Unique Attributes : Radiance, fire, power,
life
Other Names : Ravi, Suraj, Aditya, Adit, Bhaskar, Pusha,
Divakar, Bhanu
Consort : Saranyu, Chhaya
Children : Shani, Yama, Yamuna, Tapti
Vahan (vehicle) : A chariot drawn by seven horses
Mula Mantra : Om Suryaye Namah
Surya Dev is perhaps the most ancient god revered in Hindu belief. In
the six sects initiated by Adi Shankracharya, Souram is the sect devoted
to Lord Surya. Lord Surya can be called the only god in Hindu belief who
can be seen and prayed to in daily life. The sun is personified as Surya
Dev in Hindu belief. Sun God is believed to be the King of all the
planets and is responsible for controlling all their movements. Thus he
is the major god amongst the Navgrahas. Saturn or Shani Dev happens to
be the son of Surya devta.
The Sun god in Hindu belief is depicted as having a body as shiny and
radiant as pure gold. He is believed to be a golden red man with three
eyes and four arms, riding a chariot driven by seven white horses. The
sun lord is the life giver, sustaining all life on earth by providing
all radiance and energy. He by mounting the wheel of time is also the
one who is responsible for the beautiful seasons and causing the cycle
of day & night. In the Vedas Surya Dev is referred to as the god of
light who is responsible for all life on earth.
Surya Dev is perhaps the oldest among the pantheon of Hindu gods to be
worshipped. The lord is prayed in the simplest way by folding one's
hands in a namaskar at the time of sunrise. A simple chant of Om Suryaye
Namah also pleases the lord. The idols of Surya Dev are found in most of
the Hindu shrines. Even while bathing in the holy Ganges people first
pay salutations to the Sun god. Shrines solely dedicated to Surya dev
are also found in India. Surya temple at Ranakpur is an ancient temple
dating back to the fifteenth century. Another famous temple dedicated to
Surya dev is found in Konark, Orissa.