Although sun 

worship or veneration is culturally multi cultural and multi-religious spanning the

entire spectrum of Religions especially ancient ones it  has been used frequently as a term for
“pagan” religion, it is, in fact, relatively rare. Though almost every culture uses solar motifs, only a
relatively few cultures (Egyptian, Indo-European, and Meso-American) developed solar religions. All of
these groups had in common a well-developed urban civilization with a strong ideology of sacred
kingship. In all of them the imagery of the sun as the ruler of both the upper and the lower worlds that he
majestically visits on his daily round is prominent.

In Hinduism, Surya means Sun in Indic literature. Above: Sunrise in Uttarakhand, India

Surya as an important heavenly body appears in various Indian astronomical texts in Sanskrit, such as the
5th century Aryabhatiya by Aryabhata, the 6th century Romaka by Latadeva and Panca Siddhantika by
Varahamihira, the 7th century Khandakhadyaka by Brahmagupta and the 8th century Sisyadhivrddida by
Lalla These texts present Surya and various planets and estimate the characteristics of the respective
planetary motion.[51] Other texts such as Surya Siddhanta dated to have been complete sometime between
the 5th century and 10th century present their chapters on various planets with deity mythologies.
The manuscripts of these texts exist in slightly different versions, present Surya- and planets-based
calculation and its relative motion to earth. These vary in their data, suggesting that the text were open
and revised over their lives. For example, the 10th century BCE Hindu scholars had estimated the sidereal
length of a year as follows, from their astronomical studies, with slightly different results: [55]
Sanskrit texts: How many days in a year?
Hindu text Estimated length of the sidereal year
Surya Siddhanta 365 days, 6 hours, 12 minutes, 36.56 seconds
Paulica Siddhanta 365 days, 6 hours, 12 minutes, 36 seconds
Paracara Siddhanta 365 days, 6 hours, 12 minutes, 31.50 seconds
Arya Siddhanta 365 days, 6 hours, 12 minutes, 30.84 seconds
Laghu Arya
365 days, 6 hours, 12 minutes, 30 seconds
Siddhanta
Siddhanta Shiromani 365 days, 6 hours, 12 minutes, 9 seconds

The oldest of these is likely to be the Surya Siddhanta, while the most accurate is the Siddhanta
Shiromani.
Surya or the Sun God is a God we see every day and without whom we would not have day or night or life. He
rides on a chariot driven by Aruna and accompanied by Usha and Pratyusha who have arrows to fight against
darkness.

1
Surya was born as the son of Sage Kashyapa and Aditi, and was one of the Adityas. He got married to Sanjana
(sometimes called Saranya), the daughter of Vishwakarma.
But his wife could not tolerate the heat coming from him and went back to her father’s home after creating her
shadow called Chaya to take her place.
In time, Chaya gave birth to Shani, Tapti. On coming to know of the birth of Shani, Vishwakarma comes to
know of the truth and sends Sanjana back. She gives birth to Yama and Yamuna. But Surya realizes that she
ill-treats Shani and gets her to tell the truth. Sent away from her husband’s house again, she becomes a mare.
Surya realizes his mistake, and on finding Sanjana, becomes a horse.
They give birth to the godly doctors, the Ashwini Kumaras. Surya comes back to lead his life with both his
wives, Sanjana and Chaya. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/littlethoughts/mythology-5-surya/\

Surya सूर्य solar deity in Hinduism,  particularly in the Saura tradition found in Indian states such
as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha. Surya
is one of the major five deities in Hinduism, considered as equivalent aspects and means to
realizing Brahman in the Smarta Tradition.
 include Aditya, Arka, Bhanu, Savitr, Suna, Zuna, Ksunas, Pushan, Ravi, Martanda, Mitra, Bhaska
ra, Prabhakara and Vivasvan.

The iconography of Surya is often depicted riding a chariot harnessed by horses, often seven in number
which represent the seven colours of visible light, and seven days in a week. In medieval Hinduism,
Surya is also an epithet for the major Hindu gods Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. In some ancient texts and
arts, Surya is presented syncretically with Indra, Ganesha or others.   Surya as a deity is also found in the
arts and literature of Buddhism and Jainism
Surya is depicted with a Chakra, also interpreted as Dharmachakra. Surya is the lord of Simha (Leo), one
of the twelve constellations in the zodiac system of Hindu astrology. Surya or Ravi is the basis
of Ravivara, or Sunday, in the Hindu calendar.[15] Major festivals and pilgrimages in reverence for Surya
include Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Samba Dashami, Ratha Sapthami, Chath puja and Kumbh Mela.
Having survived as a primary deity in Hinduism arguably better and longer than any other of the original
Vedic deities, the worship of Surya declined greatly around the 13th century, perhaps as a result of the
Muslim conquest of north India. New Surya temples virtually ceased to be built, and some were later
converted to a different dedication. A number of important Surya temples remain, but many are no longer
in worship. In certain aspects, Surya has tended to be merged into Vishnu or Shiva, or seen as subsidiary
to them.

2
Vedic
The Sun and the Earth
The Sun causes day and night on the earth,
because of revolution,
when there is night here, it is day on the other side,
the sun does not really rise or sink.
—Aitareya Brahmana III.44 (Rigveda)

The oldest surviving Vedic hymns, such as the hymn 1.115 of the Rigveda, mention Sūrya with particular
reverence for the "rising sun" and its symbolism as dispeller of darkness, one who empowers knowledge,
the good and all life. However, the usage is context specific. In some hymns, the word Surya simply
means sun as an inanimate object, a stone or a gem in the sky (Rigvedic hymns 5.47, 6.51 and 7.63);
while in others it refers to a personified deity. Surya is prominently associated with the dawn
goddess Ushas and sometimes, he is mentioned as her son or her husband.
Surya's origin differs heavily in the Rigveda, with him being stated to been born, risen, or established by a
number of deities, including the Ādityas, Aditi, Dyaush, Mitra-Varuna, Agni, Indra, Soma, Indra-Soma,

3
Indra-Varuna, Indra-Vishnu, Purusha, Dhatri, the Angirases, and the gods in general. The Atharvaveda
also mentions that Surya originated from Vritra.

The Vedas assert Sun (Surya) to be the creator of the material universe (Prakriti). In the layers
of Vedic texts, Surya is one of the several trinities along with Agni and either Vayu or Indra, which are
presented as an equivalent icon and aspect of the Hindu metaphysical concept called the Brahman.
In the Brahmanas layer of Vedic literature, Surya appears with Agni (fire god) in the same hymns. Surya
is revered for the day, while Agni for its role during the night. The idea evolves, states Kapila Vatsyayan,
where Surya is stated to be Agni as the first principle and the seed of the universe. It is in the Brahmanas
layer of the Vedas, and the Upanishads that Surya is explicitly linked to the power of sight, to visual
perception and knowledge. He is then interiorized to be the eye as ancient Hindu sages suggested
abandonment of external rituals to gods in favor of internal reflections and meditation of gods within, in
one's journey to realize the Atman (soul, self) within, in texts such as the Brihadaranyaka
Upanishad, Chandogya Upanishad, Kaushitaki Upanishad and others.

Conflation with other solar deities

Surya in Indian literature is referred to by various names, which typically represent different aspects or
phenomenological characteristics of the Sun. The figure of Surya as we know him today is an
amalgamation of various different Rigvedic deities. Thus, Savitr refers to one that rises and sets, Aditya
means one with splendor, Mitra refers to Sun as "the great luminous friend of all
mankind",] while Pushan refers to Sun as illuminator that helped the Devas win over Asuras who use
darkness. Arka, Mitra, Vivasvat, Aditya, Tapan, Ravi and Surya have different characteristics in early
mythologies, but by the time of the epics they are synonymous.

The term "Arka" is found more commonly in temple names of north India and in the eastern parts of
India. The 11th century Konark Temple in Odisha is named after a composite word "Kona and Arka", or
"Arka in the corner".  Other Surya temples named after Arka include Devarka (Deva teertha) and Ularka
(Ulaar) in Bihar, Uttararka and Lolarka in Uttar Pradesh, and Balarka in Rajasthan. Another 10th-century
sun temple ruin is in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh named Balarka Surya Mandir, which was destroyed in the
14th century during the Turkish invasions.

Vivasvat, also known as Vivasvant, is also one such of these deities. His wife is Saranyu, daughter
of Tvashtar. His sons include the Ashvins, Yama, and Manu. Through Manu, Vivasvat is considered an
ancestor of humanity. Vivasvat is affiliated with Agni and Matarishvan, with Agni being stated to have
been first revealed to those two. Vivasvat is also variously related to Indra, Soma, and Varuna. Vivasvant
is also used as an adjective of Agni and Ushas to mean "brilliant". Already by the time of his earliest
appearance (the Rigveda), Vivasvat had declined in importance. He was likely a solar deity, but scholars
debate his specific role as one. In the Rigveda, Indra drinks Soma alongside Manu Vivasvat and  Trita. In
post-Vedic literature, Vivasvat further declines in importance, and is merely another name for the sun. He
is cognate to the Avestan Vivanhvant, who is the father of Yima (cognate to Yama) and Manu

Epics
As per the Ramayana's Yuddha Kanda, Lord Rama was taught the Ādityahṛdayam stotra before his war
against Ravana, the king of the rakshasas. The stotra was composed in Anushtup Chanda in praise of Lord
Surya, who is described as the embodiment of all gods and the origin of everything in the universe.
The Mahabharata epic opens its chapter on Surya that reverentially calls him as the "eye of the universe,
soul of all existence, origin of all life, goal of the Samkhyas and Yogis, and symbolism for freedom and
spiritual emancipation.
In the Mahabharata, Karna is the son of Surya and unmarried princess Kunti. The epic describes Kunti's
trauma as an unmarried mother, then abandonment of Karna, followed by her lifelong grief.

4
Baby Karna is found and adopted by a charioteer but he grows up to become a great warrior and one of
the main characters in the great battle of Kurukshetra where he fights his half brothers during the war.

Surya (center) is typically depicted holding lotus flowers and riding in a horse-drawn chariot. He is
accompanied by his wives (bottom female figures) and children (other male figures). The dawn goddesses
(top female figures) are depicted shooting arrows.
Earliest representations of Surya riding a chariot occur in the Buddhist railings of the Mahabodhi temple
in Bodhgaya (2nd cent.BCE), in the Bhaja Caves (1st cent.BCE), and the Ananta Gumpha at
the Khandagiri caves (1st cent.CE). The iconography of Surya in Hinduism varies with its texts. He is
typically shown as a resplendent standing person holding sunflower flower in both his hands, riding a
chariot pulled by one or more horses typically seven. The seven horses are named after the seven meters
of Sanskrit prosody: Gayatri, Brihati, Ushnih, Jagati, Trishtubha, Anushtubha and Pankti.

Chariot and horses./ Quadriga relief from Bodh Gaya.

The Brihat Samhita of Varaha Mihira (c. 505-587), a Hindu text that describes architecture, iconography

and design guidelines, states that Surya should be shown with two hands and wearing a crown. It
specifically describes his dress to be Northern (i.e. Central Asian, with boots).  In contrast, the
Vishnudharmottara, another Hindu text on architecture, states Surya iconography should show him with
four hands, with flowers in two hands, a staff in third, and in fourth he should be shown to be holding

5
writing equipment (Kundi palm leaf and pen symbolizing knowledge). His chariot driver in both books is
stated to be Aruṇa who is seated. Two females typically flank him, who represent the dawn goddesses
named Usha and Pratyusha. The goddesses are shown to be shooting arrows, a symbolism for their
initiative to challenge darkness. In other representations, these goddesses are Surya's two
wives, Samjna and Chhaya.
The iconography of Surya has also varied over time. In some ancient arts, particularly from the early
centuries of the common era, his iconography is similar to those found in Persia and Greece suggesting
likely adoption of Greek, Iranian and Scythian influences.   After the Greek and Kushan influences arrived
in ancient India, some Surya icons of the period that followed show him wearing a cloak and high
boots. In some Buddhist artwork, his chariot is shown as being pulled by four horses. The doors of
Buddhist monasteries of Nepal show him, along with the Chandra (moon god), symbolically with Surya
depicted as a red circle with rays
Aniconic symbols of Surya include the Swastika and the ring-stone

ASTROLOGY
Surya's synonym Ravi is the root of the word 'Ravivara' or Sunday in the Hindu calendar. In both Indian
and Greek-Roman nomenclature for days of the week, the Sunday is dedicated to the Sun.
Surya is a part of the Navagraha in Hindu zodiac system. The role and importance of the Navagraha
developed over time with various influences. Deifying the sun and its astrological significance occurred
as early as the Vedic period and was recorded in the Vedas. The earliest work of astrology recorded in
India is the Vedanga Jyotisha which began to be compiled in the 14th century BCE. It was possibly based
on works from the Indus Valley Civilization as well as various foreign influences. Babylonian
astrology which was the first to develop astrology and the calendar, and was adopted by multiple
civilizations including India.

