In the Hindu religion, devotees worship many gods. Among these, Lord Surya (Sun) and the Lord Chandra (Moon) are special because we can see them from Earth.
Lord Surya and Lord Chandra have been worshipped since ancient times, we can even read the references in the stories of the Mahabharata and Ramayana. For example, in Ramayana, it's mentioned that Lord Rama himself worshiped Lord Surya and offered him Arghya with water. In Mahabharata, it's mentioned that Kunti, the mother of five Pandavas, gave a birth to a boy named Karna with the blessings of Lord Surya. Even today, million of Hindu devotees start their day by offering 'Arghya' to rising Sun every morning.
Why Offering Water to the Sun is Good?
Surya Arghya, offering water to the Sun, every morning is not just a religious act; it has many benefits for our lives. The Sun is considered very powerful in Hindu beliefs. If the Sun is happy, it is thought that it can make our lives better and keep us healthy. Here are some of the key benefits of offering water to Sun:
Healthy Eyes: Offering water helps keep our eyes healthy. This is especially helpful for people who have eye problems.
Better Job Chances: If you want to do well at your job or get a good job, making the Sun happy can help. It makes you feel more confident and active.
Healthy Heart: The Sun is connected to heart health. Regular prayers and offerings to the Sun keep the heart strong.
Happy Family Life: As per astrology, the Sun can also affect our family life and property matters. Regular worship can help solve family disputes, especially with parents.
The Science Behind Offering Water to Sun
From a scientific perspective, offering water to the Sun helps us start the day with fresh air and sunlight, which are good for our health. Looking at the Sun through water in the morning is thought to be good for our eyes.
Astrological Significance of Offering Water to Sun
The Sun is considered as the king of all planets in astrology. So, from the astrological perspective, making the Sun happy by offering water can make our life luckier.
Surya Arghya: How to Do It Right?
When offering water to the Sun, there are a few things to remember:
- Use a copper pot because it is pure.
- Put a flower or some rice in the water as a sign of respect.
- Make sure you can see the Sun's rays in the water.
- Always face towards the east and make sure the water does not fall on your feet as it is disrespectful.
- Even if it's cloudy and you can't see the Sun, you should still perform the ritual facing east.
Gayatri Mantra is one of the most common Vedic Mantra chanted while offering water to the Sun. Here is the mantra:
Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
Meaning: "Let us meditate on that excellent glory of the divine Light. May he stimulate our understandings."
Additionally, you can simply recite 'Om Suryaya Namah' while offering water to the Sun. You can also recite Surya Beej Mantra - Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryay Namah - that addresses the Sun directly, seeking to energize and activate positive influences from the Sun in one's life.
Reciting the 12 names of Lord Surya while offering water during sunrise is also a common and revered practice in Hindu rituals. Here are the 12 names of Lord Surya, often chanted during the water offering:
12 Names of Lord Surya
- Om Mitraya Namah - The friend of all
- Om Ravaye Namah - The one who is loud in his orisons
- Om Suryaya Namah - The guide of all
- Om Bhanave Namah - The bestower of beauty
- Om Khagaya Namah - The one who moves in the sky
- Om Pushne Namah - The nourisher of all
- Om Hiranyagarbhaya Namah - The creator
- Om Marichaye Namah - The destroyer of diseases
- Om Adityaya Namah - The son of Aditi (the cosmic divine Mother)
- Om Savitre Namah - The benefactor
- Om Arkaya Namah - The one who is fit to be praised
- Om Bhaskaraya Namah - The giver of wisdom and cosmic illumination
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