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The twelve Sun-gods (12 Adityas) and their associates

(Srimad Bhagavatam 12.11.27-49) A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami prabhupada

 
The 12 Adityas Ruling Month Solar Month Lunar Month
1 Dhata March - April Madhu Chaitra
2 Aryama April - May Madhava Vaishakha
3 Mitra May - June Shukra Jyeshtha
4 Varuna June - July Suchi Ashadha
5 Indra July - August Nabhas Shravana
6 Vivasvan Aug - Sept Nabhasya Bhadrapada
7 Tvashtha Sept - Oct Isha Ashvina
8 Vishnu Oct - Nov Urja Karttika
9 Amshuman Nov - Dec Sahas Margasirsha
10 Bhaga Dec - Jan Sahasya Pushya
11 Pusha Jan - Feb Tapas Magha
12 Parjanja Feb - March Tapasya Phalguna
'
47-48. While the sages glorify the sun-god with the hymns of
the Sama-, Rig- and Yajur Vedas, which reveal his identity, the
Gandharvas also sing his praises and the Apsaras dance before his
chariot. The Nagas arrange the chariot ropes and the Yaksas
harness the horses to the chariot, while the powerful Raksasas
push from behind.

49. Facing the chariot, the sixty thousand brahmana sages known
as Valakhilyas travel in front and offer prayers to the almighty
sun-god with Vedic mantras.

46. Thus, throughout the twelve months, the lord of the sun travels
in all directions with his six types of associates, disseminating
among the inhabitants of this universe purity of consciousness for
both this life and the next.

45. All these personalities are the opulent expansions of the


Supreme Personality of Godhead, Visnu, in the form of the sun-
god. These deities take away all the sinful reactions of those who
remember them each day at dawn and sunset.

The twelve Adityas are nothing but different forms of the Sun-God Surya. In
different Puranas their names are given differently. Brahma once
recounted to the sages the one hundred and eight sacred names of Surya.
The Brahma Purana lists these names and we reproduce them in nine groups
of twelve names each.

(1) Surya, Archana, Bhagavana, Tvashta, Pusha, Arka, Savita, Ravi,


Gabhastimana, Aja, Kala, Mrityu.
(2) Dhata, Prabhakara, Prithivi, Jala, Teja, Akasha, Vayu, Parayana, Soma,
Brihaspati, Shukra, Budha.
(3) Angaraka, Indra, Vivasvana, Diptamshu, Shuchi, Shouri,Shanaishvara,
Brahma, Vishu, Rudra, Skanda, Vaishravana.
(4) Yama, Vaidyuta, Jathara, Agni, Aindhana, Tejohapti, Dharmadhvaja,
Vedakarta, Vedanga, Vedavahana, Krita, Treta.
(5) Dvapara, Kali, Sarvasurashraya, Kala, Kashtha, Muhurta, Kshapa, Yama,
Kshana, Samvatsara, Ashvattha, Kalachakra.
(6) Vibhavasu, Shashvata, Purusha, Yogi, Vyaktavyakta, Sanatana,
Kaladhyaksha, Prajadhyaksha, Vishvakarma, Tamonuda, Varuna, Sagara.
(7) Amsha, Jimuta, Jivana, Ariha, Bhutashraya, Bhutapati,
Sarvalokanamaskrita, Shrashta, Samvartaka, Vahni, Sarvadi, Alolupa.
(8) Anata, Kapila, Bhanu, Kamada, Sarvotamukha, Jaya, Vishala, Varada,
Sarvabhutasevita, Mana, Suparna, Bhutadi.
(9) Shighraga, Pranadharana, Dhanvantari, Dhumaketu, Adideva,
Aditinandana, Dvadashatma, Ravi, Daksha, Pita, Mata, Pitamaha.

"All these personalities are the opulent expansions of the Supreme Personality
of Godhead, Visnu, in the form of the sun-god. These deities take away all the
sinful reactions of those who remember them each day at dawn and sunset."
(Srimad Bhagavatam 12.11.45)

The twelve Sun-gods (12 Adityas)


The 12 Adityas and their Associates
(Srimad Bhagavatam 12.11.27-49)

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)


Ruling Month
Sun-god Sage Yasha Gandharva Apsara Raksha Naga
March - April Chaitra 1 Dhata Pulastya Rathakrt Tumburu Krtasthali Heti Vasuki
April - May Vaishakha 2 Aryama Pulaha Athauja Narada Punjikasthali Praheti Kacchanira
May - June Jyeshtha 3 Mitra Atri Rathasvana Haha Menaka Pauruseya Taksaka
June - July Ashadha 4 Varuna Vasistha Citrasvana Huhu Rambha Sahajanya Sukra
July - August Shravana 5 Indra Angira Srota Visvavasu Pramloca Varya Elapatra
Aug - Sept Bhadrapada 6 Vivasvan Bhrgu Asarana Ugrasena Anumloca Vyaghra Sankhapala
Sept - Oct Ashvina 7 Tvashtha Jamadagni Satajit Dhrtarastra Tilottama Brahmapeta Kambalasva
Oct - Nov Kartika 8 Vishnu Visvamitra Satyajit Suryavarca Rambha Makhapeta Asvatara
Nov - Dec Margashirsha 9 Amshuman Kasyapa Tarksya Rtasena Urvasi Vidyucchatru Mahasankha
Dec - Jan Pausha 10 Bhaga Ayur Uma Aristanemi Purvacitti Sphurja Karkotaka
Jan - Feb Magha 11 Pushya Gautama Suruci Susena Ghrtaci Vata Dhananjaya
Feb - March Phalguna 12 Parjanya Bharadvaja Ritu Visva Senajit Varca Airavata