The Navagraha developed from early works of astrology over time. The Sun and various classical
planets were referenced in the Atharvaveda around 1000 BCE. The Navagraha was furthered by additional
contributions from Western Asia, including Zoroastrian and Hellenistic influences. The Yavanajataka, or
'Science of the Yavanas', was written by the Indo-Greek named "Yavanesvara" ("Lord of the Greeks")
under the rule of the Western Kshatrapa king Rudrakarman I. The Yavanajataka written in 120 BCE is
often attributed to standardizing Indian astrology. The Navagraha would further develop and culminate in
the Shaka era with the Saka, or Scythian, people.
Additionally the contributions by the Saka people would be the basis of the Indian national calendar,
which is also called the Saka calendar.

The Hindu calendar is a Lunisolar calendar which records both lunar and solar cycles. Like the
Navagraha, it was developed with the successive contributions of various works.

6
Sun Temple, Modhera

Surya temples are found in many parts of India. More common than Surya temples are artwork related to
Surya, which are found in all types of temples of various traditions within Hinduism, such as the Hindu
temples related to Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha and ShaktiReliefs on temple walls, forts and artwork above
doorways of many Hindu monasteries feature Surya.

Many of the temples that contain Surya icons and artwork are dated to the second half of the 1st
millennium BCE and early centuries of the 2nd millennium. The 11th-century Vaishnava temple at
Kadwaha in Madhya Pradesh, for example, features a Surya artwork along with many other gods and
goddesses at its doorway. The 8th and 9th century goddess (Shaktism) temples of central India, similarly
engrave Surya along with other Hindu gods within the temple. The six century Shiva temple at Gangadhar
in Rajasthan includes Surya. Similar mentions are found in stone inscriptions found near Hindu temples,
such as the 5th century Mandasor inscription. These temples, states Michael Meister, do not glorify one
god or goddess over the other, but present them independently and with equal emphasis in a complex
iconography.

Cave temples of India, similarly, dedicated to different gods and goddesses feature Surya. For example,
the 6th century carvings in the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra as well as the 8th and 9th century artworks
there, such as Cave 25, the Kailasha Temple (Cave 16) and others feature complete iconography of Surya.
Hindu temples predominantly have their primary entrance facing east, and their square principle based
architecture is reverentially aligned the direction of the rising Surya. This alignment towards the sunrise is
also found in most Buddhist and Jaina temples in and outside of India.

Konark Sun Temple, Odisha

By Anwesha of GoingPlaceswithAnwesha
The 13th-century Sun Temple (also known as Black Pagoda) at Konark takes the form of a gigantic
chariot of the Sun God (Arka), with 12 pairs of vastly ornate stone wheels drawn by seven pairs of
horses. Grand in conception, the temple represents one of the most enthralling monuments of India,
erected entirely in red sandstone and black granite by King Narasimhadeva I of the Ganga dynasty. Due
to its marvelous architecture, it has etched its name on the UNESCO World Heritage sites’ list.

7
8
9
The Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha

The entrance is guarded by two giant lions each in the form of crushing a war elephant, which in turn, lies
on top of a human body. This is believed to symbolize the supremacy of Brahmin Hinduism (lion) over
Buddhism (elephant). Parts of the temple is now in ruins, with a collection of its sculptures removed to
the Sun Temple Museum run by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The world-famous poet Rabindranath Tagore praised the architecture of the Konark Sun temple and
wrote: “Here the language of stone surpasses the language of man.”
Some of the legends describe a lodestone on the top of the Sun temple, whose magnetic effects disturbed
passing by ships’ compasses resulting in their malfunction. To save their ships, the Muslim voyagers took
away the lodestone, which acted as the central stone keeping all the stones of the temple wall in balance.
Due to its displacement, the temple walls lost their balance and eventually collapsed. But no records of
such occurrence, or of any powerful lodestone at the temple have been found to date.
The easiest way to reach the Konark Sun Temple is to rent a taxi/cab from Bhubaneshwar (60 km)
or Puri (35 km) in Odisha. Alternatively, you can also board a bus from Bhubaneshwar or Puri and reach
the Konark bus stand which is 6 mins away from the Sun temple.

Dedicated temples
A prominent temple dedicated to Surya can be found in Arasavalli, which is in the Srikakulam
district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The coastal district temple is peculiar with its latitude aligned to
the minor lunar standstill. Also the transition from lunar calendar of north India to solar calendar of south
India can be seen in the local culture. This is probably the eastern most coastal sun temple in the
peninsular India, where prayers are offered till date. The place, Chicacole, has a significance in
the Kalinga (historical region) kingdom with their port at Kalingapatnam, making it to Megasthenes dairy
(Calingae). The diaspora is spread in the present day south east Asia at historical Kalinga
(province), Kalingga Kingdom etc.

Konark Sun Temple Panoramic View

Deo Surya Mandir

Other most worshiped Surya temple is the Deo Surya Mandir. Sun Temple of Deo is one of the most
remarkable, major crowd-puller and notable temple and religious place in Deo Bihar India for chhath
puja. Deo Sun Temple Built in during the 8th century.

In Tamil Nadu, Navagraha temples are world famous. Suryanar kovil situated in Tanjore district of Tamil

Nadu is one among the Navagraha temples and it is dedicated to Surya. Here lord Surya is called as
Sivasurya Perumal. It is the first among the Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu.

10
The most famous Surya temple is the Konark Sun Temple, a World Heritage Site in Orissa. Constructed
in the 13th century by the Eastern Ganga dynasty, on a pre-existing pilgrimage site for Surya god, the
temple architecture mimics a grand chariot with twelve wheels pulled by seven horses. The temple
features Surya in three representations, with the main large Surya destroyed and the temple damaged over
the course of repeated Muslim invasions. Besides Konark, there are two other sun temples in Orissa
called Biranchi Narayan Sun Temple.

There are sun temples in many parts of India, such as Modhera, Gujarat. It was sponsored by King
Bhimdev of the Chaulukya dynasty. Other major Surya temples are found in Kanakaditya Temple in
Kasheli (Dist ratnagiri) – Maharashtra, near the famous Galtaji's temple in Jaipur, Rajasthan and Assam.
Adithyapuram Sun Temple is a Hindu temple located in Iravimangalam
near Kaduthuruthy in Kottayam district in the Indian state of Kerala dedicated to Surya. It is noted as the
only Surya shrine in the Kerala state.

The Martand Sun Temple in Jammu and Kashmir was destroyed by Islamic armies. A surviving Surya
temple in northern India is Kattarmal Surya mandir in Almora District, Uttarakhand created by King
Kattarmal in the 12th century.

The Gurjars were essentially sun worshipers and some of the sun temples were erected by them during the
medieval period. The sun temple known as Jayaditya was constructed by Gurjar king of Nandipuri,
Jayabhatta II. This temple is situated at Kotipura near Kapika in the Bharukachha district. The Surya
temple of Bhinmal known as Jagaswami Surya temple was also erected during this period.

Yoga
Sūrya namaskāra literally means sun salutation. It is a Yoga warm up routine based on a sequence of
gracefully linked asanas. The nomenclature refers to the symbolism of Sun as the soul and the source of
all life. It is relatively a modern practice that developed in the 20th century.  A yogi may develop a
personalized yoga warm up routine as surya-namaskar to precede his or her asana practice.
The Gayatri Mantra is associated with Surya (Savitr). The mantra's earliest appearance is in the hymn
3.62.10 of the Rigveda
Might we make our own that desirable effulgence
of god Savitar, who will rouse forth our insights.
Gayatri mantra (translated by S. Jamison)
Buddhism
Surya is celebrated as a deity in Buddhist works of art, such as the ancient works attributed to Ashoka.
He appears in a relief at the Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya, riding in a chariot pulled by four horses,
with Usha and Prattyusha on his sides. Such artwork suggests that the Surya as symbolism for the victory
of good over evil is a concept adopted in Buddhism from an earlier Indic tradition.
In Chinese Buddhism, Surya (日天, Rìtiān) is regarded as one of the Twenty-Four Devas (二十四諸天,
Èrshísì zhūtiān) who are guardian protective deities of Buddhism. [104] His statue is usually enshrined in
the Mahavira Hall of Chinese Buddhist temples, along with the other devas
In Japanese Buddhism, Surya is one of the twelve Devas, as guardian deities, who are found in or around
Buddhist shrines (十二天, Jūni-ten) In Japan, he has been called "Nit-ten".
On the Mount Meru buddhist cosmological system, Surya is considered a female deity, contrasting a
male lunar god
Indonesia

11
Batara Surya statue, Late 8th century, Central Java, Indonesia/Batara Surya wayang (puppetry)
figures
In Indonesia. Surya (Indonesian: Batara Surya) was adapted into Indonesian culture as the god
who rules the sun, and was given the title "Batara". Batara Surya is famous for giving his
heirlooms or gifts to the people he chooses. This god is famous for having many children from
various women, among them from Dewi Kunti in the Mahabharata who gave birth to Adipati
Karna.
Batara Surya was hit when Anoman blamed Batara Surya for what happened to his mother, Dewi
Anjani and her grandmother, who had been cursed by her husband. Anoman feels Batara Surya
must be responsible so Anoman with his magic collects clouds from all over the world to cover
the natural world so that the rays of the sun cannot reach the earth. Fortunately, this incident can
be resolved amicably so that Anoman voluntarily removes the clouds again so that the natural
world is exposed to the sun again. Surya has three queens namely Saranyu (also called Saraniya,
Saranya, Sanjna, or Sangya), Ragyi, and Prabha. Saranyu is the mother of Vaiwaswata Manu
(seventh Manu, the present day), and twins Yama (god of death) and his sister Yami. She also
bore him the twins known as Aswin, and the gods. Saranyu, unable to witness the bright light
from Surya, created a clone of herself named Chaya, and orders her to act as Surya's wife during
her absence. Chaya had two sons by Surya-Sawarni Manu (the eighth Manu, the next) and Sani
(the god of the planet Saturn), and two daughters-Tapti and Vishti. Batara Surya also had a son,
Rewanta, or Raiwata, from Ragyi. Interestingly, Surya's two sons – Sani and Yama – are
responsible for judging humans' lives, after death. Sani gives the results of one's actions through
one's life through appropriate punishments and rewards, while Yama gives the results of one's
actions after death.
In the Ramayana, Surya is mentioned as the father of King Sugriva, who helped Rama and
Lakshmana in defeating King Ravana. He also trains Hanoman as his teacher. In the
Mahabharata, Kunti receives a mantra from a sage, Durvasa; if spoken, he will be able to
summon every god and bear children by him. Believing in the power of this spell, Kunti
unwittingly has summoned Surya, but when Surya appears, she gets scared and demands him to
return. However, Surya has an obligation to fulfill the spell before returning. Surya miraculously
made Dewi Kunti to give birth to a child, while maintaining her virginity so that she, as an
unmarried princess, would not have to face any shame or be the target of questions from society.
Kunti feels compelled to leave behind her son, Karna, who grows up to be one of the central
characters in the great war of Kurukshetra.
Worshiping Shiva Raditya in Bali
In the Puranas in Bali, Batara Surya is the most intelligent student of Lord Shiva, so that Lord
Surya was given the title Surya Raditya and used as an example to find out the intelligence or

12
 supernatural power of Lord Shiva, and as a thank you from Bhatara Surya, Lord Shiva was given
an honorary title by the name of Bhatara Guru, because he is the teacher of the Gods. There are
others who argue, however, that in the transformation of the Puranas which is the interpretation
of the maharsi on the Vedic chess book, it was Dewa Surya who later turned into Ludra, who
was finally called Shiva, so that in worship chants it is often called the term Shiva Aditya.
In the concept of Gama Bali there is a Pelinggih named Pelinggih Surya or Padmasana, which is
a place to worship Lord Shiva who manifests as Shiva Raditya or the sun god. In the Yayur
Veda there are several special rituals for the Sulinggih who worship God in the morning in its
manifestation as the Surya Batara, namely those that come from Surya Sewana or Surya
Namaskar which means worshiping the Surya Batara. In the Panca Sembah mantra, there is also
a special mantra aimed at Shiva Raditya. According to the general view, Batara Surya is
worshiped because he is a witness to life and he is the best student of Lord Shiva, so he was
given the title Hyang Siwa Raditya ("Surya student of Lord Shiva"). The importance of Dewa
Surya in Bali can be seen from the existence of Sanggah Surya, which must always be present at
every Yadnya ceremony in Bali. and this is poured in several Balinese literary manuscripts, one
of which is the Bhama Kertih Lontar
Festivals
Various festivals mark deity Surya and these vary regionally in India. Pongal or Makara Sankaranti is the
most widely celebrated Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God. These celebrate a good harvest. Other
festivals that focus on Surya include Chhath of Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and the neighboring
regions, Samba Dashami and Ratha Saptami are also major festivals celebrated in honour of Surya;
Chhath is celebrated immediately after Diwali with fasting for three days followed by bathing in river or
tank with remembrance of Sun.   Similarly Aytar Puja is celebrated in Goa. The latter is known as Aditya
Ranubai in Maharashtra.
The second day of the Pongal harvest festival is dedicated to Surya in Tamil Nadu, and is called the
"Surya Pongal"
Another festival named Kartik Puja marks Surya, along with Shiva, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Radha, Krishna
and Tulsi. It is observed by Hindu women, typically with visit to rivers such as the Ganges, socialization
and group singing.
Dances
The repertoire of classical Indian dances such as the Bharatanatyam include poses that signify rays of
light beaming towards all of the universe, as a form of homage to Surya

