Aniconic Symbols Include the Swastika and the Ring-Stone
Rigveda, Atharvaveda, Brahmanas, Upanishads, Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Chandogya Upanishad, Kaushitaki Upanishad, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Brihat Samhita, Vishnudharmottara, Suryasataka, Prasasti of Vatsabhatti, Aryabhatiya, Romaka, Panca Siddhantika, Khandakhadyaka, Sisyadhivrddida, Surya Siddhanta, Siddhanta Shiromani, Vedanga Jyotisha, Yavanajataka
Father of Sugriva, Father of Karna, Son Or Husband of Ushas, Son of Aditi, Ancestor of Humanity Through Manu
Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Samba Dashami, Ratha Saptami, Chath Puja, Kumbha Mela
Konark Sun Temple, Arasavalli Sun Temple, Deo Surya Mandir, Kandaha Surya Mandir, Surya Mandir At Punauradham, Navagraha Surya Mandir At Mangaldham, Kamlark Surya Mandir, Suryanar Kovil, Biranchi Narayan Sun Temple, Modhera Sun Temple, Kanakaditya Temple, Adithyapuram Sun Temple, Martand Sun Temple, Kattarmal Surya Mandir, Jayaditya Temple, Jagaswami Surya Temple, Sun Temple of Multan
Sugriva, Karna, Yama, Manu, Ashvins
Primary Deity, Major Deity
About Sūrya
Sūrya: The Sun Deity of Hinduism
Sūrya is the Sun and the solar deity in Hinduism, a pivotal figure in its pantheon and cosmology. Traditionally, he is recognized as one of the five major deities in the Smarta tradition, who are all considered equivalent pathways to realizing Brahman. Throughout Indian literature and tradition, Sūrya is known by numerous epithets, including Ravi, Vivasvān, and Bhāskara, reflecting his multifaceted nature and significance.
Iconography and Symbolism
The iconography of Sūrya is distinctive, often depicting him riding a chariot drawn by seven horses, each representing a color of the visible spectrum and a day of the week. He is frequently shown holding lotus flowers, symbolizing purity and creation, and sometimes carries a chakra, interpreted as the Dharmachakra, representing cosmic order. During the medieval period, his worship was often integrated with that of Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu, highlighting his universal presence.
Vedic Roots and Epic Roles
Sūrya's presence is deeply rooted in Vedic literature, where he is venerated in hymns for his role as the dispeller of darkness and the empowerer of knowledge and life. The Vedas describe him as the creator of the material universe and a key element in trinities alongside Agni and Vayu or Indra, representing aspects of Brahman. In the great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Sūrya is a significant progenitor. He is revered as the father of Karna, the formidable warrior in the Mahabharata, and Sugriva, the Vanara king in the Ramayana, underscoring his ancestral importance.
Worship, Decline, and Legacy
Sūrya is particularly venerated in the Saura and Smarta traditions across various Indian states. Major festivals such as Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Chhath Puja are dedicated to him. Despite his enduring significance, the active worship of Sūrya as a primary deity saw a considerable decline around the 13th century, possibly due to the destruction of Sun temples. Nevertheless, numerous Sūrya temples remain, and his influence persists in Hindu culture, astrology, and daily reverence for the Sun.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sūrya in Hinduism?
Sūrya is the Sun and the solar deity in Hinduism. He is revered as the source of light, knowledge, and life, and is traditionally considered one of the five principal deities in the Smarta tradition.
What is Sūrya known for?
Sūrya is known for his role as the Sun, dispelling darkness and empowering knowledge and life. He is also recognized for his fatherhood of important figures like Karna and Sugriva in Hindu epics.
What is the iconography of Sūrya?
Sūrya is typically depicted riding a chariot harnessed by seven horses, symbolizing the seven colors of visible light and the seven days of the week. He is often shown holding a lotus flower and sometimes wears a crown and northern-style dress with boots.
What are some major festivals associated with Sūrya?
Major festivals dedicated to Sūrya include Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Samba Dashami, Ratha Saptami, and Chhath Puja.
What is the significance of Sūrya in Vedic texts?
In Vedic texts, Sūrya is revered as the 'rising sun' and a symbol of knowledge and life. He is also presented as an equivalent aspect of Brahman, along with Agni and Vayu or Indra, and is linked to visual perception and knowledge.
Why did the worship of Sūrya decline?
The worship of Sūrya declined significantly around the 13th century, possibly due to the destruction of Sun temples in North India by Muslim invaders. This led to fewer new temples being built and some existing ones being repurposed.
Related Hindu deities
Dhāta
Dhata, also known as Dhatr, is a solar deity and one of the Adityas in Hinduism, revered as a god of health and magic. He is invoked in tantric practices and Vedic hymns, and plays a role in major sacrifices like the Ashwamedha yagna. Dhata is depicted in Hindu epics as a participant in significant events and is described as the seventh son of Aditi and Kashyapa.
Perumal
Perumal, also known as Tirumal, is a major Hindu deity, primarily worshipped by Tamil Hindus in South India and the diaspora. He is widely considered a form of Vishnu, the preserver deity in the Hindu trinity. Perumal is celebrated for his grace and is the supreme deity in Vaishnavism, with numerous temples dedicated to him across India and beyond.
Kali
Kali is a prominent Hindu goddess associated with time, death, and destruction, but also with transcendental knowledge. She is considered the Divine Mother, the Mother of the Universe, and the Divine feminine energy, offering liberation to her devotees. Kali is a central figure in Tantric traditions and goddess-centric sects, and her terrifying iconography symbolizes her embrace of life's grim realities.