In each month of the year, it is a different aditya who shines. As Indra, Surya destroys the
enemies of the gods. As Dhata, he creates living beings. As Parjanya, he showers down
rain. As Tvashta, he lives in the trees and herbs. As Pusha, he makes foodgrains grow. As
Aryama, he is in the wind. As Bhaga, he is in the body of all 0living beings. As
Vivasvana, he is in fire and helps to cook food. As Vishnu, he destroys the enemies of the
gods. As Amshumana, he is again in the wind. As Varuna, Surya is in the waters and as
Mitra, he is in the moon and in the oceans.
The different Forms of the Sun-god
Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 12, Chapter 11, Text 27-49

27-28. Sri Saunaka said: Please describe to us, who have great faith in your words, the
different sets of seven personal features and associates the sun-god exhibits during each
month, along with their names and activities. The associates of the sun-god, who serve
their lord, are personal expansions of the Supreme Personality of Godhead Hari in His
feature as the presiding deity of the sun.

29. Suta Gosvami said: The sun travels among all the planets and thus regulates their
movements. It has been created by Lord Visnu, the Supreme Soul of all embodied beings,
through His beginningless material energy.

30. The sun-god, being nondifferent from Lord Hari, is the one soul of all the worlds and
their original creator. He is the source of all the ritualistic activities prescribed in the
Vedas and has been given many names by the Vedic sages.

31. Being the source of the material energy, the Personality of Godhead Lord Hari in His
expansion as the sun-god is described in nine aspects, O Saunaka: the time, the place, the
endeavor, the performer, the instrument, the specific ritual, the scripture, the
paraphernalia of worship and the result to be achieved.

32. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, manifesting His potency of time as the sun-
god, travels about in each of the twelve months, beginning with Madhu, to regulate
planetary motion within the universe. Traveling with the sun-god in each of the twelve
months is a different set of six associates.

33. My dear sage, Dhata as the sun-god, Krtasthali as the Apsara, Heti as the Raksasa,
Vasuki as the Naga, Rathakrt as the Yaksa, Pulastya as the sage and Tumburu as the
Gandharva rule the month of Madhu.

34. Aryama as the sun-god, Pulaha as the sage, Athauja as the Yaksa, Praheti as the
Raksasa, Punjikasthali as the Apsara, Narada as the Gandharva and Kacchanira as the
Naga rule the month of Madhava.

35. Mitra as the sun-god, Atri as the sage, Pauruseya as the Raksasa, Taksaka as the
Naga, Menaka as the Apsara, Haha as the Gandharva and Rathasvana as the Yaksa rule
the month of Sukra.

36. Vasistha as the sage, Varuna as the sun-god, Rambha as the Apsara, Sahajanya as
the Raksasa, Huhu as the Gandharva, Sukra as the Naga and Citrasvana as the Yaksa rule
the month of Suci.
37. Indra as the sun-god, Visvavasu as the Gandharva, Srota as the Yaksa, Elapatra as
the Naga, Angira as the sage, Pramloca as the Apsara and Varya as the Raksasa rule the
month of Nabhas.

38. Vivasvan as the sun-god, Ugrasena as the Gandharva, Vyaghra as the Raksasa,


Asarana as the Yaksa, Bhrgu as the sage, Anumloca as the Apsara and Sankhapala as the
Naga rule the month of Nabhasya.

39. Pusha as the sun-god, Dhananjaya as the Naga, Vata as the Raksasa, Susena as the
Gandharva, Suruci as the Yaksa, Ghrtaci as the Apsara and Gautama as the sage rule the
month of Tapas.

40. Ritu as the Yaksa, Varca as the Raksasa, Bharadvaja as the sage, Parjanya as the
sun-god, Senajit as the Apsara, Visva as the Gandharva and Airavata as the Naga rule the
month known as Tapasya.

41. Amshu as the sun-god, Kasyapa as the sage, Tarksya as the Yaksa, Rtasena as the
Gandharva, Urvasi as the Apsara, Vidyucchatru as the Raksasa and Mahasa“kha as the
Naga rule the month of Sahas.

42. Bhaga as the sun-god, Sphurja as the Raksasa, Aristanemi as the Gandharva, Uma as
the Yaksa, Ayur as the sage, Karkotaka as the Naga and Purvacitti as the Apsara rule the
month of Pusya.

43. Tvashtha as the sun-god; Jamadagni, the son of Rcika, as the sage; Kambalasva as
the Naga; Tilottama as the Apsara; Brahmapeta as the Raksasa; Satajit as the Yaksa; and
Dhrtarastra as the Gandharva maintain the month of Isa.