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This is the Surya Candra Statue in Karangasem, the easternmost area in Bali where the sun rises. The statue of Lord Surya is
side by side with Goddess Candra stands on the Dragon Ananta Boga as a symbol of the prosperity & well-being of the people

The Pura Besakih Temple in Bali is Home to 23 Hindu Gods and More ; Exploring The Temple Like a
Local
The 'Mother Temple', Pura Besakih Temple in Bali, Indonesia has been previously declared as a World
Heritage Site. Wikimedia
Bali, September 19, 2017 : From the outside, any ordinary visitor might simply pass by a concrete
temple constructed on the slopes of Mount Agung, completely unaware of the holy secrets and the
architectural marvels that the structure holds. But if you are a believer of Indian mythology, then you
must plan a visit to Pura Besakih temple in East Bali, Indonesia.
The ‘Mother Temple’ in Bali, the largest and the holiest temple on the Island-Pura Besakih is recognized
as the primary Hindu temple in Bali and stands tall at a height of 30,000 feet on Mount Agung.
The complex combines at least 86 different shrines together and is delightfully surrounded by mountains,
brooks, rice plantations, and the Bali beach at a distance among other extraordinary views.
The Vedic scriptures of the Hindu religion refer to the sun as the store house of inexhaustible power and
radiance. Ths sun god is referred to as Surya or Aditya. The Vedas are full of hymns describing the
celestial body as the source and sustainer of all life on earth. The origin of the worship of the Sun in India
is thus several centuries old.
There are several temples enshrining the Sun God as the principal deity. There are several temples
enshrining the Sun God as the principal deity. Many of these shrines have been designed in such a way
that the sun’s rays illuminate the sanctum on certain days of the year.

1.Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat-By Shalini of Eagar2Travel

Modhera Sun Temple was built in the early 11th century by the Chalukya dynasty and is dedicated to the
Sun God. It is located in the Mehsana district of Gujarat at a distance of about 102 km from Ahmedabad.
To reach here you can fly into Ahmedabad and take a bus to Modhera. You can find regular government-
run buses. The nearest Railway station is sited at Mehsana, which 25 km away from this place.

The Sun
Temple in Modhera, Gujarat

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The Sun Temple is divided into three parts namely Surya Kund, Sabha Mandap, and Guda Mandap. The
exterior walls are covered with intricate carvings. You can see the time and effort put by the artists for
making it so beautiful.
The tour of the temple starts from the Surya Kund. The Surya Kund was a sacred tank and visitors to the
temple could not worship in the temple until they had a ceremonial dip here. The Sabha Mandap or
assembly is standing on 52 delicately carved pillars, depicting the 52 weeks in a year. The 12
representation carved on the pillars portrays 12 different facets of Sun in each month.
The Guru Mandap is the inner sanctum that is supported by a lotus-shaped plinth. The idol of the Sun
God no longer exists inside the Guru Mandap but the hall was designed in such a way that the idol used to
get the first glimpse of the Sun at equinoxes.
There is also a museum present on the premises, you can check out the amazing pieces of history kept
there. The Modhera dance festival is the prime festival observed by the Sun temple. It is held in the third
week of January every year to uphold the culture and traditions of the surrounding areas.
This grand temple, built in 1026 AD by King Bhimdev of the Solanki dynasty, has a huge tank in the
front of the structure with its multitude of images. It was designed in a way that the rays of the Sun fall on
the image of the Surya at the time of the equinoxes.

2. Sun Temple at Konark, Odisha

Image: Flickr
The Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century Hindu temple dedicated to the sun god. Shaped like a giant
chariot, the temple is known for the exquisite stone carvings that cover the entire structure.
3. Martand Sun Temple, Anantnag, Kashmir

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Built in 8th century, the temple is believed to be completed by king Lalitadatiya Muktapida of Karakota
dynasty. It was an example of Kashmiri architectural skill. It was destroyed by Islamic ruler Sikandar
Butshikan in 15th century and is now in ruins.
4. Brahmanya Dev Temple, Unao, Madhya Pradesh
Sun god’s idol at this temple stands here on a brick platform covered with black plates. Twentyone
triangles representing the 21 phases of the sun are engraved in the shrine. This temple near Jhansi was
patronised by the Peshwas and the ruler of Datia, 69 km from Gwalior.

5. Dakshinaarka Temple, Gaya, Bihar

The granite image of Sun god worshipped here wears a jacket, a waist girdle and high boots as in the
Iranian tradition. It has a tank where offerings are made to the ancestors. The present structure dates back
to 13th century, built by South Indian emperor Prataparudra of Warangal.
6. Sun Temple, Surya Pahar, Assam
A relatively modern structure, this temple has a circular stone tablet with 12 images of Surya with his
father, Kashyapa. Surya pahar is referred to as virtual gallery of archaeological remains as it also has rock
cut figures of artistic merit.
7. Navlakha Temple, Ghumli, Gujarat

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6.Navlakha Temple at Ghumli was built by Jethwa rulers in 11th century dedicated to Sun god, Surya
and is oldest sun temple of Gujarat. It has the largest base (Uagati) of the temples in Gujarat, measuring
45.72 x 30.48 m. Facing East, it had a beautiful entrance arch or Kirti Toran, that is now lost.
8. Suryanar Kovil, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
Built by King Kulothunga Chola I in 1100 AD, the Dravidian style temple enshrines the sun and eight
other celestial bodies. It has an elaborate worship protocol as the worship ends with visitors
circumambulating the temple nine times.
9. Katarmal Sun temple, Uttarakhand
Constructed by the Katyuri Kings in the 9th century CE Katarmal Sun temple is regarded as the second
most important Sun temple in the country after Konark. The intricate sculptures add to the beauty of the
temple. It also houses 45 smaller shrines.
10. Vivasvan Sun Temple, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

Dedicated to Lord Sun, Vivaswan temple is built of red sand stone by G.D. Birla in the year 1988. The
temple is inspired from the Konark temple and look like Konark temple.

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19
20
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 Pura Besakih Temple complex comprise the largest and holiest Hindu shrines in Indonesia. Wikimedia
Ascending up on a stairway, the temple premises resting at the slope echoes a mystical vibe and should be
a must stop at every visitor’s list! You can depend on us for the details!
History of Pura Besakih
The exact details of the temple complex’s construction cannot be verified as some locals debate its
engineering in the 14th century while others believe they have been around since the 10 th century!
The area of the Pura Besakih had since early times revered as a holy place because of the presence of a
central stone that now sits in the Pura Batu Madeg.
The Story Behind The Name
Legends believe an 8th century monk had attempted to build homes and settle people in the area. On the
completion of his mission, he named the complex ‘Basuki’, referring to the dragon deity ‘Naga Besukian’
who was believed to inhabit Mount Agung.
Over the years, the name evolved to ‘Besakih’ and other shrines were built around the area.
During the conquest of Bali by the Majapahit Empire in 1343, the complex was recognized as the main
temple and has been restored several times in the consecutive years due to damage by earthquake.
In 1963, a volcano erupted and the lava flowed past the temples by just a few metres. This was interpreted
as a sign of the gods signifying their powers by destroying everything but the temples that their devotees
had constructed for them.
Comprising of 23 temples, the Pura Besakih is located 1,000 meters above the southern slopes of Mount
Agung.
Carefully carved stepped flight of stairs and terraces ascend to multiple courtyards and brick gateways
leading to the chief Meru structure dedicated to Shiva, known as the Pura Penataran Agung.
Designed along a primary axis, the different levels are interpreted as leading the spiritual person ‘upwards
and closer to the sacred mountain, where Gods reside’.
At the heart of the temple complex, the Pura Penataran Agung, stands a stunning lotus throne, called the
Padmasana dating back to the seventeenth century and comprises the ritualistic focus of the temple.
An architectural marvel built on seven ascending levels, the Pura Besakih temple is primarily dedicated to
the holy Hindu trinity.
 With white banners, the Pura Penataran Agung forms the heart of the temple complex, dedicated
to the worship of Lord Shiva, the destroyer god of Hinduism. Dotted with aesthetically carved figures
from the Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana, a giant stairway allows the pilgrims to ascend to the
top of the complex.
 Decorated with black banners, Pura Batu Madeg, devoted to the preserver Lord Vishnu sits in the
northwestern part of the temple
 Dotted with red banners, Pura Kiduling Kreteg, devoted to the creator of the universe, Lord
Brahma is situated across a channel to the southeast of the temple
These shrines, along with 19 other temples stretch across the complex, together make the holiest place of
pilgrimage for the devout Balinese.
Closest to Mount Agung’s peak on the higher ground is Pura Batu Tirtha where you can find the
foundation of the holy water, known to hold significance for religious ceremonies.
Pura Besakih is the primal centre for all ceremonial activities in Bali. The fact that the temple is the only
temple open to every devotee from any caste group touches the heart of all who visit.
Ceremonies And Festivals At the Pura Besakih Temple
The temple complex is almost always bustling with activity and the influx of devotees. There are at least
seventy festivals organized annually as almost every shrine commemorates its yearly anniversary known
as odalan. This is based on the 210-day Balinese Pawukon calendar. Hence, you are sure to witness and
be a part of one odalan irrespective of when you visit the temple
Some of the biggest festivals at Pura Besakih,
 Batara Tarun Kabeh : The climax of the month’s activities fall on the eve of the tenth lunar
month.

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Translating to ‘the gods descend together’, the Balinese believe it is on this day that the Gods of all the
temple shrines descend together simultaneously. Thus, the days marks an event not to be missed!
Temple Festival of Pura Penataran Agung (Odalan) : After every 210 days, the temple anniversary of
the biggest single shrine of Besakih is celebrated with immense zeal and fervor. A spectacle of thousands
of devotes praying collectively as they climb up the levels to the altars of the trimurti; the sight is
heavenly!
Additionally, major holidays and full moon celebrations are also a sight at the Pura Besakih.
During celebrations, the devout Balinese locals dressed in traditional clothing flock the temple premises
with a variety of gifts and offerings to please the almighty.

Visiting Pura Besakih

A day trip from the nearby cities of Ubud or Denpasar is sufficient to explore the Pura Besakih and its
adjoining temples around Mount Agung. While the temples remain open to public throughout, they may
be closed for tourists on special festivals and days. Make sure you ask the locals in Ubud before making
the journey!
Tourism has provided the region with growth explosion and ultimately turned it into a tourist trap- you
will come across several alleged ‘temple guards’, hawkers and guides hoping to acquire extra cash from
the visitors.
You may seek assistance and hire the official temple guides who charge a nominal price for their services.
Proper dressing is a must at the complex; men and women must cover their legs when inside. Sarongs and
sashes can either be procured at rent or bought from the many stalls and shops if needed. However, we
recommend that you bargain while buying goods.
The Magnificent Sun Temples of the World

Sun God or Goddess has been worshiped throughout the World in various forms by various civilizations.
Solar deity or Sun is perceived as the storehouse of inexhaustible power and radiance and is often
worshiped during the harvesting months.
Many temples dedicated to worship Sun have been built in recorded history of mankind where Sun God is
typically depicted riding seven horses on a chariot, representing the seven colors of a rainbow. There are
even some temples enshrining the Sun God as the principal deity. Many of these shrines have been
designed in such a way that the sun’s rays illuminate the sanctum on certain days of the year.
Here is a list of some majestic Sun temples in the World that should not be missed!

Wat Arun, Temple of the Dawn in Bangkok, Thailand

By Samantha of Myflyingleap
Wat Arun, known as the Temple of the Dawn, is one of the most stunning temples in Bangkok, Thailand.
The morning sun glitters off millions of ceramic tiles on this palace overlooking the Chao Phraya river. It
is a landmark in the city, and though there are many incredibly beautiful temples in Bangkok, it is one
that should not be missed.

