Navagrahas-Surya-The Sun

Surya (The Sun)

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Planetary Attributes of Surya

Attribute	Details
Name	Surya (Sun)
Karakatwa (Signification)	Father, Body
Caste	Kshatriya
Zodiac Sign (Rasi)	Simha (Leo)
Other Names	Divakaran, Paridhi, Bhaskaran, Adithyan, Panippagai, Kadar, Padhangal, Irullavi, Savitha, Guhan, El, Marthandan, Arunan, Adavan, Mithran, Ayiranjothiyullon, Dharani, Senkathiron, Sandan, Thapanan, Oli, Santron, Anavi, Ari, Bahu, Alari, Andayoni, Kanavi, Vikarthanan, Kathiravan, Pagalavan, Veyyon, Thinakaran, Pagal, Sothi, Divakaran, Ariyama, Inan, Udhayan, Gnayiru, Ellai, Kiranamali, Elupariyon, Venthan, Virichiyan, Virochanan, Vinmani, Arkkan, Ravi, Pagalavan
Debilitation (Neecha)	Thula (Libra)
Exaltation (Uchcha)	Mesha (Aries)
Moolatrikona	Simha (Leo)
Body Parts	Bones, Chest
Own Nakshatras	Karthigai (Krithika), Uthiram (Uttara Phalguni), Uthiraadam (Uttara Ashadha)
Gender	Male
Direction	East
Mahadasha Period	6 Years
Transit (Gochara) Period	1 Month
Sub-Planet (Upagraha)	Kaala
Friends	Chandra (Moon), Guru (Jupiter), Mangal (Mars)
Enemies	Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu, Ketu
Neutral	Budha (Mercury)
Sacred Temple	Thiruvaduthurai
Vaishnava Divya Desam	Thiruvagundam
Avatar of Vishnu	Rama
Benefits	Success in endeavors
Tamil Month of Strength	Chithirai, Aavani
Food Offering	Sweet Pongal (with jaggery)
Season	Summer
Weekday	Sunday
Dates (1,10,19,28)	1, 10, 19, 28
Swara (Pranayama Sound)	K
Symbol	Light
Social Role	King
Authority	King
Element	Fire
Representation	Father
Lineage/Clan	Samal Kritham
Gotra	Kasiya Pethram
Raga	Sankarabharanam
Children	Shani, Yama, Agni Devas, Pradhavan, Raivalthan (sons) and Yamunai (daughter)
Father	Swayambhu (Self-born)
Mother	Aditi

Origin (Birth) of Surya

There are two different stories about the birth of Surya found in the Puranas:

Story One

Lord Mahavishnu created Lord Brahma from his navel lotus. Following Vishnu's command, Brahma began the process of creation. However, everything was in darkness. Vishnu created the sound "Om," and from that primordial sound, Surya (the Sun) emerged, radiating brilliant, self-luminous light.

Story Two

According to the Samba Purana, the story of Surya's birth is narrated differently.

Brahma created seven great sages (Saptarishis): Angiras, Krathu, Mareechi, Vashishta, Pulaha, Pulastya, and Athri. Among them, Mareechi was the eldest. Mareechi married Sambhooti, and they had a son named Kasyapa. Kasyapa was a great scholar who mastered all the scriptures and Vedas. He had 13 wives, among whom Aditi was the eldest, a virtuous and pious woman.

Aditi was deeply devoted to her husband and served him with great dedication. One day, while she was serving food to her husband, she heard a voice from the direction of the door, asking for alms. She was in the middle of her service and could not immediately attend to the visitor. After her husband finished his meal and left, she rushed to the door with food and water to serve the guest.

The guest was angry. He said, "Just bearing the name 'Aditi' (which means 'the one who should be honored first') is not enough. Do you not know how to treat a guest properly? Because you made me wait while attending to your husband, I curse you: the child in your womb shall perish!"

Hearing this, Aditi fainted. When Kasyapa returned and saw her unconscious state, he used his divine vision to understand what had happened. He revived her and consoled her, saying:

"Do not worry. The curse will not destroy the fetus. Instead, it will become a cosmic egg (Anda). That egg will break, and a son will emerge from it. He will be called Marthandan (born from a dead fetus). He will possess the brilliance of Vishnu and will become the king of the planets. He will be a guide to the celestial bodies."

In the year Prabhava, on the month of Maha Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase), on the Trayodashi (13th day) and the Vishaka Nakshatra, Aditi gave birth to twelve sons, who were forms of the Sun. These twelve Adityas, combined, are worshipped as Surya, who has a thousand rays and is the lord of the planets. Each of these twelve Adityas presides over the twelve months of the year.