44. Vishnu as the sun-god, Asvatara as the Naga, Rambha as the Apsara, Suryavarca as
the Gandharva, Satyajit as the Yaksa, Visvamitra as the sage and Makhapeta as the
Raksasa rule the month of Urja.

45. All these personalities are the opulent expansions of the Supreme Personality of
Godhead, Visnu, in the form of the sun-god. These deities take away all the sinful
reactions of those who remember them each day at dawn and sunset.

46. Thus, throughout the twelve months, the lord of the sun travels in all directions with
his six types of associates, disseminating among the inhabitants of this universe purity of
consciousness for both this life and the next.

47-48. While the sages glorify the sun-god with the hymns of the Sama, Rg and Yajur
Vedas, which reveal his identity, the Gandharvas also sing his praises and the Apsaras
dance before his chariot. The Nagas arrange the chariot ropes and the Yaksas harness the
horses to the chariot, while the powerful Raksasas push from behind.
49. Facing the chariot, the sixty thousand brahmana sages known as
Valakhilyas travel in front and offer prayers to the almighty sun-god with Vedic
mantras.

The six Season Julian Calendar Lunar Month Solar Months

March – April Chaitra Madhu


Spring Vasanta
April – May Vaishakha Madhava
May – June Jyaishtha Shukra
Summer Grishma
June – July Ashadha Suchi
July- August Shravana Nabhas
Rainy Varsha
August - September Bhadrapada Nabhasya
September - October Ashvina Isha
Autumn Sharat
October - November Karttika Urja
Margasirsha
November - December Sahas
Winter / Cold Hemanta (Agrahayana)
December - January Pausha Sahasya 
January - February  Magha Tapas
Dewy / Dews Shishira
February – March Phalguna T apasya

The hundred and eight names (112) of Surya


From the Mahabharata Vana parva, Sec. III (10)

The Sun, which is the representation of the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna, is known by 108
names

These are the hundred and eight names of Surya of immeasurable energy, as told by the
self-create (Brahma). These names where disclosed of old by Lord Brahma, the self created,
to the illustrious Sakra, and from Sakra to Narada, and from Narada to Dhaumya, and from
Dhaumya to the sons of Pritha, the Pandavas.

For the acquisition of prosperity, I bow down to thee, O Bhaskara, blazing like unto gold or
fire, who is worshipped of the gods and the Pitris and the Yakshas, and who is adored
by Asuras, Nisacharas, and Siddhas.

Dhaumya said to Yudhistira:

Surya, Aryaman, Bhaga, Twastri, Pusha, Arka, Savitri, Ravi, Gabhastimat, Aja, Kala,
Mrityu, Dhatri, Prabhakara, Prithibi, Apa, Teja, Kha, Vayu, Soma, Vrihaspati, Sukra, Budha,
Angaraka, Indra, Vivaswat, Diptanshu, Suchi, Sauri, Sanaichara, Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra,
Skanda, Vaisravana, Yama, Vaidyutagni, Jatharagni, Aindhna, Tejasampati, Dharmadhwaja,
Veda-karttri, Vedanga, Vedavahana, Krita, Treta, Dwapara, Kali, Kala, Kastha, Muhurtta,
Kshapa, Yama, and Kshana; Samvatsara-kara, Aswattha, Kalachakra, Bibhavasu, Purusha,
Saswata, Yogin, Vyaktavyakta, Sanatana, Kaladhyaksha, Prajadhyaksha, Viswakarma,
Tamounda, Varuna, Sagara, Ansu, Jimuta, Jivana, Arihan, Bhutasraya, Bhutapati, Srastri,
Samvartaka, Vanhi, Sarvadi, Alolupa, Ananta, Kapila, Bhanu, Kamada, Sarvatomukha, Jaya,
Visala, Varada, Manas, Suparna, Bhutadi, Sighraga, Prandharana, Dhanwantari, Dhumaketu,
Adideva, Aditisuta, Dwadasatman, Aravindaksha, Pitri, Matri, Pitamaha, Swarga-dwara,
Prajadwara, Mokshadwara, Tripistapa, Dehakarti, Prasantatman, Viswatman,
Viswatomukha, Characharatman, Sukhsmatman, Maitreya.

'Whoever with fixed attention recited this hymn at sunrise, obtaineth wife and offspring and
riches and the memory of his former existence, and by reciting this hymn a person attaineth
patience and memory. Let a man concentrating his mind, recite this hymn. By doing so, he
shall be proofed against grief and forest-fire and ocean and every object of desire shall be
his.'

'And a person, male or female, that recited this hymn every day in the two twilights (sunrise
and sunset) hin mind concentrated with ascetic abstraction, obtained every boon he desired,
however difficult it may be, that he ask for. If he is overtaken by danger, he is delivered
from it; and if bound, he is freed from the bounds.'