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 Wat Arun,
Temple of the Dawn in Bangkok
The temple was named for the Hindu God, Aruna often displayed as the rays of the rising sun. It is one
of the oldest temples in the area as the original Buddhist temple was believed to have been built in the
mid-17th Century. Like many temples of its era, it went through several renovations and expansions
including the addition of the main spire that rises 260 feet high. 
There are many ornate and detailed mosaics covering the structures and every view is stunning. It’s also
one of the few temples you are allowed to climb, offering many more incredible views. Wat Arun is
considered one of the most beautiful and iconic temples in all of Thailand because of the craftsmanship
and colorful detailing.

Temple of the Sun, Beijing

By Sydney of Aworldinreach
Beijing’s Temple of the Sun is located in beautiful Ritan Park in the city’s Chaoyang District. The
Temple of the Sun is smaller than some of the other temples in Beijing; however, it is a very beautiful and
quiet place to look around and reflect on your time spent in Beijing.

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 Temple of the
Sun, Ritan Park

The Temple of the Sun was built in 1530 under Emperor Jiajing’s rule, which was during the Ming
Dynasty. It was originally built as a place for the Emperor to make sacrifices to the sun god. Each year,
the emperors would hold a festival on the vernal equinox in order to celebrate and worship the sun.
Presently, the Temple of the Sun has been converted into a serene public park with gorgeous, ornate
pavilions and gardens. At the park, you’ll find many locals enjoying their day or practicing tai chi. The
park offers many fun activities such as fishing gear rentals, miniature golf, and rock climbing. Visiting the
Temple of the Sun is a great escape from the bustling city of Beijing – and you don’t even have to leave
the city to go there!
While the Temple of the Sun isn’t as ornate as some of Beijing’s other temples, it is still worth a visit

Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán, Mexico

By Wendy of Thenomadicvegan
Also known as City of the Gods, Teotihuacán was a city with a population of more than 150,000 people,
making it the largest Pre-Columbian city in the Americas.

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 Teotihuacan
complex in Mexico

Construction on the complex began in 300 BC, and the Temple(pyramid) of the Sun was built in 150 BC.
It’s the largest building in the complex, and when it was built it was by far the largest building in the New
World. Many tourists mistakenly believe that the temple was built by the Aztecs, but actually it’s the
creation of a much earlier civilization, known as the Teotihuacans. The Aztecs, who came to power
several centuries later, also used it for sacrifices and rituals, believing that it had been constructed by their
gods.

Originally, the temple would have been covered with brightly colored murals and sacred images.
Nowadays, all that’s visible is the grey stone underneath, but it’s a marvelous sight nonetheless. For the
best views of the temple, climb to the top of the nearby Temple(pyramid) of the Moon. Other places of
interest worth visiting while you’re there are the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the on-site museum.
Teotihuacán is only about 45 minutes by car from Mexico City, so you could even take an Uber there.
Alternatively, buses leave from the Terminal Autobuses del Norte every 20 minutes or so and cost about
100 Mexican pesos for a return ticket. On every 2nd November, a festival called Festival Chamán is held
at Teotihuacan as part of the Day of the Dead celebrations, which attracts a lot of visitors.
Be prepared to do a lot of walking once you reach the site, which is quite large. Bring water and snacks,
or you could even ask one of the nearby restaurants to prepare you a packed lunch of traditional Mexican
food and eat it inside the archaeological park.

Temple of Garni, Armenia-By Carine of Wediditourway

Armenia is the first Christian nation in the world and is home to over 4,000 churches. But surprisingly,
it’s also home to the temple of Garni, an old pagan temple. This Greco-Roman colonnaded structure looks
like it belongs in Italy or Greece, not in Armenia! In fact, it’s the only building of its kind in all of
Armenia and the post-Soviet Union.

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 Ise
Grand Shrine – Kaguraden | Temple of Garni in Armenia

This temple was thought to have been built in the first century AD by King Tiridates I and is dedicated to
the Sun God Mihr. It’s a unique site in Armenia, not only because of its structure but also because of its
beautiful setting at the top of a cliff, surrounded by mountains.
Temple of Garni still plays a big role in Armenia. Since 1990, the temple has been the central shrine of
followers of Armenian neopaganism. They still hold annual ceremonies at the temple, especially on
March 21, which is the pagan New Year, or during the summer festival of Vardavar, which has pre-
Christian (pagan) origins.
There are many ways to get to Garni temple, especially from Yerevan. You can join an organized tour
group for $20-25 USD per person. These tours will take you to the nearby monastery of Geghard, which
is stunning. Another way to get here is to grab a cab through the GG app or take the public bus. And if
you’re feeling adventurous, you can try hitchhiking, which is very safe in Armenia. The temple is located
about 45 minutes from Yerevan, and it costs 1500 AMD to get in. 
Ise Grand Shrine, Japan
The Ise Grand Shrine in Japan is a shrine of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, who is the most important
goddess in the Shinto belief. Shinto is the religion of the Japanese people. They believe that there is a god
in everything and so they have shrines of gods dedicated to mountains, rivers, trees, and objects which are
considered significant. 
As in many other religions, the sun is held in high regard, represented in Shinto by the sun goddess
Amaterasu. It is officially known as Jingu and has two main shrines within it: Naiku and Geku.
Festivals at the Ise Grand Shrine follow the agricultural calendar. In the spring, prayers for a bountiful
harvest throughout the year are offered while in September a festival to pray for good weather and enough
rains is held. The most important festival at the Ise Shrine is in October when Amaterasu is thanked for
the bountiful harvest of the year. 

Surya temples outside India

The Sun Temple of Multan (in modern-day Pakistan) contained a revered statue of Surya. It was one of
the focal points of Hindu-Muslim religious conflicts. After 871 BCE, Multan (Panjab) was under the rule
by Arab princes, who kept the Surya temple hostage and Hindu pilgrims for the privilege to visit the
Surya temple, and this provided these rulers an important source of revenue.  The Surya temple was
destroyed by Ismaili Shia rulers in the late 10th century, who built a mosque atop the site, abandoning the
Sunni congregational mosque in Multan. This Ismaili Shia mosque atop the Sun Temple's ruins was then

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destroyed by the Sunni ruler Mahmud of Ghazni, the Surya temple was not rebuilt and an empty space
left in place, actions that helped re-establish the importance of the Sunni mosque in Multan.
While Shiva and Vishnu are more common in 1st millennium southeast Asian artwork such as those
found in Cambodia and Thailand, archaeological evidence suggest god desecrated it in order to threaten
its destruction if the Hindu Gurjara attacked them. The early Muslim rulers taxed Surya were among the
pantheon of ideas adopted early in these regions and retained after Buddhism became the dominant
tradition.

In Kabul Khir Khana a large Hindu temple complex of two distinct periods. The first period consisted of a
mud-brick temple with possible human sacrifice remains dedicating it. This was then superseded by three
distinct sanctuaries built of schist slabs, surrounded by subsidiary buildings of diaper masonry
construction and an open-air altar in a semi-circular enclosure. The most important finds were two marble
statues of Surya, the first example found during the original excavations (1934, Delegation
Archaeologique Française Afghanistan), the second example found by accident in 1980.
In Zabulistan, a prominent Hindu temple to Surya stood and served as a place of pilgrimage
In Nepal, many Surya temples and artworks trace to the medieval era, such as the 11th-century Thapahiti
and Saugal-tol, and 12th century Naksal stone sculptures.

Artifacts discovered at the Sanxingdui culture founded c. 1600 BCE, about 40 km from present

day Chengdu, capital city of Sichuan province China reveal an ancient worship of sun-deity, similar to
Surya. The artifacts include a gold sheet with design of four birds flying around the sun deity, and a
bronze sculpture of the surya-chakra.

Sculpture depicting 12 asana's of Surya Namaskara A in Terminal T3 at IGIA Airport, New Delhi, India,

created by Nikhil Bhandari//
A 10th century basalt statue of Surya from Bihar, Indian Museum

Navagrahas or Celestial bodies

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No
Image Name (Vedic) Western equivalent Day
.

1. Surya, Ravi Sun Sunday, Ravivār

2. Chandra, Soma Moon Monday, Somavār

3. Mangala, Angaraka Mars Tuesday, Mangalavār

Wednesday, Budhavā
4. Budha, Soumya Mercury
r

5. Bṛhaspati, Guru Jupiter Thursday, Guruvār

Shukra,
6. Venus Friday, Shukravār
Shukracharya

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 7. Shani, Sanaischara Saturn Saturday, Shanivār

8. Rahu Ascending node of the Moon

Descending node of the

9. Ketu
Moon

Ancient Indian scholars extensively studied the stars and other celestial bodies in the
never-ending spatial sky. This thorough study of astronomy and astrology eventually
created the Jyotish Shastra which explained how the Navagraha, literally meaning the nine
planets, influence the lives of the earth dwellers. Though not all members of the
Navagraha are planets; Surya, the sun is a star; Chandra, the moon is the natural satellite
of Earth; Rahu and Ketu are lunar nodes that are responsible for eclipses of the sun and
moon. 
Surya

Illustration: Shivam Pathania

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Surya, the God of the Sun is considered to be the leader amongst the Navagraha. Rightly
so, as the other members of the celestial group revolve around Surya. The son of sage
Kashyapa and Aditi is a prominent figure in Hinduism and is often considered on the same
level as Indra in the hierarchy of the Devas. The God is often represented with four arms,
out of which two hold lotuses, one holds a staff and another one has a chakra. The sun god
is depicted seated on a chariot pulled by 7 horses, which is a symbolic way of representing
the splitting of white sunlight into seven colours of the VIBGYOR spectrum. The day
designated to Surya is Sunday, called  Ravivaar  in Hindi which literally translates to
‘Sun’s day’. The colour associated with the sun god is orange and gold, and to evoke the
blessings of Surya one is asked to pray to the god by offering water to the deity by pouring
it from a vessel. Surya as a Navagraha embodies qualities such as leadership, ego,
strength, authority and vitality of a perso

Navagrahas or the Nine Planets has great importance in Hinduism and Hindu rituals.
Navagrahas are considered to play a major role in deciding the destiny of man.
During the Vedic Era, the Sages and the Saints used to calculate the time from the sunrise till
sunset by viewing the shadows. During night time they used the stars positions to judge the time
of the moment. Unlike these days they never had any clock and measuring instruments, yet they
were far more accurate in finding the planetary positions and their movements. What they found
is astonishingly accurate to today's developed science and technology.
The Navagrahas are Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangal (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati
(Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node) and Ketu (South Lunar
Node).
It is believed that these nine planetary deities influence human lives and is responsible for all
good or bad times, one faces in life.
POSITIONS AND PATTERNS
In most of the South Indian temples, Navagrahas are invariably installed in a separate place on
the North-East of the sanctum sanctorum.
They are typically placed in a single square with Sun (Surya) in the centre and the other deities
surrounding Surya; no two of them are positioned to face each other.
There are generally two kinds of installations of the planets, Agama Prathishta and Vaidika
Prathishta.
In Agama Pradishta, Surya occupies the central place, Chandra on Surya’s east, Budha on his
south, Brihaspati on his west, Shukra on his north, Mangala on his south-east, Shani on his
south-west, Rahu on north-west and Ketu in the north-east. Temples such as Suryanar temple,
Tiruvidaimarudur, Tiruvaiyaru and Tirucchirappalli follow this system.
In Vaidika Pradishta, Surya is still in the centre, but Shukra is in the east, Mangala in the south,
Shani in the west, Brihaspati in the north, Chandra in the south-east, Rahu in the south-west,
Ketu in the north-west and Budha in the north-east.
In few temples like Tirukuvalai and Tiruvarur (both in Tamilnadu), the nine planets stand in a
straight line.
At Agasthiyar Temple Chennai Pondy Bazaar a totally different form of position is done with
Sun at the elevated centre and the remaining planets in an octagonal structure. This is called
Agasthiyar Kattu (the form promoted by Sage Agasthiya).