Significance of Surya in Astrology

Surya is the king and leader of the Navagrahas. While astronomy calls it a star, astrology considers it a planet. All other planets revolve around him. He provides light, warmth, and life to the world. He is the soul (Atma) of all living beings, both animate and inanimate. The distance between the Earth and the Sun is approximately 92,030,000 km.

The Sun takes about one month to travel through one zodiac sign and about 365 days, 15 hours, and 32 minutes to complete a full cycle through all 12 signs. This is what we call a year. He spends one month in each Rasi (zodiac sign). When he moves to the next sign, a new month begins.

Surya is known as the Atma Karaka (significator of the soul) and the Pitru Karaka (significator of the father). He rules over:

• Self-esteem and self-confidence
• Willpower and leadership
• Authority and political power
• Fame, reputation, and status
• Valor and courage
• Health and physical vitality
• Eyesight
• Administration and government

His blessings are essential for attaining high government positions such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and other top administrative roles. He is also the significator of leadership positions in any field, whether as the head of a committee or an organization. "Simhasana" (the throne of leadership) is achieved through the grace of Surya.

Surya is associated with the eastern direction. His blessings bestow intelligence, respect for the father, physical strength, masculinity, purity, and political connections.

Surya's Strength in the Birth Chart

For a person to be in a leadership role or a position of authority, a strong and well-placed Surya in the horoscope is crucial. If the transit of Surya is favorable (as per the planetary aspects and house placement), the native will achieve high positions, titles, and power.

Auspicious Birth Details Related to Surya

• Dates: 1, 10, 19, 28 of any month.
• Zodiac Sign: Simha (Leo) or any sign where Surya is the lord.
• Exaltation Sign: Mesha (Aries).
• Months: Chithirai (April-May) when he is exalted, and Aavani (August-September) when he rules.
• Nakshatras: Karthigai (Krithika), Uthiram (Uttara Phalguni), Uthiraadam (Uttara Ashadha).

Effect of Surya in Various Ascendants/Rasis

Ascendant/Rasi	Yoga/Effect Provided by Surya
Mesha	High official position
Rishaba	Great fortune
Kataga	Fortune through education
Simha	Authority and governance
Vrischika	High leadership positions
Dhanus	Good luck and fortune
Other Signs	Positions, titles, and authority as per the house he occupies.

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Worship and Remedies for Surya

Worshipping Surya in a Shiva temple and offering Surya Namaskaram (Sun Salutation) yields great benefits. One can recite the Aditya Hridaya Stotram daily. Offering wheat-based dishes like chapati, bread, or rice to cows is also beneficial.

Surya Gayatri Mantra

Chant the following Surya Gayatri mantra 108 times daily:

"Om Ashwa Dhwajaya Vidhmahe Pala Hasthaya Dheemahi Thanno Surya Prachodayath"

or

"Om Bhaskaraya Vidhmahe Maha-Dyuthi-Karaya Dheemahi Thanno Adithya Prachodayath"

Other Recommended Mantras

Chant 108 times:

"Om Am Namashivaya Surya Devaya Nama"

Rituals

• Observe a fast on the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) Saptami (7th day).
• On these days, offer Kohtumai (wheat) as a donation.
• Visit the Suryanar Temple near Kumbakonam (in a village called Aaduthurai).
• Visit the Agastheeswarar-Anandavalli Temple in Kovilappakkam, near Chennai.
• Among the Nava Thirupathis (nine sacred Vishnu temples), Sree Vaishundam near Thiruvelveli is a Surya Sthalam.

Effects of Surya in Different Houses (Bhavas)

Surya's House	Effects
1st House (Lagna)	Native may have eye ailments, be short-limbed, healthy, and valorous.
2nd House	Native will have a long life but may be slow in studies, have a large face, and suffer from facial defects.
3rd House	Native will be carefree, intelligent, have siblings, be wealthy, and have a great fondness for snacks.
4th House	Native will be employed, lack compassion, and may face poverty.
5th House	Native will be employed, lack compassion, and may face poverty (text repeats similar effect).
6th House	Native will achieve fame and glory, ignore enemies, easily defeat them, be intelligent, and liked by kings.
7th House	Native will gain wealth through women, be interested in scriptural research, desire to eat at neighbors' houses, and enjoy listening to women.
8th House	Native will be interested in learning and philosophy but may lack money, be short-tempered, and lack charitable thoughts.
9th House	Native will be of good character, known as a quarrelsome person, have a charitable mind, engage in business, live on ancestral property, and own lands.
10th House	Native will be the best in their field of study, be clever and diplomatic, speak skillfully, accumulate wealth, and avoid conflicts with relatives.
11th House	Native will be very wealthy, own vehicles, be famous, be a leader for many, and have the grace of Goddess Lakshmi.
12th House	Native will be poor, obey their wife's words, spend excessively, and suffer from eye diseases.