The hundred and eight names (112) of Surya - Alphabetically

 Adideva  Diptanshu  Prabhakara  Surya


 Aditisuta  Dwadasatman  Prajadhyaksha  Swarga-dwara
 Aindhna  Dwapara  Prajadwara  Tamounda
 Aja  Gabhastimat  Prandharana  Teja
 Alolupa  Indra  Prasantatman  Tejasampati
 Ananta  Jatharagni  Prithibi  Treta
 Angaraka  Jaya  Purusha  Tripistapa
 Ansu  Jimuta  Pusha  Twastri
 Apa  Jivana  Ravi  Vaidyutagni
 Aravindaksha  Kala  Rudra  Vaisravana
 Arihan  Kala  Sagara  Vanhi
 Arka  Kalachakra  Samvartaka  Varada
 Aryaman  Kaladhyaksha  Samvatsara-kara  Varuna
 Aswattha  Kali  Sanaichara  Vayu
 Bhaga  Kamada  Sanatana  Veda-karttri
 Bhanu  Kapila  Sarvadi  Vedanga
 Bhutadi  Kastha  Sarvatomukha  Vedavahana
 Bhutapati  Kha  Saswata  Visala
 Bhutasraya  Krita  Sauri  Vishnu
 Bibhavasu  Kshapa  Savitri  Viswakarma
 Brahma  Maitreya.  Sighraga  Viswatman
 Budha  Manas  Skanda  Viswatomukha
 Characharatman  Matri  Soma  Vivaswat
 Dehakarti  Mokshadwara  Srastri  Vrihaspati
 Dhanwantari  Mrityu  Suchi  Vyaktavyakta
 Dharmadhwaja  Muhurtta  Sukhsmatman  Yama
 Dhatri  Pitamaha  Sukra  Kshana
 Dhumaketu  Pitri  Suparna  Yogin
 

The seven (7) Horses of the Sun's Chariot

1. Gayatri, 2. Samvrihati, 3. Ushnik, 4. Jagati


5. Trishtubh, 6. Anushtubh, 7. Pankti

The chariot of Lord Surya is pulled by seven horses. Hence, he is sometimes referred to
as Saptashva (Lord of Seven Horses).

 
In ancient symbolism all over the world, seven is the number of cosmic creation as it
is the point where consciousness manifests and we have our first stage of conscious
understanding.

For example, the first stage of consciousness is a stirring


thought you may or may not be slightly aware of, but it
hasn’t quite fully formed. Seven is when the thought has
significant meaning, whether the idea is right or wrong. 
The eighth Aditya was called Vivasvat, sometimes called Martanda. However, he was
born deformed so Aditi abandoned him. He was obviously a bad idea that was not
worthy of manifestation. We will take a closer look at this towards the end of the
article. 

As the ancient sages became to understand the evolution of consciousness with


greater intensity, the Adityas became twelve – and thus we have the 12 houses of
astrology – an art which tracks the 12-month cycle of the sun and describes
personality traits with startling accuracy (in my experience at least). 
As the earth orbits around the sun throughout the year, it passes through the
different houses and as it is influenced by other magnetic forces from other celestial
planets, comets and so forth, the energy changes. And this energy directly affects
the magnetic energy on earth which we are all intricately connected to. 

In modern science, the male proton is considered the ‘Energy of Purpose.’ In the
Vishnu Purana, Kasyapa, a wise sage is represented as ‘vision.’ Surely the ancient
scribes and modern scientists are making reference to the same thing here.

Aditi is boundless energy that transforms and creates just as the female electron
transforms and creates atoms that become matter. When the female electron cannot
find balance with the male proton, or if it is stronger, electrons move on to another
proton in search equilibrium.

The 12 Adityas are described in the Rig Vedas as “bright and pure…perfect.”
Furthermore, they are different aspects of Lord Vishnu who symbolises absolute
consciousness – and the source of Brahma, the God of creation. 

As Sun Gods, the Gods of Light, Adityas, therefore, represent levels of creation as
nature develops – and that includes the evolution of our conscious thoughts which
ultimately manifest as reality.

The 12 solar deities in Hindu


In all ancient civilisations, Sun Gods were described as “Creator Gods” in some form
or other. But essentially, all creation comes from consciousness. In the case of
mankind, what we manifest in our lives comes from our thoughts – which are energy
that converts to matter. 

As consciousness expands, the energy becomes stronger and forms into a fully
blossomed thought which subsequently evokes emotions and compels us to act. It is
mostly through our actions – where we invest most of our energy – that matter
manifests as reality. 

The names of the Adityas interchange from one text to another, but for the purpose
of this article, I will use the names given in the Bhagavata Purana. 

The 12 solar deities of ancient Hindu mythology are: 

 Vishnu
 Dhata
 Bhaga
 Tvastha
 Surya/Savitri
 Mitra
 Varuna
 Aryaman
 Pushan
 Ansa
 Ushas
 Vivasvat

Vishnu
In later Vedic literature, Vishnu is recognised as one of the Supreme Gods of the
Trinity, but in the early Rig Veda texts was one of the Adityas. According to scholars,
Vishnu was not even regarded as the most powerful of the solar deities although
there is some debate amongst commentators who is regarded as the most
powerful. 