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SURYA - 1 OF 9 NAVAGRAHAS
Lord Surya is the chief of Navagrahas and is the largest of the planetary bodies. His
gravitational pull keeps the other planets in balanced harmony. His chariot driven by Anoora
(brother of Garuda), the charioteer who has no feet, is pulled by 7 horses (Gaya, Ushnik, Brihat,
Anup, Jagati, Pankti and Trishtup), representing the colors of the rainbow (VIBGYOR), 7 days
of the week and the 7 chakras in the subtle human body as well.
The symbol of the Surya, is a circle with a dot in the middle. The circle is the manifested
existence and the dot is the bindu, or the point of creation.
Invoking Gayatri Mantra or Adityahridayam, recited by the great sage Agastya to Rama on the
warfield before the fight with Ravana are known to please Lord Surya.
Lord Surya is also known as Aditya ("first born") and also called Bhutasya Jatah (creator or
father of all bhutas, i.e., objects and ingredients from which objects assume form). The Sun
represents the male or father principle. Surya's friendship with Jupiter is sattvik (pure, as Jupiter
is the teacher of the Sun). With the Moon the relationship is rajasic and with Mars, tamasic.
The Sun gives us vitality and the power of resistance and immunity. It is responsible for our
physical makeup - the body's constitution. The Sun gives life force, the power of will, intellect,
brilliance, prosperity, success in worldly affairs, wealth, personal conduct, activity,
cheerfulness, good fortune, wisdom, ambition, fame, the understanding of the phenomenal
world, and the knowledge of medicine.
Surya mantra from Navagraha stotra reads -
Japa Kusuma Samkaasham Kaashya-peyam Mahaa-dyutim Tamorim Sarva-papaghnam
Pranatosmin Divakaram
Meaning:

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I pray to the Lord Sūrya, the day-maker, destroyer of all sins, the enemy of darkness, of great
brilliance, the descendent of Kaashyapa, the one who shines like the japaa flower.
Our Saints and Sages have prescribed Lord Surya's worship through Sūrya Namaskaar, Gayatri
Japa, Adityahridayam, Sandhya vandhana.
Lord Surya's temples are at..Konark Temple in Orissa, Uttararka and Lolarka in Uttar Pradesh,
Balarka temple in Rajasthan, Sun Temple at Modhera, Gujarat.Sri Sūryanaar Kovil, near
Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu.

The traditional 'Sun festivals' of India: Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab during Pousha
( maga) month and Kite-flying in Maharashtra and Gujarat during 'Makar Sankranthi'.
There is a very interesting reason behind the kite-flying. Kite-flying in olden days was generally
done in the early hours of the morning, when the sun's rays were bright but not too harsh. Also,
during kite-flying, the human body was exposed to the sun for long hours. The early morning
sun is considered beneficial for the skin and body. Hindus believed that the bad bacteria on their
bodies would be cleared to a large extent. Creating a fun way of sun basking where no one
would even realise they were reaping benefits was through kite flying.
Consort: Saranyu & Chhaya
Original Color/Color: Red / Pink, Orange, Saffron
Guna: Sattva
Gender: Male
Element: Fire
God Associated: Agni
Pratyadi Devata: Rudra
Metal : Copper
Gemstone: Ruby
Body part: Bone
Taste: Pungent
Food: Wheat
Season: Summer
Cardinal Direction: East
Vansh: Surya
Day: Sunday
Friendly graha: Chandra, Mangala and Guru
Nuetral graha: Buddha
Enemy graha: Shukra, Shani, Rahu&Ketu
Tone (Svara): Ga
Sun rules Number 1 in Indian Numerology.

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CHANDRA - 2 OF 9 NAVAGRAHAS
Lord Chandra is a lunar deity and also known as Soma, meaning Nectar. He rides his chariot
pulled by ten white horses or an antelope. He presides over Somavaaram or Monday.
The Hindu scriptures state that Chandra repesents the human mind, the subconscious and is a
giver of life force. The moon represents the human mind(manas) and fermentation and
influences one's intuitive, imaginative and psychic nature.
Purusha Suktham says "Chandrama Manaso Jatha.."
From the mind was born the moon..
When the Sun and Moon are in the same Sign, it is called Amavashya or New Moon day or the
1st day of the dark fortnight. The lunar days or Tithi changes with every 12 degree difference
between the Sun and the Moon. When the Sun and the Moon are in the exact opposite Signs or
180 degrees apart, it is called Poornima or the Full Moon day or the 1st day of the bright
fortnight. Moon is Matra karaka or the planet connected with mother.
Chandra is known as the Lord of Medicinal herbs. He gives his healing powers through moon-
crystals(chandramukhi mani).
Temple dedicated to Lord Chandra is at Thingalur, 18 kms from Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu
Lord Chandra mantra from Navagraha stotra reads -
Dadhi-shankha Tushaarabham Ksheeror-daarnava sambhavam Namami Shashinam Somam
Shambhor-mukuta-bhooshanam
Meaning
“I offer my obeisance to the Moon god, whose complexion resembles curds, the whiteness of
conch shells, and snow. He is the ruling deity of the soma-rasa born from the Ocean of Milk,
and he serves as the ornament on top of the head of Lord Shambhu.”
Consort: Rohini
Original Color/Color: Silver / White, Sea Green & Black
Guna: Rajas
Gender: Female

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Element: Water
God Associated: Varuna
Pratyadi Devata: Gowri
Metal: Silver
Gemstone: Pearl/Moonstone
Body part: Blood
Taste: Salt
Food: Rice
Season:Winter
Cardinal Direction: North West
Vansh: Chandra
Day: Monday
Friendly graha: Surya & Buddha
Nuetral graha: Mangala, Guru, Shukra & Shani
Enemy graha: Rahu & Ketu
Number associated: 2
Tone (Svara): Ma

MANGAL - 3 OF 9 NAVAGRAHAS

Lord Mangala is the son of Prithvi or Bhumi (Goddess Earth). He is of Rajas Guna in nature and
represents Energetic action, confidence and ego.
He is referred to as 'hot planet' - red or flame coloured, four-armed, carrying a trident and club
in two hands and other two are Abhaya and Varada mudras. His Vahana (mount) is a Ram -
symbolising determination, action, initiative, and leadership.
He presides over 'Mangala-vaara' or Tuesday. The temples dedicated to Mangala devata in India
are Amalner(Maharashtra),
Vaitheeswaran Koil(near Sirkazhi, Tamilnadu),
Mangalanatha (in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh).
He is the owner of the Mesha rashi(Aries) and Vrischika rashi(Scorpio) signs.
The Number Associated to the Mangala is 9.
Lord Mangal (Angaraka) mantra from Navagraha stotra reads -

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Dharani-garba-sampootam Vidyut-kaanti Sama-prabham Kumaram Shakti-hastam tam
Mangalam Pranamamyaham
(split as Pranamami aham)
Meaning:
I pray to Mars, born of Earth, who shines with the same brilliance as lightning, the young man
who carries a spear.
Consort: Shakti devi
Original Color/Color: Red / Brown
Guna: Tamas
Gender: Male
Element: Fire
God Associated: Brahma
Pratyadi Devata: Murugan
Metal: Copper
Gemstone: Red Coral
Body part: Bone Marrow
Taste: Acid
Food: Pigeon pea
Season: Summer
Cardinal Direction: South
Vansh: Suryavanshi
Day
Friendly graha
Nuetral graha: Chandra
Enemy graha: Shani, Buddha, Rahu & Ketu
Tone (Svara): Re

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38
BUDHA - 4 OF 9 NAVAGRAHAS
Budha (Mercury) is the son of Chandra and Taraka. He is the planet of communication,
organization, and mental dexterity. He is extremely intelligent and considered as the god of
merchandise and protector of merchants. He is of Rajas Guna.
He rides on a Lion (vahan) and is four-armed - carrying a sword, a shield, a mace in the three
arms and the fourth with Varada mudra.
Budha presides over 'Budha-vaaram' or Wednesday. The Number Associated to Budha is 5.
Temple dedicated to Budha is Swetharanyeswarar Temple in Thiruvenkadu near Sirkazhi,
Tamilnadu.
Budha mantra from Navagraha stotra reads -
Priyangu-kalika-shyamam Roopenaa-pratimam-budham| Sowmyam-sowmya Gunopetam tam
Budham Pranamamyaham|
I pray to Mercury, dark like the bud of millet, of unequalled beauty, gentle, agreeable and the
emblem of intelligence.
Consort: Ila
Original Color/Color
Guna: Rajas
Gender: Neutral
Element: Earth
God Associated: Laxmi
Pratyadi Devata: Vishnu
Metal: Zinc
Gemstone: Emerald

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Body part: Skin
Taste: Salt
Food: Green gram
Season: Autumn
Cardinal Direction: North
Vansh: Chandravanshi
Day: Wednesday
Friendly graha
Nuetral graha
Enemy graha: Chandra
Tone (Svara): Sa

BRIHASPATI (GURU) - 5 OF 9 NAVAGRAHAS

Brihaspati is the Guru of Devas, the chief offerer of prayers and sacrifices, represented as the
Purohita of the gods. He is the Lord of planet Jupiter. He is of Sattva Guna and represents
knowledge, longevity, career and teaching.
Lord Krishna says in Bhagavat Gita Ch 10 Ver 24
purodhasāṁ cha mukhyaṁ māṁ viddhi pārtha bṛihaspatim..senānīnām ahaṁ skandaḥ sarasām
asmi sāgaraḥ
Meaning :
O Arjun, amongst priests I am Brihaspati; amongst warrior chiefs I am Kartikeya; and amongst
reservoirs of water know me to be the ocean.
Lord Guru rides on an elephant vahan (vehicle). The Number associated to him is 3. Temple
dedicated to Guru is at Alangudi, Near Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu.
Guru mantra from Navagraha stotra reads -

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Devanam cha Rishinaam cha Gurum Kanchana Sannibham..Budhi-bhootam Trilokesham tam
Namami Brihaspatim
Meaning:
I pray to Jupiter, the teacher of gods and rishis, intellect incarnate, lord of the three worlds.
Consort: Tara
Original Color/Color
Guna: Sattva
Gender: Male
Element: Ether
God Associated: Indra
Pratyadi Devata: Brahma
Metal: Gold
Gemstone: Yellow Sapphire
Body part
Taste: Sweet
Food: Chick pea
Season: Winter
Cardinal Direction: North East
Vansh: Suryavanshi
Day: Thursday
Friendly graha: Surya, Chandra, Ketu & Mangala
Nuetral graha: Saturn, Shukra ,& Rahu
Enemy graha: Budha
Tone (Svara): Dha

SHUKRA - 6 OF 9 NAVAGRAHAS EXTREME RIGHT PICTURE ABOVE

Shukra, the guru of the Asuras, is the son of Bhrigu and Ushana (daughter of Hiranyakashipu).
He is identified with the planet Venus and presides over 'Shukra-vaara' or Friday. He is Rajas in
nature and represents wealth, pleasure and reproduction.
He went to the hermitage of Sage Angirasa to learn the scriptures and later became disciple of
the Sage Gautama. Though he had forsaken Asuras occasionally, when their deeds have angered
him, for the most part, he has helped them avoid destruction at the hands of the Devas.

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Shukra's students includes
1. Kacha: the son of Brihaspati.
2. Vrishaparva: King of the Asuras and father of Sharmishtha, the ancestress of the Pandavas
and the Kauravas.
3. Hiranyakashipu: Invincible King of Asuras and father of Prahlada.
4. Prahlada: Devotee of Vishnu.
5. Marutta: Chakravartin Samrat and Suryavanshi King of Vaishali.
6. Indrajit: Son of Ravana.
7. Bali: Grandson of Prahlada, devotee of Vishnu.
8. Danda: The youngest and the most irresponsible son of King Ikshvaku of Ayodhya.
9. Prithu: The first consecrated King and the first true Kshatriya.
10. Bhishma: The son of King Shantanu and numerous Asura Kings.
In Astrology, there is a dasha or planetary period known as Shukra Dasha which remains active
in a person's horoscope for 20 years, giving more wealth, fortune and luxury to one's living.
Temple dedicated to Shukra is in Kanjanur, 18 kilometres north-east of Kumbakonam,
Tamilnadu. He rides on a horse vahana (vehicle). The Number Associated to the Shukra is 6.
Shukra mantra in Navagraha stotra reads -
Hima-kunta-mrinaa-laabham Daityaanam-paramam Gurum..Sarva-shastra Pravaktaaram
Bhargavam Pranamamyaham
Meaning:
I pray to Venus, the utimate preceptor of demons, promulgator of all learning, he who shines
like the fiber of snow-white jasmine.
Consort: Sukirthi & Urjaswathi
Original Color/Color
Guna: Rajas
Gender: Female
Element: Water
God Associated: Indrani
Pratyadi Devata: Indra
Metal: Silver
Gemstone: Diamond
Body part: Semen
Taste: Sour
Food: White lima beans
Season: Spring
Cardinal Direction: South East
Vansh: Suryavanshi
Day: Friday
Friendly graha: Budha, Shani, Rahu & Ketu
Nuetral graha: Mangala & |Guru
Enemy graha: Surya & Chandra
Tone (Svara): Ni

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SHANI - 7 OF 9 NAVAGRAHAS
Shani is the son of Lord Surya and Chhaya (shadow), hence also known as Chayyaputra. He is
the elder brother of Yama. Shani gives the results of one's deeds through appropriate
punishments and rewards in one's life; Yama grants the results of one's deeds after death.

