Surya the Sun according to Ancient India

In the vast and ancient land of India, the sun isn’t just a giant ball of fire in the sky, it’s also a revered god – Surya! People have worshipped Surya for thousands of years, seeing him as the source of life, light, and warmth.

Think about it this way: without sunshine, plants wouldn’t grow, we wouldn’t have daylight, and it would be pretty chilly! So, it’s no wonder people felt such immense respect for Surya.

Some main Things About Surya (Sun):

• Many Names, One God: Surya has many names, like Aditya, Ravi, and Bhaskar, all reflecting different aspects of the sun.
• Riding a Chariot: Imagine a fiery chariot pulled by seven majestic horses, that’s how Surya is often pictured!
• The Power of Light: Surya is seen as a symbol of chasing away darkness and ignorance, just like the sun brings light to the day.

Surya is considered as one of the most prominent deities in Hinduism today, also his importance throughout history is undeniable. People built grand temples to honour him, and even today, many Hindus offer prayers to Surya at sunrise, thanking him for his life-giving power.

Surya Namaskar : A Salute to the Sun God

Surya Namaskar, also known as Sun Salutation, is a beautiful and powerful yoga practice with deep connections to Surya, the sun god in Indian tradition. It’s a series of twelve flowing postures that act as a way to show respect and gratitude to Surya for his life-giving energy.

There are twelve postures in total that make up Surya Namaskar. These twelve postures are performed in a flowing sequence, transitioning from one to the next. It’s almost like a yoga dance that honours the sun god Surya.

Movement like the Sun: The twelve postures in Surya Namaskar mimic the path of the sun across the sky throughout the day, from rising to setting. As you move through the sequence, you’re symbolically acknowledging Surya’s journey and its importance to life on Earth.

Expressing Gratitude: By practicing Surya Namaskar, you’re expressing gratitude to Surya for his warmth, light, and the energy that sustains all living things. It’s a way of saying “thank you” for the very things that make life possible.

Harnessing Solar Power: The postures in Surya Namaskar are designed to energize and invigorate your body. Just like the sun fuels life on Earth, this practice aims to awaken your inner energy and leave you feeling revitalized.

Surya Namaskar isn’t just a physical exercise; it’s a mindful practice that connects you to the natural world and the power of the sun. It’s a way to honor the ancient traditions of India while also taking care of your physical and mental well-being.

Sun Salutation and the Mantras

While Surya Namaskar can be practiced without mantras, there are traditionally twelve mantras associated with the twelve postures.

Each mantra is a Sanskrit chant that praises Surya using different names and aspects. These mantras add a deeper layer of meaning and connection to the practice. However, focusing on perfecting the postures and your breath is important initially. You can incorporate the mantras later as you become more comfortable with Surya Namaskar.

Affects or Benefits of Solar Eclipse

In traditional Indian texts, there isn’t a strong emphasis on scientific benefits of a solar eclipse. The focus is more on its astrological and spiritual significance.

While specific mentions of benefits in solar eclipses might not be prevalent, some ancient Indian texts do touch upon eclipses and their significance.

Here’s what texts might say about Surya Grahan (Solar eclipse ):

• A Time of Change: Eclipses, including solar eclipses, are often seen as indicators of change or transformation. It’s a time to reflect on your life and consider making positive changes.
• Spiritual Cleansing: Some texts suggest that a solar eclipse can be a powerful time for spiritual cleansing. This might involve practices like meditation, chanting, or offering prayers.
• Cautions and Precautions: Some traditional beliefs advise taking precautions during a solar eclipse, such as avoiding eating cooked food or going outside unnecessarily. However, these beliefs are not based on scientific evidence.

It’s important to remember that these are interpretations from ancient texts and may not resonate with everyone. The most important thing during a solar eclipse is to observe it safely with proper eye protection.

Upcoming Solar Eclipse

Here’s a breakdown of the past 3 solar eclipses (including the upcoming one) with details on region, time, and visibility:

1. Total Solar Eclipse – December 14, 2020
   Region: Visible across parts of South America, Antarctica, the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
   Time and Visibility: This eclipse wasn’t visible from most populated areas.
2. Partial Solar Eclipse – June 10, 2021
   Region: Visible across parts of northern North America, Europe, and Asia.
   Time and Visibility: Visibility varied depending on location. Some areas experienced a very slight dimming of the sun, while others saw a larger portion obscured.
3. Total Solar Eclipse – April 8, 2024 (This just happened!)
   Region: Visible across a band covering parts of North America, from Mexico to Canada, and crossing the contiguous United States.
   Time and Visibility: The exact timing of totality varied depending on location. During totality, the sky darkened dramatically, and the sun’s corona became visible (Note: Observing a solar eclipse requires special eye protection).
4. Upcoming Solar Eclipse – October 2, 2024
   Region: Visible across parts of South America, Antarctica, the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
   Time and Visibility: This will be an annular eclipse, where the moon appears slightly smaller than the sun, so it won’t completely block the sun’s light. Visibility will vary depending on location.