Some scholars consider Agni is the most powerful of the Rig Veda Gods as he gets
the most mentions. Varuna is considered the chief of the Adityas because he alone
allows the sun to shine on the firmament.
But it is Vishnu who emerges as a Supreme God and included as one of the Hindu
Trinity, thus is the first in my list as he represents absolute consciousness. And it was
by starting with Vishnu that I came to unlock the riddle of the Aditya puzzle.

Vishnu is the initial spark of energy that gives birth to Brahma, the creator God who
represents our thoughts. The first stirring of consciousness comes from Vishnu, the
source, which in modern times has been described as the ‘akashic records’ (Edgar
Cayce), ‘collective unconscious’ (Carl Jung) and more recently the ‘morphogenetic
field’ (Rupert Sheldrake).

Dhata
Dhata, or Dhatr is mentioned in the Rig Veda as a ‘creator’ and the literal translation
of his name in Sanskrit is ‘the creator of all things.’ He is, therefore, the forerunner of
Brahma and thus emerges from the source of consciousness, Vishnu. 

In Hindu myths, Dhata is connected with lovemaking and the process of making
children – hence we see the allegory of the ‘chemical wedding’ mentioned above
which is the hermetic term to describe the process of male protons and female
electrons bonding together in search of stability. This is the first process of matter
becoming reality – which begins as a stirring thought.

Bhaga
The Bhaga of the Aditya means ‘marital bliss and prosperity’ and is said to bestow
riches, affluence and material prosperity. The basis of the word means divine and is
the root from which the ancient writers named the famous story, “Bhagavad Gita” in
the Mahabharata. 

Bhaga is also an abstract noun in Sanskrit meaning ‘destiny’ and in the Rig Veda is
the God that oversees the destiny of man in accordance with his merits. As a god
that bestows a high status, he is the God Hindus pray to for blessings of wealth –
not necessarily financial wealth, but well-being, good health, prosperity, positive
outcomes etc.

Tvashtha
In Tvashtha we find the elements of the subconscious mind which forms the basis of
our natural instincts. Known as the ‘lord of the womb’, he is a creator god that
produces bodies of men and animals. In Hindu mythology, Tvashtha is the ‘heavenly
builder’ that makes divine tools and is the guardian of soma.  

Tvashtha is, therefore, the God that encourages us to move forward with confidence,
but can also be the God that punishes us when we stray. This idea is reflected in the
story of Indra and Vrtra. Tvashtha is also the grandfather of the twins Yama and
Yami which represent dharma and karma. Their father is Surya.

Savitr or Surya
Savitr and Surya are used interchangeably as the name for the sun in Vedic texts. It
is thought that Savitr represents the sun when it is invisible to worshippers and
Surya – who shines so bright his glare is blinding – is used on the occasions we are
not able to look towards the sun. 
However, Savitr is also noted as a moon deity, which reflects the sun’s light at night.
Here we have the light and dark aspects of our conscious actions. The light of day is
said to be good dharma, whilst night represents the dark passenger that leads us
into temptation.

The sun gods infuse energy into all creatures and bring life, but whereas Surya offers
stability and permanency, Savitri takes the “souls of the departed to the abode of
righteousness” meaning is the aspect of our attitudes and behaviours that change
through the knowledge we gain. 

Mitra 
Mitra is the personification of the morning star, the fertile light of the sun, where the
first stirring of manifestation begins to start taking shape based on our actions.
Mitra grants knowledge, harmony and integrity and is regarded as the god of
friendship, truth and justice. Together with his twin, Varuna, Mitra represents cosmic
laws of the Universe which ultimately manifest as reality based on our thoughts,
emotions and actions.
Varuna 
Whereas Mitra is the rising sun, Varuna is the setting sun and uses his power to form
the three worlds; the heavens (consciousness), the earth (physical reality) and
intermittent space (time). Given Varuna causes ‘rain and rivers to flow” he is a god
that is associated with cycles of water that are essential to the formation and
evolution of life. 

In Vedic astrology, Varuna corresponds with the zodiacal sign of the crab, cancer,
which is dominated by the moon. In the Rig Veda, he shows characteristics of a lunar
deity in opposition to his twin, Mitra who is a solar deity. Varuna, therefore,
represents the shadow-self, the dark passenger that lurks in our sub-conscious and
we often see in other people. 

Aryaman 
In Hindu texts, Aryaman is combined as a triad with Mitra and Varuna and is
associated with chivalry, honour and rules of society. He has renown as a leader and
a fighter who is confident of his strength. In other words, he represents
determination, belief and perseverance. 

Aryaman is depicted as the God of sacrifice and aspiration as he journeys along the
path towards perfection and light. But it depends which path Aryaman follows that
determines the outcome. The leaders of the path are Mitra and Varuna, the higher
conscious self of the rising sun (illumination), or the sub-conscious mind of our dark
passenger (the setting, or dying sun).

Pusan
In ancient Sanskrit, the name Pusan, or Pushan, denotes “the reason for people to
prosper” and is invoked during Hindu marriage ceremonies. In mythology, he is
described as a herdsman that guides cattle and humans along the path to “the other
world.”  

