Sunday is the day of Surya Dev, the Sun God, who is symbolised by energy, vigour and success. Surya Dev occupies a special place in the Hindu pantheon and zodiac as the god of life and light. Worshipped as the lord of the nine planetary deities, he is the deity of power, health and leadership. Surya Dev is worshipped on Sunday and is believed to bring strength, prosperity and a clear mind. His divine grace shows ways and means to achieve success the devotees can follow for a purposeful and positive life. It is about time we found out who Surya Dev is, the myths associated with him and the practices that surround his worship.
Who is Surya Dev?
Surya Dev is another name for the god of the sun. In Hindu mythology, he is the god who supports life and vitality. He is the lord of the soul (Atmakaraka), the sovereign source of light in the material and ethereal realms. Surya Dev is portrayed as a god on a chariot with seven horses and as the god of the week and colours, signifying oneness and totality.
According to Vedic astrology, Surya Dev is the deity of the planet Sun and is signified by the zodiac sign Leo. He is linked with power, assertiveness, and individualism. He defines self-esteem, self-confidence, and capacity to cope with difficulties. Surya Dev is also worshipped as the father of Karma and Dharma, which means doing the right thing and giving justice.
Surya Dev is worshipped as a god of life and creation, as well as destruction and purification. He’s said to bring about health, increase self-esteem, and even give one the strength to find relevance in life. His energy gives devotees the strength to overcome the odds and come to terms with their strength. God’s blessings enable a person to have a clear mind, happy relations, and success in all activities.
The Legend of Surya Dev
There are many tales associated with Surya Dev, and all are as bright as the god himself. One of the famous stories concerns him as Karna’s father, the great warrior of the Mahabharata. Blessed by Surya Dev to Kunti, Karna had his father’s strength, endurance, and noble and proud demeanour. This story emphasises Surya Dev’s teaching of his devotees to be brave and righteous.
The second great myth is the story of Lord Hanuman chasing Surya Dev as his teacher. Once, when still a boy, Hanuman tried to catch the Sun as if it were a fruit that caught his fancy. Influenced by his firmness, Surya Dev taught Hanuman as his disciple, making him great Gyan Aur Jnan one day. This story also points out that Surya Dev is one of the figures from which people can gain knowledge.
Sanjana is Surya Dev’s wife, and her story also portrays his kindheartedness. Once Sanjana could no longer endure the brightness of his light, she came up with her shadow, Chhaya, to look after her family. Realising her plight, Surya Dev dimmed his glory so he could use his might gently. These legends portray his many-sided personality as a guardian, a master, and a provider and instil in his devotees the need to emulate him.
Advantages of Praying Surya Dev on Sunday
Worshipping Surya Dev on Sunday helps one gain energy, confidence, and a clear mind. His blessings target people who want to improve their leadership qualities and deal with life’s problems. His energy offers devotees the strength to confront and overcome challenges.
People know that Surya Dev helps them be healthy and gain immunity. His blessings help relieve diseases, especially those of the eyes, heart, and bones. Praying to him also relieves stress; hence, the mind becomes sharp, and the emotions become stable.
Astrologically, the sun signifies power, recognition, and accomplishment in one’s chart, and if weak or challenged, it brings doubt and sickness. Worshipping Surya Dev helps overcome these obstacles, bringing a person to the right path and destiny. His energy also creates harmony in relationships because people open up to each other and respect one another’s opinions.
Surya Dev’s grace helps those who want to become successful in governance, the arts, or leadership positions. He blesses devotees to follow a righteous path, find direction, and lead a happy, prosperous life. Praying for him on Sunday makes a man’s spirit more powerful and helps to add light to life.
Rituals and Practices Regarding Worship of Surya Dev
Pujan of Surya Dev starts on Sunday by waking up early, preferably at dawn, to pay obeisance. People begin their day with a bath and wear clean, fresh, and preferably light-coloured dresses in Surya Dev’s favourite colours: orange, red, or white. The most respected offering is Surya Arghya, which offers water to the Sun god. People offer water from a copper container, looking towards the East, and chant prayers to seek his blessings.
Surya Dev is worshipped with red flowers, jaggery, and wheat, which are considered signs of prosperity. Bathing the image or idol with ghee and then lighting a lamp before it makes the spiritual communion even more effective. Charity, such as feeding the poor or giving clothes or money to the poor, is also considered good and in compliance with Surya Dev’s principles of the good life.
Bhaktas may fast on Sunday, have fruits and milk or a simple vegetable meal, or even no meal at all, and spend the day in introspection. By meditating on Surya Dev and reciting his hymns, one is mentally and spiritually synchronised with his energy and light. As these traditions are followed with passion, one gets the blessings of Surya Dev for strength and a clear and prosperous life.
Special Mantras for Surya Dev
Reciting slogans praising Surya Dev is one of the best ways to connect with his divine power.
The most commonly recited mantra is “Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah.”
The person gains energy, confidence, and success by chanting the above mantra 108 times.
Another significant chant is the Surya Gayatri Mantra, “Om Bhaskaraya Vidmahe Divakaraya Dheemahi Tanno Suryah Prachodayat.”
Saying these mantras with complete faith on Sundays brings in light, positivity, and success and brings the devotees closer to Surya Dev.
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