Surya and Children (5th House Dosha)

When Surya is in the 5th house, he creates Putra Dosha (affliction regarding children). This can lead to miscarriage. For those with Mithunam (Gemini), Kanni (Virgo), Makaram (Capricorn), or Meenam (Pisces) ascendants or signs, this position may cause issues and hardships due to children.

Surya and Marriage (7th House Dosha)

When Surya is in the 7th house, he creates Kalathra Dosha (affliction regarding marriage/spouse).

Surya's Triple Nature

Surya is considered to have three forms: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Maheswara (Shiva, the destroyer). As the reflector of the soul, a strong Surya is essential for a person to have strong willpower and spiritual strength.

Remedy for a Weak Surya

For those who wish to strengthen Surya in their horoscope, or to get government jobs or support, the remedy is:

1. Permanently stop eating non-vegetarian food.

2. Every Sunday, and on days ruled by Surya's Nakshatras (Krithika, Uthiram, Uthiraadam), recite the Aditya Hridaya Stotram.

3. Perform this in an open space or on the terrace, facing east.

4. First, light two lamps.

5. Worship your family deity (Kula Deivam), then Lord Ganesha, then your Ishta Devata (preferred deity).

6. Stand and offer salutations to Surya.

7. Sit on a cloth and recite the Aditya Hridaya Stotram three times.

Do this for 16 Sundays and on the 16 days that fall on the aforementioned Nakshatras. On the final day, offer a sweet made of wheat (Kothumai Payasam) with jaggery (not sugar) after the recitation. [Note: Sugar is considered non-vegetarian in some traditional contexts due to the use of bone charcoal in its refinement process. Jaggery, being unrefined, is preferred.]

By doing this, Surya's strength in the horoscope increases, Surya Dosha is removed, and success in government job efforts is assured. Even for those not seeking a government job, it brings overall success, courage, mental strength, spiritual gains, and enhanced respect.

A Question from the Mahabharata:

In the Yaksha Prashna (the questions of the Yaksha), a question is asked: "Who, traveling alone, is able to travel everywhere?" The answer is: "The Sun."

Surya's Chariot

Surya travels in a chariot with a single wheel, pulled by seven horses. These horses represent the seven meters of the Vedas: Gayatri, Ushnik, Anushtup, Brihati, Trishtup, Jagati, and Ushnik.

He is accompanied by two consorts: Usha Devi (the Goddess of Dawn) and Chaya Devi (the Goddess of Shadow). He is worshipped in this form in the Suryanar Kovil.

Surya's Special Temples

• Konark (Odisha): The famous Sun Temple.

• Suryanar Kovil (Tamil Nadu): Located east of Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam-Poompuhar road. This is the only temple in Tamil Nadu where Surya is the main deity with a separate shrine.

Suryanar Kovil: The Sun God Temple

Surya, being the foremost among the Navagrahas, has a temple dedicated to him in the village of Suryanar Kovil, about 21 km from Kumbakonam. This temple was built in 1100 CE by King Kulotthunga Cholan. The Sun God here is believed to bestow prosperity, abundance, and health upon his devotees. Every year, in mid-January (the beginning of the Tamil month Thai), a grand festival, the Pongal Thirunal, is celebrated in his honor.

Surya is worshiped in many forms and seen as a visible deity who can be directly perceived and received. He is considered an aspect of Lord Shiva. He is often depicted riding a chariot pulled by seven horses, accompanied by his consorts Usha and Chaya.

Temple Legend

As mentioned earlier, Sage Kalava Munivar, who foresaw his leprosy, worshipped Surya and the Navagrahas. When Brahma cursed the Navagrahas, they came to this sacred place and performed intense penance to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared before them and blessed them, declaring this place would be their abode and that they should bestow their grace upon their devotees. This is the history of the temple.

Temple Specialties

• Surya Bhagavan faces east, with Usha on his left and Pratyusha on his right. He holds lotus flowers in both hands and has a gentle smile.

• Because Surya's fiery nature is intense, Guru is placed directly in front of him to moderate the heat, allowing devotees to worship him.

• There is a horse (Surya's mount) in front of the sanctum, similar to Nandi in a Shiva temple.

• This temple is unique in that all the Navagrahas are present in one location, whereas in other temples, they are usually subordinate deities.

• The Sun God here is depicted in a peaceful rather than fierce form.

• All nine planets have separate shrines here, and they are considered very benevolent.

Surya Gayatri Mantra

"Om Ashwa Dhwajaya Vidhmahe Pala Hasthaya Dheemahi Thanno Surya Prachodayath"

(This is a variation of the Surya Gayatri, which is also presented in the document)

Surya's Number and Gemstone

A person born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, or 28th of any month falls under the influence of the number 1, which is ruled by Surya. The gemstone recommended for such individuals is Ruby.

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See Also:Navagrahas sun