Pusan is said to inspire the soul and increase wealth. But as the guardian of livestock
who knows all creatures, he also looks after our animal nature, thus if we choose to
follow the path of Varuna, Pushan respects our choice and helps us on our way. 

Ansa
In Sanskrit Ansa means bounty and is derived from an ancient Nordic word Anz,
meaning to answer. We can therefore assume it is at this point where consciousness
decides how energy will manifest. 

It is in Hymn IV, verse 6 of the Svetasvatara Upanishad that we see Ansa expressed
as the duality of manifestation, good, bad, or in this case happy and depressed. We
read: 
“Two birds, inseparable friends, cling to the same tree. One of them eats the sweet
fruits, the other looks on without eating. On the same tree, man (Ansa) sits grieving,
immersed, bewildered, by his own impotence. But when he sees the other, Isa,
contented, and knows His glory, then his grief passes away.”

In other words, consciousness has the answer and is comfortable manifesting the
energy of purpose. It is at this point where the male and female energies stabilise
and neutralise. 

Ushas
In Vedic literature, Ushas is identified with the dawn, the break of a new day and is
pulled in a chariot by one hundred horses. In gematria, 100 amounts to one –
singularity, single outcome. 

As the light of a new day, Ushas represents a positive outcome or good idea. She is
mentioned in the Vedas as chasing away demons and giving man strength. Known
as “the mother of all cows’ she bared her breasts for the good of humanity.

Vivasvat
And so we come to Vivasat, the 12th Aditya, who was the eighth son of Aditi and cast
away by his mother. Vivasvat was born a deformity and even though his seven
siblings tried to “improve his appearance” he would never be perfect and was
abandoned. The character is also known by the name Marrtanda which means
‘lifeless.’

A piece of Vivasvat is cut away and transformed into an elephant. In Hindu


symbolism, elephants represent, patience, strength and wisdom, thus identifying the
qualities we need to adopt in order to manifest perfect creation. 

In Hindu astrology, Vivasvat is associated with the planet Pluto which in turn
corresponds to characteristics which symbolise misfortune and deprivation. In Greek
mythology, Pluto governs over the subterranean “realm of shadows.” 
And thus we conclude what I believe is the evolution of boundless energy and
consciousness, that bond, stabilise and manifest. Evidently, I cannot confirm this
assessment is correct because modern-day scientists have no evidence to prove it is
so – but does it not seem to you that the ancient writers provide a perfectly
reasonable theory.

ALL POSTS TAGGED 12 ADITYAS

Why do Hindus Worship the  Sun?

Horse head Nebulain the universe;photo by NASA


Research Article written by London Swaminathan
Post No.1261; Dated 30th August 2014.

Most beautiful poetry in the Rig Veda comes from the wedding hymns of the Hindus. Seers burst into
ecstasy when they sing about Dawn (Ushas) and the Sun. Only a few lines from Surya’s Bride (RV 10-
85) are given below. This hymn/poem has got 47 Riks like this:
“Truth is the base that bears the earth; by Surya are the heavens sustained.
By law the Adityas stand secure, and Soma holds his place in heaven” (10-85-1)

Sun worship has been in practice in India from the Vedic days. Surya/Sun plays a great part in Vedic
mythology and religion. Surya is praised as a beneficent power in all the four Vedas. Hindu Brahmins
worship sun thrice a day facing in the direction of the sun. In the afternoon they see the sun through the
finger hole and pray for long life of 100 years. They recite the following beautiful Vedic mantra everyday
in the noon:

Pashyema sharadas shatam = may we see for 100 years


Jeevema sharadas shatam = may we live for 100 years
Nandaama sharadas shatam = may we be delighted for 100 years
Modaama sharadas shatam = may we be happy for 100 years
Bhavaama sharadas shatam = may we excel in our work for 100 years
Shrunvaama sharadas shatam= may we hear (good things) for 100 years
Prabravaama sharadas shatam= may we speak (good things) for100 years
Ajeetaasyama sharadas shatam= may we live invincible for 100 years
Jyok cha suuryam drushe=in this way, let us enjoy seeing sun (for 100 years)

Surya in Delhi Airport;photo by london swaminathan


In the Rig Veda wonder is expressed that the sun does not fall (RV 4-13-5). There are several references
to eclipses in the Rig Veda. Hindus knew the calculations for predicting the eclipses.
Astronomy had advanced to such an extent that the Vedic Rishis said that the moon shines by the
borrowed light of the sun (RV 9-71-9;76,4;86,32 and 1-190-3).

Makra Sankaranti (Pongal), in praise of Sun, is celebrated from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Hindus ruled
South East Asian countries for over 1000 years and Sankaranti (Sun Festival) is celebrated in those
countries as well.

Surya and Science


When white light is passed through a prism we get seven colours VIBGYOR (Violet,Indigo,
Blue,Green,Yellow,Orange and Red). We see it in the rainbow after the rains. Hindus called the seven
colours as seven horses of the Sun Chariot. Surya is represented in a chariot drawn by seven horses. For
the same reason Agni (Fire God) is also described as a god with seven tongues.