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The word "Shani" comes from Śanayē Kramati Saḥ, the one who moves slowly, because
Shani(Saturn) takes about 30 years to revolve around the Sun.
It is said that when Shani opened his eyes as a new born for the very first time, the sun went
into an eclipse, which clearly denotes the impact of Shani on astrological charts. He is known as
the greatest teacher and well wisher for the righteous as well the greatest punisher for those who
follow the path of evil. He is dark in colour, clothed in black, rides on a crow vāhana (vehicle).
Shani dev, along with the goddess Jyestha, the god Yama, and the goddess Nirrti, are associated
with the crow in Hindu mythology. Throughout Hindu mythology crows represent harmful and
inauspicious characteristics, both of which Shani possesses.
Some of the temples which are dedicated to Lord Shani is..
Thirunallar Shree Shaneeshwaran Koil, Karaikal, Pondicherry
Shani Shingnapur temple, Maharashtra
Shaneeshwara Bhagavan temple, Kuchanoor, Theni Dist. Tamilnadu
Shri Shani Kshetra, Bannanje, Udupi, Karnataka has the world's first 23 feet tall Lord Shani.
Shani mantra in Navagraha stotra reads -
Neelanjana Samaabhasam Ravi-putram Yama-agrajam..Chchaya-martaanda Sambhootam tam
Namami Shanaiswaram
Meaning:
I pray to Saturn, the slow moving, born of Shade and Sun, the elder brother of Yama, the
offspring of Sun, he who has the appearance of black collyrium.
Consort: Nila Devi(Jyestha devi)
Original Color/Color
Guna: Tamas
Gender: Neutral
Element: Air
God Associated: Brahma
Pratyadi Devata: Yama
Metal: Iron
Gemstone: Blue Sapphire
Body part
Taste: Astrigent
Food: Sesame
Season: All Seasons
Cardinal Direction: West
Vansh: Chandravanshi
Day: Saturday
Friendly graha: Shukra, Budha, Rahu & Ketu
Nuetral graha: Guru
Enemy graha: Surya, Chandra & Mangala
Tone (Svara): Pa

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RAHU - 8 OF 9 NAVAGRAHAS
Rahu is the severed head of an asura called Svarbhānu, son of Simhikaa (daughter of Demon
king Hiranyakashipu).
Svarbhanu, lost his head since he stealthily sat with the Devas in disguise to take the Amrit
(nectar) derived from churning of Samudra Mandhan. While distributing the Amrit, Mohini
(Lord Vishnu) noticed the asura's evil act and threw the discus and cut his head off. Later, Rahu
gets the snake's body.
The other name of Rahu is Bhayanaka. The time of the day considered to be under the influence
of Rahu is called Rahu kala and is considered inauspicious.
Rahu is the North Node of the Moon and responsible for Eclipses. As the Moon pertains to the
mind, Rahu commands the direction of the mind’s outward projection. This symbolically
signifies the occult power wielded by Rahu. He is associated with the rising of kundalini energy
as well as the fall into material delusion. His control is intangible and his influence is illusive.
With proper direction, Rahu bestows great power and insight into spiritual and material matters.
He represents the mind’s insatiable curiosity and relentless pursuit to gain experience. Temple
dedicated to Rahu is in Thirunageswaram, on the outskirts of Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu.
Rahu mantra in Navagraha stotra reads -
Artha-kaayam Mahaa-veeryam Chandra-aditya Vimardanam.. Simhika-garbha Sambootam tam
Rahum Pranamamyaham
Meaning:
I pray to Rahu, having half a body, of great bravery, the eclipser of the Moon and the Sun, born
of Simhikaa.
Consort: Nagavalli & Nagakanni
Original Color/Color
Guna: Tamas
Gender: Female
Element: Air
God Associated: Nirriti
Pratyadi Devata: Durga
Metal: Lead
Gemstone: Hessonite
Body part

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Taste: Sweet
Food: Urad(bean)
Season: Spring
Cardinal Direction: South West
Vansh: Chandravanshi
Friendly graha: Shukra, Budha, Shani & Ketu
Nuetral graha: Guru
Enemy graha: Surya, Chandra & Mangala

KETU - 9 OF 9 NAVAGRAHAS ( RIGHT ABOVE)

Ketu is the severed torso of an asura called Svarbhānu, son of Simhikaa (daughter of Demon
king Hiranyakashipu).
Svarbhanu, lost his head since he stealthily sat with the Devas in disguise to take the Amrit
(nectar) derived from churning of Samudra Mandhan. While distributing the Amrit, Mohini
(Lord Vishnu) noticed the asura's evil act and threw the discus and cut his head out. Later, Ketu
gets the snake's head.
Ketu is the introspective function of the mind that scrutinizes the inflowing stimulus. Ketu, like
Rahu is also related to spiritual attainment, but works inwardly whereas Rahu works outwardly.
Ketu is oriented towards renunciation and self-inquiry in order to perfect the inner realm. He
represents attainments and mastery accumulated over past lifetimes.
He is considered as a Moksha Karaka (liberator from the cycle of birth and death).
Temple dedicated to Ketu is in Keezhaperumpallam, near Mayiladuthurai, Tamilnadu.
Ketu mantra in Navagraha stotra reads -
Palaasha-pushpa-samkasham Taaraka-graha-mastakam...Raudram-raudratmakam Ghoram tam
Ketum Pranamamyaham
Meaning:
I pray to Ketu, who has the appearance of Palaasha flower, the head of stars and planets, fierce
and terrifying.
Consort: Chitralekha
Original Color/Color
Guna: Tamas
Gender: Male

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Element: Earth
God Associated: Ganesha
Pratyadi Devata: Chitragupta
Metal: Mercury
Gemstone: Cat's Eye
Body part: Skin
Taste: Sour
Food: Horse gram
Season: Autumn
Cardinal Direction: Center East
Vansh: Suryavanshi
Friendly graha: Shukra, Budha, Shani & Rahu
Nuetral graha: Guru
Enemy graha: Surya, Chandra & Mangala

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PART II

48
 Sun and Vedic Astrology; Role on Negative and Positive Impacts with
the Significance of Sun Planet,Satish Sastri
2021

It is not an exaggeration when one says the sun sustains life on Earth. Though it is billions of light-years
away from the Earth, one cannot fathom its impact on everyday lives. 
Both science and Vedic astrology try to estimate the impact of this amazing star in their own ways. While
science is now discovering all the affect sun has on Earth, it is said that Vedic astrology offers much more
information than science. 

Vedic astrology explains the affect sun has on each planet in the solar system and how it affects Earth's
lives. This blog offers insight into the sun's astrological significance and its implications on our lives.

Role of the sun in our daily lives

As our planet earth revolves around the sun, the way it receives the sunlight also differs each day, thus
impacting seasonal changes. Each season brings about a change in our lives and the kind of crops grown
during each season, offering a variety of food products. Each season lets us experience life in a new way
every day.
Like the sun, all the planets affect our lives in their own way. If you need to find out the impact of planets
and the sun, Vedic astrology helps you understand it better.

Meaning and significance of Sun in Vedic Astrology

Similar to our daily lives, Sun plays a focal role in Vedic Astrology. The sign of the Sun in astrology is a
circle with a dot at the centre. Sun is deemed the emperor of all the planets as it is the main energy source
to all planets. The sun is the centre of all the astrological calculations.
The sun holds such an important in the natal chart that the most joyful people on this earth identify
themselves with the sun's traits. The fact is, the sun embodies reason, not instinct. It provides us with the
path of self-discovery. The sun also reflects the present as opposed to the moon, infusing the past through
feelings.

What is the role of the Sun in astrology?

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Sun the most powerful and the most important planet in astrology. The Sun represents your soul in
astrology. It signifies energy, authority, dignity, self-esteem, and pride. 
Sun chart in Vedic astrology is divided into two ways - by zodiac sign and the house occupied by the sun
in the horoscope.
The sun's position by zodiac sign indicates the person's life purpose and how they contribute to making a
difference in the world.
Each house mirrors a unique quality in the horoscope. The sun's position in the houses shows how a
person's personality comes through. The sun symbol in the respective houses is how astrology guides in
honing and developing the personalities.

Negative and Positive Impacts of the Sun in a horoscope

The sun's position in the person horoscope determines the path of the life led by a person. According to
the learned astrologers, the sun's positive or negative impacts are determined by how strong or weak the
sun presence is in the horoscope of a person.

 Negative Impact:

The negative impact of the sun makes a person egocentric, disdainful, and arrogant. They will lack the
energy and vitality to be successful in their lives and tend towards being lazy and demotivated. A weak
sun causes myriad health problems ranging from baldness, frequent headaches, inadequate eyesight, heart
and blood circulation related problems, and weak bones. It will also affect the relationship with their
fathers is a negative manner.

Positive Impact:

When the sun is strong, the person is filled with vitality to achieve his dreams. The creative energy flows
in, making the person an out-of-the-box thinker. It also develops leadership qualities making them natural
leaders. A positive presence of the sun will bless the individual with good health, vitality and wellbeing.

Effects of the sun in various Houses of the Horoscope

The Vedic astrology gives us thumb rules for the general effects of the sun in the various house. The good
or bad effect depends on the conjunction of the sun with different planets in the houses. Given below is
the general characteristic exhibited by the person when the sun is in the respective house. 

 1st House: The sun's presence in the 1st house indicates the person is obstinate and has a
delicate ego.
 2nd House: The sun's presence in the 2nd house indicates the person is materialistic and
frugal. The suns presence also indicates that a person can become wealthy.
 3rd House: A person will possess the courage to strive and achieve their goals when the sun
is in the 3rd house.
 4th House: The sun's presence in the 4th house causes emotional distress and leads to an
unhappy home environment.
 5th House: People with a knack for business and enhanced creativity will usually have the
sun in the 5th house of their horoscope.
 6th House: Natives with the sun in the 6th house of their natal charts will taste victory often
and have the ability to gain wealth.
 7th House: The sun will be in a weakened state in the 7th house, as it conjures Libra.

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  8th House: A person with the sun in the 8th house will face emotional challenges while his
finances are stable.
 9th House: The native with the sun in the 9th house will lean towards spirituality and
teaching.
 10th House: For people who are satisfied and successful in their career, the sun will be
present in the 10th house.
 11th House: People with the sun in the 11th house will experience financial and power gains
in society.
 12th House: People with the sun in their 12th house are often introverts gifted with creativity.

Combinations of all Planets with Sun

When combined with the other planets signs, the sun star sign gives us the astrologers a general direction
of the life headed by a person. The effects of the sun's conjunction with other planets can either be
beneficial or harmful. The Vedic astrology identifies a total of 7 planets apart from the sun. 

The sun sign and moon sign combination are some of the best know combinations in astrology. The moon
depends on the sun to retain its vitality, and thus both the planets exist in harmony. When both the planets
are in conjunction with a person's birth chart, they will accomplish their goals no matter the obstacles.
Filled with energy and vitality, they will achieve financial independence and lead a perfect life.

A person is filled with intelligence and uses it to achieve social and financial success when the sun is in
conjunction with mercury. Being the nearest planet to the sun, both of them complement each other when
contributing to the person's success.

A person with the sun and mars in conjunction will suffer from Angarak dosha and face emotional
instabilities. They are often quick-tempered and have little self-control.
As said earlier, while the Sun is the soul, Jupiter represents innermost thoughts. Hence, when they are in
conjunction, the person leads a spiritual life and will dive into the religion's depths, searching for the
meaning of self.

When there is a conjunction between the Sun and Venus, it is extremely beneficial. The person will be
energetic and enthusiastic. But, he/she may also become easily dissatisfied.
Sun opposite Saturn in Vedic astrology leads to Shrapit Dosha. Sun squares Saturn as they share a bitter
relationship, though Saturn is the sun's son mythologically. During the dosha period, the person
undergoes severe trails in all facets of life, be it personal or professional. There are numerous solutions
available to lessen the impact of the Shrapit dosha. Consult a well-learned Vedic astrologer to find the
remedy that suits your situation.
Grahan Yoga and Pitra dosha come into effect when Rahu and the sun are in conjunction. The dosha
period will test a person's perseverance and hamper self-confidence.

Remedies to increase the strength of the sun in the horoscope

The position of the sun in the birth chart determines the strength of the sun. When the sun is weak or ill-
placed, Vedic astrology suggests various remedies to rectify the debilitated sun. The general remedies
are suggested below, but we suggest you consult a learned Vedic astrologer to know the extent of the
malefic effect the sun planet has on your life.

 Wear a gold ring with a ruby embedded into it on the ring finger.
 Ek-Mukhi rudraksh is a powerful harnesser of the sun's energy. So, find its capability with
your horoscope and the rules to use the same.

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  Pray and offer arghyam to the rising sun every day. 
 Worship Bel tree every Sunday. 
 Read or chant Aditya Hriday Stotram as frequently as possible. Perform the Surya Graha Japa
 Most importantly, respect and do not forget to serve your father.

