Hindu deity
Surya
the Sun — source of light and life
In short
Surya is the Sun, worshipped as the visible source of light, energy, health, and life. One of the oldest objects of Vedic devotion, he is honoured at dawn with offerings of water (arghya) and the Gayatri, and celebrated in the great sun-festivals of Chhath, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal.
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Significance & stories
Surya crosses the sky in a chariot drawn by seven horses, driven by Aruna — an image of the day itself in motion. As the source of all energy, he is associated with vitality, clarity, and health.
His worship is among the most ancient and enduring in India: the dawn arghya, the Surya Namaskar salutations, and the festivals of Chhath, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal, which give thanks to the sun for the harvest and the turning of the year.
A mantra to Surya
ॐ सूर्याय नमः
oṃ sūryāya namaḥ
I bow to Surya, the radiant Sun, source of life and vitality.
See all Surya mantras with Devanagari, transliteration, meaning, and how to chant.
Festivals of Surya
Questions about Surya
Other deities
About Surya
Who is Surya?
Surya is the Sun deity, worshipped as the source of light, energy, and life. He is honoured at dawn and in the festivals of Chhath, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal.
How is Surya worshipped?
By offering water (arghya) to the rising sun, performing Surya Namaskar, and chanting Om Suryaya Namah and the Gayatri, especially on Sundays.
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