Cosmology of Surya Among Navagrahas | Pujas | Benefits
The Navagrahas have been subjects of fascination and reverence since Vedic times. Their study encompasses various disciplines, including spirituality, astrology, astronomy, and philosophy. Navagraha denotes 9 celestial “influencers” who were believed to be able to influence the lives of human beings. They are not merely astral or celestial bodies, but are perceived as divine forces guiding and influencing human destinies. Navagrahas symbolize the eternal dance of cosmic energies, influencing the ebb and flow of life on Earth. From ancient seers to modern astrologers, the study and reverence for the Navagrahas continue to thrive, reflecting the enduring legacy of Vedic wisdom and its profound insights into the mysteries of the universe.
What Vedas say about Grahas or planets?
Aitareya Brahmana (3.44) states that the Sun never rises or sets. The Moon orbits the earth like a child goes around its mother; the two are then orbiting the sun, the father. As the earth rotates around its axis, day and night happen.
An explanation of Solar Eclipse in Rigveda
The earliest description of a solar eclipse in the Rigveda (5.40.5) Rishi Atri speaks in metaphors. He says that the very Moon that got light as gift from sun dares to cover him. The darkness caused is different from the normal darkness of the night. All the creatures are frightened. As the shadow of the moon starts covering a large part of the sun, the red tinge of light is described as the red sheep. When the full solar eclipse takes effect, only the corona can be seen, which is described as silver sheep. When the eclipse is completely over, the sun is restored to its original brightness, which is described as white sheep.
Navagraha Temples
Almost any temple we visit, we see Navagrahas that have been consecrated. The nine planets are placed in a particular arrangement. The symbolism of the nine planets and their association with the Body, Mind and Intellect (BMI), as Lord Krishna talks in the Bhagavad-Geeta, is very direct. Navagraha denotes 9 celestial “influencers” who were believed to be able to influence the lives of human beings.
Navagrahas and Solar System
In the Navagraha shrines, we see that the Sun is in the middle and the planets are around him. Each one is looking in different directions. It denotes that the planets are revolving around their axis, while in orbit. We see this in temples that were built more than thousand years ago.
Lord Surya
The first of the Navagraha is Lord Surya, the Sun God. As per Vedic scriptures, Surya is considered the soul of all existence and represents the life-giving properties of light and heat. He represents the self, vitality, and authority. Surya, is the central figure among the Navagrahas. The sacred color associated with Surya is Dark Orange, symbolizing power and passion. He is depicted as dark orange in color and rides a chariot pulled by seven horses, holding lotus, representing purity and enlightenment. The fragrance to offer for Surya is sandalwood, which is thought to retain the sun’s warming energies. Sandhyakaal (Twilight Zone) during Sundays, particularly during sunrise or sunset, are considered auspicious for appeasing Surya.
Surya Graha Characteristics
- Represents the soul, vitality, and life force in Vedic astrology.
- Governs authority, leadership, and self-expression.
- Symbolizes power, confidence, and charisma.
- Provides energy, enthusiasm, and determination.
- Rules over the 1st house in the birth chart, representing self-awareness and identity.
- Rules over the zodiac sign Leo.
- Associated with the element fire.
- Associated with gemstone Ruby and the color of Gold.
- Signifies fatherhood and paternal figures.
- Influences on career, profession, and success.
- Indicates one’s health and physical strength.
- Represents the ego and sense of self-importance.
- Governed by Sunday as its auspicious day.
- Impacts one’s relationship with authority figures and government.
- In transit, the Sun can influence changes in leadership and political dynamics.
Surya Temple among the Navagraha Sthalam
Temples dedicated to Lord Surya can be seen throughout India. Suryanar Temple or Suryanar Kovil is a temple dedicated to Lord Sun located about 14km from the temple-town of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Sun and his consorts Usha and Chaya. The temple also has separate shrines for the other eight Grahas (Planets). The present temple structure was built during the reign of Cholas in the 11th century CE.
Pujas to Lord Soorya
Many Havans, Homam, Pujas and Pariharas are performed here to Lord Soorya for the problems associated with malefic Sun in the horoscope. Worshipping Surya is believed to bestow intelligence, success, and good health upon devotees. It is said to bestow the merits of increased life force, confidence and enthusiasm. However, negative influences of Surya can manifest as egoism, arrogance, and dominating behaviour.
Astrological Influences of Lord Surya
Those influenced positively by Surya are bestowed with leadership qualities, intelligence, and good health. However, an afflicted Sun can lead to arrogance and egoism. Sundays and the thithi of Dwadashi (12th day of the lunar cycle) are considered auspicious for worshiping Surya.
Grain for Lord Soorya
Wheat has been mentioned as the grain that represents Lord Soorya. It is said that offering wheat grains can help address the malefic Sun in the Janma Kundali.
Soorya Stotram
A simple chant of Soorya Stotram is available for learning in our YouTube Channel:
|| जपाकुसुमसंकाशं काश्यपेयं महाद्युतिं |
| ध्वांतारिं सर्वपापघ्नं भास्करं प्रणमाम्यहं ||
|| ಜಪಾಕುಸುಮಸಂಕಾಶಂ ಕಾಶ್ಯಪೇಯಂ ಮಹಾದ್ಯುತಿಂ |
| ಧ್ವಾಂತಾರಿಂ ಸರ್ವಪಾಪಘ್ನಂ ಭಾಸ್ಕರಂ ಪ್ರಣಮಾಮ್ಯಹಂ ||
|| Japa kusuma sankasham kashyapeyam Mahadyutim ||
|| dhwantarim sarva papaghnam Bhaskaram pranamamyaham ||
Mantras for Lord Surya
Aditya Hridayam is a wonderful Stotram revealed and narrated by Sage Agastya to Lord Ram to help him vanquish the Demon king Ravan. There are many other Mantras for seeking the grace and benevolence of the Sun God.
|| ओं सूर्याय नमः||
|| ಓಂ ಸೂರ್ಯಾಯ ನಮಃ ||
|| Om Suryaya NamaH ||
Raag for Lord Surya
Muttuswami Dikshitar is one of the greatest composers in Carnatic Music during the 18th Century CE. Born in Tiruvarur of Tamil Nadu, he learnt music from his father Ramaswami Dikshitar, a great musician and composer. Later in Madras (presently Chennai), Muttuswami Dikshitar came under the influence of Chidambaranatha Yogin, a great seer. He travelled to Kashi with his Guru and was initiated into the Sri Vidya cult.
One of his disciples was Tambiappa Pillai, a percussion artiste. Pillai suffered from stomach ailments which were traced to a malefic influence of the planet Jupiter in his horoscope. Dikshitar composed the song “Brihaspate” in raag Athana, in praise of Lord Guru or Jupiter and taught it to his disciple who sang it every day and was cured of his illness.
Subsequent to this, Dikshitar embarked on creating songs on other principal celestial bodies who form the Navagraha.
Suryamurthe, Dikshitar’s first Navagraha kriti, in raag Saurashtra, is believed to boost the immunity of those rendering it. You would benefit by listening to music in Raag Saurashtra or Saurashtram.
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