Surya facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Surya |
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| The Sun God of Light and Day |
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Surya (c. 1940)
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| Other names | Adithya, Bhaskara, Divakara, Surya Narayanan, Shiva Surya |
| Affiliation | Deva, Navagraha, Adityas, Saguna Brahman (Panchayatana puja) |
| Abode | Suryaloka |
| Planet | Sun |
| Weapon | Wand |
| Day | Sunday |
| Mount | Chariot drawn by seven horses Charioteer: Aruṇa |
| Personal information | |
| Consort | Ushas/Saranyu, Chhaya, and Ratri |
| Children | Shraddhadeva Manu, Yama, Yami, Ashwins, Shani, Tapati , Bhadra Sugriva and Karna |
| Parents |
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| Greek equivalent | Helios |
| Roman equivalent | Apollo / Sol |
Surya is a Sanskrit word that means the Sun. In ancient Indian stories, Surya has many other names like Aaditya, Ravi, and Bhaskara.
Surya is also known as the solar deity (sun god) in Hinduism. He is especially important in the Saura tradition, which is a way of worshiping found in parts of India like Rajasthan and Gujarat. Surya is one of five main gods in the Smarta Tradition. These gods are seen as different ways to understand the main power of the universe, called Brahman.
Surya is often shown riding a chariot pulled by seven horses. These horses stand for the seven colors of visible light and the seven days of the week. In older Hindu beliefs, Surya was also a name used for other important gods like Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. Surya is even found in the art and stories of Buddhism and Jainism.
Surya is shown with a Chakra, which is a spinning wheel. This wheel can also mean Dharmachakra, which is a symbol of law and order. Surya is one of the nine heavenly bodies, called Navagraha, in Hindu astrology. The Hindu calendar's Ravivara, or Sunday, is named after Surya.
Many important festivals and pilgrimages honor Surya. These include Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Ratha Sapthami, Chath puja, and Kumbh Mela.
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Who Is Surya?
Surya is a very old god in Hinduism. He was one of the first gods to be worshiped. Over time, his worship became less common, especially after the 13th century. This might have happened when Muslim rulers came to northern India.
New temples for Surya were rarely built after that time. Some old Surya temples were even changed to honor other gods, usually Shiva. Still, many important Surya temples remain today. However, many of them are no longer used for worship.
Surya's Look and Symbols
Surya is usually shown as a strong, golden-skinned man. He rides his chariot across the sky every day. His seven horses are often shown as one horse with seven heads, or seven separate horses. His charioteer, or driver, is named Aruṇa.
Surya often holds a lotus flower in each hand. The lotus flower is a symbol of purity and beauty. He also has a halo around his head, like the sun. Sometimes, he is shown with a sword or a shield.
Important Surya Temples
Even though Surya's worship changed over time, some famous temples are still dedicated to him. These temples show how important he once was.
Here are some major Hindu temples in India dedicated to the Sun god:
- Konark Sun Temple in Odisha
- Modhera Sun Temple in Gujarat
- Dakshinaarka Temple in Gaya, Bihar
- Bhramanya Dev Temple in Unao, Madhya Pradesh
- Surya Pahar in Assam
- Suryanaar Temple near Kumbhakonam, Tamil Nadu
- Suryanarayanaswamy Temple in Arasavilli, Andhra Pradesh
Festivals for Surya
Many festivals celebrate Surya and the sun's importance. These events often involve special prayers, offerings, and bathing in holy rivers.
Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival celebrated in January. It marks the sun's journey into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. People fly kites, light bonfires, and eat special foods. It's a time to thank the sun for good crops.
Pongal
Pongal is another harvest festival, mainly celebrated in South India. It also takes place in January. Families cook a special dish called "Pongal" with rice and milk. They offer it to the Sun god as a thank you.
Ratha Sapthami
Ratha Sapthami is a festival that celebrates Surya's birthday. It usually falls in January or February. People believe that on this day, Surya's chariot turns northwards. This marks the start of warmer weather and longer days.
Images for kids
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Surya in the Buddhist Bodh Gaya relief (right, middle).
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Surya iconography typically shows him holding lotus flower and riding in a horse-drawn chariot.
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Sanxingdui in China - Golden Sun with birds. According to Chung Tan, this is akin to Surya.
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A 10th century basalt statue of Surya from Bihar, Indian Museum
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8th century ceiling carving of Surya at Pattadakal Virupaksha Hindu temple.
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Surya statue
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Surya with consorts Saranyu and Chhaya
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Surya festival Makar Sankranti
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Surya Narayana
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See also
In Spanish: Suria (dios) para niños
