Surya is the Hindu god of the sun who brings light and warmth to the world each day. He is portrayed as a reddish-gold figure, often riding a chariot pulled by seven horses or one horse with seven heads. Surya holds two lotus flowers, representing the unfolding of life and consciousness.
References to Surya date back to the Vedic period in ancient India, where hymns praised his life-sustaining powers. Later, Surya took greater prominence as one of the main Hindu deities. He is mentioned frequently in epic poems like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Temples dedicated to Surya can be found across India, including the famed Konark Sun Temple in Odisha.
Surya moves across the sky in his golden chariot, symbolizing the passage of time. He oversees activities, seasons, and cycles influenced by the sun’s movement. As the cosmic eye observing all deeds on earth, Surya also represents wisdom and intellect.
Interesting myths surround Surya and his family. His wife Sanjana fled from him due to his bright luminosity. To reduce his glare, Surya divided himself into one being during the day and another softer one at night. One of Surya’s sons, Yama, was the first mortal to die and so became the god of death.
As a life-giving source of light and energy, Surya has had a significant cultural impact in India up to the modern day. He is found in temple architecture, dance, and astrology. His enduring worship reflects the importance of the sun across Hindu philosophy and practice.
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