To know more about the impact of the sun on your lives, consult our Vedic astrologers today. You can
also follow us to know the daily sun horoscope. Our learned astrologers will help you know the impact of
the sun on your birth chart and guide you to take remedial measure to lead a contented and peaceful life.

Surya
Surya

Consort Sanjna and Chhaya

Vaivasvata Manu, Yama, Yami, Ashvins, Revanta, Shani, Tapati, Savarni Manu,

Children
Sugriva, and Karna

Equivalents

Greek equivalent Helios

This vivid, radiant star is the center of our solar system, and likewise, is the epicenter of our astrological
chart. The sun sign reveals your taste, preferences, and proclivities — it's also used to assess
everything from your romantic compatibility, sexual curiosities, and even your worst relationship habits.
What does the Sun symbolize in astrology?

SUN SIGN. The sun is your identity. It is the essence that you shine out into the world. It represents the
vital force that drives you to seek the highest expression of your true self. What does the planet Sun
represent?

Sun: The Planet of Self

This planet (also known as a luminary and a star) represents the self, one's personality and ego, the
spirit and what it is that makes the individual unique. It is our identity and our face to the world. Signs of
a weak Sun in the Chart : Indications are a lack of self-confidence, self–esteem or self-respect – a general
low self-worth. There will be lack of strength of will and courage, along with fear of others. The
individual may lack drive and motivation and may be dependent upon others emotionally and materially.
What happens when your sun is strong?

When this strong Sun is connected to the 10th House or its Lord, it would make the native - a king, a
minister, or a big officer in the Government sector. Since the Sun is the King of Planets, in real life too, it
represents Governance. Same results when it is related to the 11th House or the 11th House Lord. Which
house is good for Sun?

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1- When the sun is in the first house of the horoscope, it endows the native with vitality and life. 2-
The indigenous person is passionate and brimming with positive energy. This is a favorable
location that provides good health, assuming no mitigating variables exist.
2- Is Sun in 2nd house bad?
Natives having the Sun in the 2nd house are blessed with wealth, and they tend to be in better
financial conditions than what they were in their childhood or at the beginning of their Career. It
means that the Sun helps them grow financially and get a better position in life.

3. The natives of Sun in 3rd house have a well-developed mind. They are sharp yet upright and
filled with a high sense of ambition and pride. The natives are also endowed with a stable
strong will which makes them self-reliant. It provides them with a hunger to achieve in life.

4. The 4th house in Astrology is also known as the Bandhu Bhava in Vedic Astrology. This house
is about domestic happiness. ... Well, the presence of Sun in the 4th house indicates that the native
will take a lot of interest in the family and domestic matters

5.The presence of Sun in 5th house will also endow the natives with some special abilities. These
abilities may be in the areas of dancing, acting, singing and so on. You are better placed for careers
in the arts. This planetary placement is more common amongst teachers or other professions which
involve children.

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 .

6. People having Sun in the 6th house will conquer their enemies and will prove to be great friends.
They can go to any length to help their friends. It is one of the most powerful positions as per
astrology. ... A strong sun in the 6th house gives an edge to the person over other persons and adverse
life situations.

he placement of Sun in the 6th house is called Ripu Hanta, Shatru Hanta and Shatari. People
having Sun in the 6th house will conquer their enemies and will prove to be great friends.
They can go to any length to help their friends. It is one of the most powerful positions as per
astrology. People with the Sun in this bhava will share a great bonding with their mother,
brothers, and sisters. Strong sun in the sixth house of birth chart affects many aspects of life
like Career, Health, Finance, Family, and married life of a person.  Sun in the 6th house
mainly enhances a person's power to combat anything that bothers him/her in life. It adds to
the immunity, stamina, and all such traits whenever a person faces issues. A strong sun in the
6th house gives an edge to the person over other persons and adverse life situations.  

How Sun in the 6th House affects our Life

But as Sun has positive power, Sun's poor placement in 6th house makes a person vulnerable
also to many conditions. A negative placement of Sun in the 6th house can bring a lot of
adversities in a person's life. Sun is so powerful a planet that once it is placed negative, it eats
away all auspiciousness and good results of all other planets and houses. A harmful Sun in the
6th house primarily. 

First, a negative placement of the Sun in the 6th house makes our enemies conquer over us.
These enemies could be at the workplace, in business, in family & likewise. Another
significant impact of the Sun in the 6th house is that if a person is involved in Court cases,
disputes & legal matters, then chances of winning on such issues become complicated.
Enemies prevail upon the person. Click on court cases and legal issues in our life to read
more on the link given below. 

The second impact of a negative Sun in the 6th house is that the person becomes prone to
many diseases & health issues. Sun is the planet of power & strength. So while on the one
hand, a positive Sun in the 6th house enhances a person's power & energy to combat health
and medical issues. A negative placement of Sun in the 6th house diminishes a person's power
& abilities to fight health issues. Not only diseases bother more, but the person can also be
losing heavily on medical expenses. Click on specific diseases in the birth chart to read
more on the link given below. 

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Another negative impact of Sun in the 6th house is that it drifts people towards loans and
debts. The overall compatibility of a person to fight on many fronts keeps going weaker.
These aspects could be like court cases, health issues, as stated above, or losing on matters
wherever they face anyone stronger to him/her. It makes a person lose financially, and if Sun
is in the 6th house, it makes a person go for more loans and debts to keep life moving. The
person with a weak Sun in the 6th house finds it very difficult to come out from such debts
and financial crises. Click on loans and debts in the birth chart on the link given below if
you are facing such a situation in your daily life.  

Personality of people having Sun in 6th house

As mentioned above such people have great relationships with their mother, brother and sister.
They are also very helpful by nature and help their friends even if it demands them to live in
penury. Coming to their physical traits, they are well-built and have a great personality. They
are very determined and sincere. Such individuals are perfectionists and work arduously to
attain the high position. They are highly demanding when it comes to the work-front. People
with Sun in the 6th house get accolades and admiration for their work. But, it may sometimes
also fetch some jealous colleagues. They will have a harsh attitude towards them. Under any
circumstances, the Sun in 6th house helps its natives to overcome their enemies and emerge as
the winner. Overall, the presence of the Sun in the 6th house helps make an individual a
strong individual.

An important point to note about natives of the Sun in 6th house is that they love their work
which may sometimes turn them arrogant and snobbish. They may become over-demanding
from others. People with Sun in 6th house should be aware of getting over-confident.
Sometimes their good work makes them too confident in themselves making their colleagues
and subordinates turn angry towards them.

Also Read: How Sun in 7th house affects your Relationship and Career on the link given
below.

Personal life of people having Sun in 6th house

If someone has the Sun in 6th house along with Ketu in 1st house or 7th house, then such
individuals are blessed with the son who brings stronger fortune. If one has Sun in 6th house
along with Mars, Moon and Jupiter in 2nd house then they are beneficial for the following
tradition. If they have the Sun in 6th house without Moon, Mars or Jupiter in 2nd house then
they would get into the government job after they turn 22 years.

Career selection using astrology is also largely dependent on the placement of the Sun in your
horoscope. Mainly Sun in Sixth house leads to success for people aspiring for the highest
positions in Govt. like IAS, IPS & other higher positions in Govt. and public offices.  Read
more as to how Sun in the birth chart helps selecting careers on the link given below?

Sun in horoscopes, especially of male natives immensely helps a person selecting a life
partner. Because a very strong sun in male’s horoscope can make a person very authoritative
and dominating. 

If Sun is in the 6th house and Jupiter in 5th, 9th or 10th house then it will help such people
reach high profile positions in legislature at the state or national level, but if these houses
have Mercury and Sun is in 6th house then would be a bit hesitant in public speaking and
would face difficulty.

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Also Read: Effect of the Sun in 2nd house and its impact on you on the link given below.

Different theories about Sun in 6th house

When it is about the effect of the Sun in 6th house then the Western astrology believes that
such individuals will have differences with their father, however the Indian perspective is a
bit different. It says that the 10th house rules father so such an individual cannot have bad
relations with them.

When it comes to self-employment, then natives of Sun in 6th house are not much inclined for
self-employment. Having Sun in 6th house blesses the individual with an impressive
personality and good health. However, the malefic Sun makes the individual suffer from
health issues like asthma, nervous problems, heart trouble, diphtheria, bronchitis etc. Females
having Sun in 6th house indicates pleasure and passion, while the males with the same Sun's
position will gain state recognition but it may turn them arrogant and short-tempered.

Placement of Sun in 7th house affects the behaviour and personal life of a person. Having Sun
in this house is not a good indication for marital life. 7th house of the kundli is for life
partner, married life, financial status, career, foreign trip etc. It means if the Sun is present in
this house it will affect a person accordingly. So, let's explore how does Sun influences all
these aspects of a person’s life when it sits in the 7th house.

How does Sun in 7th house affect the relationship?

Well, since the 7th house represents married life, having Sun in this house will affect the
person’s married life adversely. It means that they will enjoy a troubled married life. The

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natives of Sun in the 7th house get the spouse who is filled with a lot of ego and anger. To
know how will be your spouse, you can click on the link given below .  The spouse comes
from an influential family and they have an impressive personality. It doesn’t mean that they
will not have a happy life if they are equal political status then the relation flourish but, in
case they are too different from each other then in such cases they will have a troubled life
filled with arguments and differences.

Personality and behaviour of people having Sun in 7th house

Individuals having Sun in 7th house have high self-respect. They are confident and have good
administrative quality. Sun represents energy it means which also affects the health and
personality of the person. Sun in 7th house makes the personality of its natives better and also
keeps one away from diseases and illness. The energy of the Sun may make you more
aggressive but it works in motivating the person.

Also Read: Why Sun in the 1st house is a double-edged sword on the link given below.

Career of people with Sun in 7th house

Since 7th house represents career, having Sun in this house affect the professional life of the
person. It can bless you with a career in government organization, it also influences your daily
earnings in a positive manner. Such people if going into a partnership it will flourish. Sun also
gives its natives positive attitude and aggressiveness; it takes you to great professional
heights.

Since the people having Sun in 7th house are good administrators they prove excellent
managers. They have the will and the power to make people work. Sun in 7th house also opens
avenues of the government job. If such individuals compete for any government elections then
they have to face stiff competition which may turn ugly sometime. Such individuals should try
to escape from litigations especially if they don’t have a stronghold in the political field.

While on one hand, the placement of Sun in 7th house of birth chart gives leadership qualities
but can also make a person egoist & running after pride. They could be short-tempered &
restless if what they is not done. On the other hand, such persons are religious and god
fearing.

There are few very important factors to consider when sun is in seventh house of a natal
chart.

Career selection should be done strictly based on  horoscope or birth chart as many people
feeling buoyant with sun in seventh house keep trying for highest positions in job. But sun in
7th house does not mandate it for all thus one should not lose the opportunities of grabbing
other positions inferior to the highest offices. I have seen many spoiling their valuable years
with sun in 7th house will get them highest position job & reject other opportunities.  To read
more how to select the right career click on the link below . Such people should try to
control their emotions with father and others in positions above them else it can create
conflicts in interests & sour relationships which some time can become irreversible also.

Third due to high esteem, ego and being restless, such people can spoil their married life.
Therefore they should marry only after thorough horoscope matching of charts. It means the
cross verification of marriage compatibility factors, especially how to adjust in married
life. Read more what is the correct matching of charts on the link given below.

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Also Read: What Sun in the 5th house divulges about your Personality and Profession on
the link given below.

Health of natives of Sun in 7th house

Mostly Sun affects the health positively but sometimes it can cause certain skin ailments
especially due to physical contact. This mostly happens when the Venus is in 6th house or
Mars is in 7th, 8th or 12th house. If the disease is timely treated, then it proves to be
effective. Having Sun in 7th house can cause peptic ulcers but it doesn’t lead to the cancerous
complains.  People with Sun in 7th house are not very good in the sale and purchase of prized
assets like property, gold etc. In such cases, they must always consult with others before
indulging in buying the products to save themselves from bluff or cheating. You can read
more as to how does your birth chart indicates health issues on the link given below.

The Sun God Gets His Charioteer

Garuda was so beautiful, magnificent and fearsome that the gods sang beautiful verses in his praise.

Garuda was so beautiful, magnificent and fearsome that the gods sang beautiful verses in his praise.
They not only praised, but were afraid too of his power strength and splendour. Throughout the
Mahabharata, whenever there is something big and unknown, the individuals who see it often burst
out into praise. Praise is one way by which the mind is able to explore deeply into a person, object or
situation. Praise is a means of learning and understanding. This is how so many verses of praise have
emerged for so many gods, animals, birds and even natural forces. Even we can try it in our life.
When there is a subject or a person which seems a tough nut to crack, try praise. It works.
When everybody praised him, Garuda realised that his body was very huge and hence a bit
intimidating too. So he chose to reduce it in size. Carrying his brother Aruna on his back, Garuda
flew between his father Kashyapa and mother Vinata’s house which were on either sides of the
ocean. For his beautiful golden feathers, Garuda also got the name Suparna.
Ruru, who was listening to this story, asked why the sun wanted to burn the world and what the gods
did to make him think so. Pramati said the sun and the moon discovered that Rahu from the side of
the Asuras was sitting in disguise on the side of the devas and since then he was angry. Rahu also
tried to eclipse the sun and eat him up once. 