Surya’s Charioteer is Aruna or Visvawat.


His city is called Viswavati or Bhasvati.
Surya’s wives are Savarna, Swati, Maha Virya and Sajna
Surya/Sun has got various names in the Hindu scriptures: Following are his important epithets:
Savitri= the nourisher
Viswavat = the brilliantBhaskara = light maker
Dinakara = day maker
Arha pati = lord of the day
Loka Chakshu = Eye of the World
Karma Sakshi = Witness of the deeds (of human beings)
Grha raja = King of the celestial bodis
Gabastiman = possessed of rays
Sahasrakirana = having 1000 rays
Vikarttana = shorn of his beams
Martanda = descended from Mritanda
Surya cut down to size!
There is a very interesting story about sun. Probably it is some scientific phenomena that which the
science is yet to discover. His effulgence was so powerful that his wife couldn’t bear it and so retired to
forest. The sun approached her in the form of a mare. She gave birth to Asvin twins and Revanta. Surya
brought back his wife Sajna to his home and her father, the sage Viswakarma placed the luminary on
his lathe and cut away an eighth of his effulgence, trimming him in every part except his feet.

The fragments that were cut off fell blazing to the earth and from them Viswakarma formed:–
The Discus of Vishnu
The Trident of Shiva
Weapon of Kuvera
Lance of Kartikeya and
The Weapons of other Gods.
Twelve Suns
Following is taken from New Larouse Encyclopaedia of Mythology:-
A passage in the Brahma Purana alludes to Surya’s twelve names, each of which was followed by special
epithets as if they referred to twelve different divinities:
The first form of the sun is Indra , lord of the gods and destroyer of their enemies;
The second is Dhata, creator of all things;
The third is Parjanya, who dwells in the clouds and with his rays sends down water on earth;
The fourth is Tvashta, who lives in all corporal forms;
The fifth is Pusan, who provides food for all living things;
The sixth is Aryama who brings sacrifices to fruition;
The seventh derives his name from alms giving and rejoices all beggars by his gifts
The eight is named Vivasvan and causes good digestion;
The ninth is Vishnu who constantly manifests himself to destroy the enemies of the gods;
The tenth is Ansuman who keeps all vital organs in good health;
The eleventh is Varuna who dwells in the heart of the waters and gives life to the universe;
And the twelfth is the Mitra who lives in the orb of the moon for the welfare of the three worlds.
Such are the twelve splendours of the Sun, the Supreme Spirit, who by their means plunges into the
universe and irradiates even the secret souls of men.
12 Adityas
Bhagavatha Purana gives the names of twelve Adityas as follows: Dhata, Aryama, Mitra, Varuna, Indra,
Vivasvan, Tvashta, Vishnu, Amshuman, Bhaga, Pushya, Parjanya.

In the earlier Brahmanas the twelve Adityas are listed as follows:


Amsa, Aryaman, Bhaga, Daksa, Dhatr, Indra, Mitra, Ravi, Savitr, Surya/Arka, Varuna and Yama.

Surya Namaskar
In the Surya Nmaskar, sun is worshipped with the mantras Mitra, Ravi, Surya, Bhanu, Kaga,
Pushan,Hiranyagarbha, Marica, Aditya,Savitra, Arka, Bhaskara. All the mantras have Om as prefix and
Nama: as suffix:
E.g. Om Mitraya Nama:

In short number 12 is associated with the Sun denoting twelve months. In the Vedic time the month
names were different. They are as follows:
Madhu,, Madhava (Vasanta Rtu)
Shukra, Shuchi (Grishma Rtu)
Nabha, Nabhasya (Vrsha Rtu)
Isha,Urja (Sarad Rtu)
Saha, Sahasya ( Hemanta)
Tapa, Tapsya (shisira).
Veda are the sources of knowledge. They are believed to be the most ancient
wisdom. The Vedas are four in number Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and
Atharvaveda respectively. The deities mentioned in Vedas are called Vedic Gods.
Basically the Gods and Goddesses to whom saints, sages and common man of
vedic age worshipped are the Vedic Gods. They are 33 in number – 12 Aditya, 8
Vasus, 11 Rudras and 2 Ashwini Kumar.

12 Adityas are the 12 out of 33 Vedic Gods.


The names of 12 Aditya are Indra, Dhata, Parjanya, Tvashta Pusha, Aryaman, Bhaga,
Vivasvan, Vishnu, Anshuman, Varuna, Mitra. The names vary from text to text.
And 8 Vasu are Dhara/Earth, Anala/Agni, Anila/Wind, Apa/Water, Akasha (space), Surya
(Sun), Moon (Chandra), Dhruva (pole star).
The names of 11 Rudra are Mahakal, Tara, Bala Bhuvanesh, Shodash Srividyesh,
Bhairava, Chinnamastak, Dhumwan, Baglamukh, Mathang, Kamal, Hanuman.
Finally 2 Ashwini Kumaras. Some people believe Indra and Prajapati in place of
Ashwini Kumaras. Some says they are the gods physician and the son of sangya
and Lord Sun.
Here Today we are elaborating the 12 Adityas as per one of the ancient text. You
may find different names in different texts.

