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Hindu · Deity

Surya

सूर्य
The solar deity who drives away darkness and is the visible face of Brahman

Surya is the sun god, one of the oldest deities in the Vedic pantheon. He rides a chariot drawn by seven horses (representing the seven colours of light), driven by the one-legged charioteer Aruna. The Surya Namaskar yoga sequence is performed as a moving salutation to Surya at dawn. The Gayatri Mantra is a prayer to Surya's divine light. Chhath Puja, observed in Bihar and UP, involves standing in water at sunrise and sunset to offer prayers directly to the sun.

AdityaVivasvanBhaskaraRaviArkaSol Invictus
See it as a constellationTap connections to travel, one hop at a time
Family
Shani Devfather ofAgnibrother solar fire
Scriptures
Gayatri Mantraaddressed byRigvedahymns to
Festivals
Chhath Pujaworshipped at
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Vishnusun aspectHanumanstudent of SuryaKartikeyasolar warrior energyNavagrahachief ofVishwamitraGayatri Mantra invokesBrahmanvisible face of Brahman
A 60-second practice

Step outside or stand at a window facing the morning sun. Eyes closed, feel the warmth on your face. Say: 'I receive your light.' The Surya Namaskar begins with this acknowledgement.

Best at sunrise — the most powerful Surya moment of the day.

Keep this offering free
MyBrahman is free and ad-free for everyone. If it has given you something, dāna keeps the lamp lit.
Offer dāna
Educational purposes only. Compiled from general reference sources and not reviewed by any religious authority. No disrespect is intended to any deity, tradition, scripture or community. For authoritative guidance, consult qualified scholars and primary texts.
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