Twelve Adityas

These 12 Adityas play an important role in the evolution of the universe.

Indra
He is the first form of Lord Surya. Indra is Aditya Swaroop as the King of Gods. His
power is limitless. He has authority over the senses. He has the responsibility of
suppressing enemies and protecting the Gods.

Dhata
Dhata is the Prajapati. He has contributed to the creation of the mass community.
Dhata as aditya monitors the people who do not follow social rules and who insult
religion. He is also the Creator.

Parjanya
Parjanya is the third Aditya. He lives in the clouds. He has control over the clouds.
The water vapors in the clouds cause rain which soothes the temperature of the
earth and re-infuse life. Life on earth is not possible without him.

Tvashta
The fourth name of Adityas. His habitat is in vegetation. He is prevalent in plants
and trees. With his grace, there is lush vegetation in nature, by which life is found.

Pusha
The fifth Aditya is Pusha who lives in the food grains. He is in all types of cereals. It
is with his grace that nutrition and energy come into the food. Whatever flavor and
juice are present in the grain, it comes from his majesty.

Aryaman
Aryaman or Aryama. He is the third son of Aditi. He is one of the solar deities
meaning God of fathers. His path in the sky is the Milky Way. The authority of this
deity is related to the Sun.

Bhaga
Bhaga is the seventh Aditya. Exists in the form of the organs in the body of beings.
The Bhaga Dev God expresses consciousness, energy power, work power, and
vibrancy in the body.

Vivasvan
The eighth Aditya is Vivasvan. He is Agnidev. The brisk and heat spread in him is
from the Sun. Digestion of agriculture and fruits, digestion of food eaten by
creatures is done by his fire. He is the father of the eighth Manu, Vaivasvata Manu.

Vishnu
The ninth Aditya is Vishnu. The God who destroys the enemies of the Gods is
Vishnu. He is the liberator of all the sufferings of the world. Vishnu as the ninth
Aditya who have been born as Trivikram. Trivikram is the Vamana avatar of Vishnu.

Anshuman
Anshuman is the tenth Aditya. The power who sits in the body by becoming a life
element in the form of air is Anshuman. Life is vigilant and full of him.

Varuna
The eleventh Aditya symbolizes the water element, Varuna Dev. He is seated in
human beings as water. Being life is the basis of whole nature and life cannot be
imagined in the absence of water.

Mitra
Mitra is the twelfth Aditya. The one who is doing penance for the welfare of the
world is considered to have the power to do the welfare of the sages.
The 12 Adityas
- April 22, 2017

The 12 Adityas in Hindu mythology explain the evolution of consciousness from its primordial
unformed state into energy that transforms into karmic manifestation.

There are several accounts of the Aditi and the Adityas in the Rig Vedas. Aditi and Kashyapa are
referred to as the parents of  the ‘Gods of Light’.
In each month of the year, it is a different aditya who shines. As Indra, Surya destroys the enemies
of the gods. As Dhata, he creates living beings. As Parjanya, he showers down rain. As Tvashta, he
lives in the trees and herbs. As Pusha, he makes food grains grow. As Aryama, he is in the wind.
As Bhaga, he is in the body of all living beings. As Vivasvana, he is in fire and helps to cook food.
As Vishnu, he destroys the enemies of the gods. As Amshumana, he is again in the wind.
As Varuna, Surya is in the waters and as Mitra, he is in the moon and in the oceans.

While the sages glorify the sun-god with the hymns of the Sama-, Rig- and Yajur Vedas, which
reveal his identity, the Gandharvas also sing his praises and the Apsaras dance before his chariot.
The Nagas arrange the chariot ropes and the Yaksas harness the horses to the chariot, while the
powerful Raksasas push from behind.

A similar depiction is found on a rock-cut cave far away in Yazili Kaya in Turkey! This rock-cave
has multiple depictions of Gods and Goddesses that resemble Hindu gods. The lower chamber in
this cave shows a frieze with 12 gods carved onto it who were worshiped by the people known as
Hittites.

Interestingly, these 12 Adityas were adopted into Chinese and Japanese Buddhism as guardians of
the monasteries covering the four main directions, four semi-directions, above, below and the Sun
and Moon. They are known as Devas or Ten 天 in Japan (which literally means Heaven or
Celestial).

The chariot of Lord Surya is pulled by seven horses. Hence, he is sometimes referred to as
Saptashva (Lord of Seven Horses).

1. Gayatri, 

2. Samvrihati, 

3. Ushnik, 

4. Jagati
5. Trishtubh, 

6. Anushtubh, 

7. Pankti

"While the sages glorify the sun-god with the hymns of the Sama-, Rig- and Yajur Vedas, which
reveal his identity, the Gandharvas also sing his praises and the Apsaras dance before his
chariot. The Nagas arrange the chariot ropes and the Yaksas harness the horses to the chariot,
while the powerful Raksasas push from behind" .

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