The sun was lamenting about his predicament. He said even seeing Rahu eclipsing him, the gods did
not do anything to stop it. So he was now ready to destroy the world. Saying so, he was burning the

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earth on the western side with his rays.Seeing this, the rishis and the devas went to Brahma and asked
what was the cause for so much heat even as the sun had not shown up at dawn. They were convinced
that there was some intentional destruction of the world happening.
Brahma said the sun was planning to turn the whole world to ashes. He said he had a solution for the
problem: Aruna, the son of Kashyapa, can be made the charioteer for the sun. He will absorb all the
hot rays of the sun and the sun will rise at dawn with a cool orange glow. This will be a blessing to
the gods, rishis and all the world. On the directions of Brahma, Aruna did all that was needed to be
done and became the charioteer of the sun to quell his anger against the world.

Hanuman, the devotee of Shree Rama, in his childhood persistent to eat the sun to starve his hunger.
On the way approaching to the sun, he is first stopped by the Agni Dev (Fire God) that he shouldn't eat
the sun. He (Agni Dev) asked him to go back and leave his stubbornness of eating the sun. Hanuman
stayed there and has war with Agni Dev and defeated him.

And then Hanuman keeps moving towards the sun, as the Surya Dev(Sun God) see him coming towards
him. Then the Surya Dev asks the Indra Dev (The King of all the Devs) to stop Hanuman from eating
him.
Then Indra Dev comes to rescue the Surya Dev and has conservation with Hanuman not to eat the sun. He
said that it is not a fruit to eat but Hanuman stubbornness to eat only that fruit to starve his hunger and he
will leave only when he will eat that fruit.
Hanuman stubbornness leads to the war between Indra dev and Hanuman. After sometimes when
Hanuman is unstoppable and starts eating the sun then Indra Dev uses his Vajr Astr(weapon) on
Hanuman and when it hits him, he gets unconscious and he fall down from the sky.

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 Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)

Direct observations of sunspot numbers are available for the past four centuries, but longer time series are
required, for example, for the identification of a possible solar influence on climate and for testing models
of the solar dynamo. when reports of a reconstruction of the sunspot number covering the past 11,400
years, based on dendrochronologically dated radiocarbon concentrations was made by combining
physics-based models for each of the processes connecting the radiocarbon concentration with sunspot
number. The level of solar activity during the past 70 years was exceptional, and the previous period of
equally high activity occurred more than 8,000 years ago.

They found that during the past 11,400 years the Sun spent only of the order of 10% of the time at a
similarly high level of magnetic activity and almost all of the earlier high-activity periods were shorter
than the present episode. Although the rarity of the current episode of high average sunspot numbers may
indicate that the Sun has contributed to the unusual climate change during the twentieth century, we point

60
out that solar variability is unlikely to have been the dominant cause of the strong warming during the
past three decades..

Solanki, S., Usoskin, I., Kromer, B. et al. Unusual activity of the Sun during recent decades
compared to SOLAR ACTIVITY

The Sun is not just a big bright ball. It has a complicated and
changing magnetic field, which forms things like sunspots and active
regions.
The magnetic field sometimes changes explosively, spitting out clouds of plasma and energetic
particles into space and sometimes even towards Earth.

This collage of solar images from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) shows how observations
of the sun in different wavelengths helps highlight different aspects of the sun's surface and atmosphere.
Credits: NASA/SDO/Goddard Space Flight Center

The solar magnetic field changes on an 11 year cycle.

Every solar cycle, the number of sunspots, flares, and solar storms increases to a peak, which is known as
the solar maximum.
Then, after a few years of high activity, the Sun will ramp down to a few years of low activity, known as
the solar minimum. This pattern is called the “sunspot cycle”, the “solar cycle”, or the “activity cycle”.
The regions overlying sunspots are called active regions. Here the sun’s magnetic field becomes
concentrated and twisted because of the motions of the solar atmosphere at and below the solar surface.
As these regions become more complex they can eventually become unstable causing the release of the
magnetic energy. This is analogous to twisting a rubber band tighter and tighter until it snaps releasing
energy in the form of heat and motion. The same thing happens in the solar atmosphere with the active
region magnetic fields. This release of energy heats up and accelerates solar material.
Solar Wind

The outer corona is heated up to such high energies that it eventually expands away from the Sun as a
stream of electrons, protons and other atomic particles. The stream travels away from the Sun at speeds of
around 200-400 km/s but can reach speeds of 900 km/s. The solar wind fills the entire solar system so all

61
the planets sit inside the outer solar atmosphere. We live inside the atmosphere of a star. Sometimes
concentrated high-speed solar wind streams come from the Sun and impacts the Earth. These can produce
magnetic disturbances in the Earths upper atmosphere called a geomagnetic storm and produce the
Southern and Northern Lights (The Aurora).
Solar Flares

Solar flares are a sudden, explosive release of magnetic energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation
(most of the light spectrum, from radio waves to gamma-rays) and very fast atomic particles. Solar flares
occur in regions of concentrated magnetic field such as sunspots.
Flares happen when the powerful magnetic fields in and around the sun reconnect. They’re usually
associated with active regions, often seen as sun spots, where the magnetic fields are strongest.
Flares are classified according to their strength. The smallest ones are B-class, followed by C, M and X,
the largest. Similar to the Richter scale for earthquakes, each letter represents a ten-fold increase in
energy output. So an X is 10 times an M and 100 times a C. Within each letter class, there is a finer scale
from 1 to 9. C-class flares are too weak to noticeably affect Earth. M-class flares can cause brief radio
blackouts at the poles and minor radiation storms that might endanger astronauts.
Although X is the last letter, there are flares more than 10 times the power of an X1, so X-class flares can
go higher than 9. The most powerful flare on record was in 2003, during the last solar maximum. It was
so powerful that it overloaded the sensors measuring it. They cut-out at X28. A powerful X-class flare
like that can create long lasting radiation storms, which can harm satellites and even give airline
passengers, flying near the poles, small radiation doses. X flares also have the potential to create global
transmission problems and world-wide blackouts.
CREDIT: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center / SDO
Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)

62
Sometimes when magnetic energy is released the corona becomes so disturbed that large pieces of it are
released into space. Billions of tons of solar material and magnetic field are hurled from the Sun into
interplanetary space at speeds up to several million mph. As they move away from the Sun they expand
becoming as wide across as the distance from the Earth to the Sun. CMEs can occur when
filaments/prominences become unstable and fly away from the Sun. We call this a filament/prominence
eruption.

On July 23, 2012, a massive cloud of solar material erupted off the sun’s right side, zooming out into
space. It soon passed one of NASA’s Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory, or STEREO, spacecraft,
which clocked the CME as traveling between 1,800 and 2,200 miles per second as it left the sun. This was
the fastest CME ever observed by STEREO.

Two other observatories – NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory and the joint European Space
Agency/NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory — witnessed the eruption as well. The July 2012
CME didn’t move toward Earth, but watching an unusually strong CME like this gives scientists an
opportunity to observe how these events originate and travel through space.
STEREO’s unique viewpoint from the sides of the sun combined with the other two observatories
watching from closer to Earth helped scientists create models of the entire July 2012 event. They learned
that an earlier, smaller CME helped clear the path for the larger event, thus contributing to its unusual
speed.

Such data helps advance our understanding of what causes CMEs and improves modeling of similar
CMEs that could be Earth-directed.
CREDIT: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center / SDO
This video features two model runs. One looks at a moderate coronal mass ejection (CME) from 2006.
The second run examines the consequences of a large coronal mass ejection, such as The Carrington-
Class CME of 1859. These model runs allow us to estimate consequences of a large event hitting Earth,
so we can better protect power grids and satellites.

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In an effort to understand and predict the impact of space weather events on Earth, the Community-
Coordinated Modeling Center (CCMC) at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, routinely runs computer
models of the many historical events. These model runs are then compared to actual data to determine
ways to improve the model, and therefore forecasts of future space weather events.
Sometimes we need an actual event to have data for comparison. Extreme space weather events are one
example where researchers must test models with a rather limited set of data.
The vertical lines on the left represent magnetic field lines from the sun.
CREDIT: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center / SDO
The
Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs)

When a large solar flare or CME occurs they can accelerate a large number of atomic particles, electrons,
protons and various elements to very high energies. When SEPs impact the cameras on a spacecraft the
recorded images look like a television screen with a lot of static or snow.
The Sun’s Magnetic Field
C. Alex Young is interviewed about the current solar cycle and what a magnetic flip means for the earth
and NASA’s study of magnetic fields. Credit: NASA/GSFC/PFSS
Magnetism Facts
 All magnetic fields are produced by moving or spinning charged particles…somewhere
 Lines of magnetic force do not actually exist.
 Magnetic poles always come in pairs.
 The strongest magnetic field in nature is from the magnetar star SGR 1806-20, which has been
estimated as 800 trillion Gauss.
 A typical galaxy like the Milky Way has a magnetic field strength of about 0.000003 Gauss.
 A refrigerator magnet has a strength of 100 Gauss.
 A sunspot can have a magnetic field with a strength up to 10,000 Gauss, but they live very short
lives!
 Most magnetic storms on Earth happen during the Equinoxes in March and September

64
  The sun’s magnetic poles flip their location on the sun every 22 years, called the Hale Magnetic
Cycle.
 Earth’s magnetic poles reverse their geographic locations every 300,000 years. The last event
happened 780,000 years ago.
 Magnetic pole ‘reversals’ have no effect on the rotational poles of a star or planet.
 The geographic location of Earth’s North Magnetic Pole is currently moving nearly due-North at
a speed of 100 meters per day.
 Earth’s magnetic field is declining in strength by 5% every century.
 Depending on your rate and direction of motion, a pure magnetic field can be turned into an
electric field and vice versa.
 Magnetic fields and electric fields are aspects of a more basic field in nature called the
electromagnetic field.
 A toy magnet produces more force on a paperclip than the entire mass of Earth through its
gravity.
This visualization shows the position of the sun’s magnetic fields from January 1997 to December 2013.
The field lines swarm with activity: The magenta lines show where the sun’s overall field is negative and
the green lines show where it is positive. A region with more electrons is negative, the region with less is
labeled positive. Additional gray lines represent areas of local magnetic variation.
The entire sun’s magnetic polarity, flips approximately every 11 years — though sometimes it takes quite
a bit longer — and defines what’s known as the solar cycle. The visualization shows how in 1997, the sun
shows the positive polarity on the top, and the negative polarity on the bottom. Over the next 12 years,
each set of lines is seen to creep toward the opposite pole eventually showing a complete flip. By the end
of the movie, each set of lines are working their way back to show a positive polarity on the top to
complete the full 22 year magnetic solar cycle.
At the height of each magnetic flip, the sun goes through periods of more solar activity, during which
there are more sunspots, and more eruptive events such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, or
CMEs. The point in time with the most sunspots is called solar maximum.
https://www.thesuntoday.org/the-sun/solar-activity/
Credit: NASA/GSFC/PFSS
he previous 11,000 years. Nature 431, 1084–1087 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/nature02995

The Sun is more active now than over the last 8000 years

An international team of scientists has reconstructed the Sun's activity over the last 11 millennia and
forecasts decreased activity within a few decades
OCTOBER 28, 2004

The activity of the Sun over the last 11,400 years, i.e., back to the end of the last ice age on Earth,
has now for the first time been reconstructed quantitatively by an international group of
researchers led by Sami K. Solanki from the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research
(Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany). The scientists have analyzed the radioactive isotopes in trees that
lived thousands of years ago. As the scientists from Germany, Finland, and Switzerland report in
the current issue of the science journal "Nature" from October 28, one needs to go back over 8,000
years in order to find a time when the Sun was, on average, as active as in the last 60 years. Based
on a statistical study of earlier periods of increased solar activity, the researchers predict that the
current level of high solar activity will probably continue only for a few more decades.

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A large sunspot observed on the Sun in early September 2004. The field of view encompasses around
45,000 by 30,000 km… [more]

© Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research

The research team had already in 2003 found evidence that the Sun is more active now than in the
previous 1000 years. A new data set has allowed them to extend the length of the studied period of time to
11,400 years, so that the whole length of time since the last ice age could be covered. This study showed
that the current episode of high solar activity since about the year 1940 is unique within the last 8000
years. This means that the Sun has produced more sunspots, but also more flares and eruptions, which
eject huge gas clouds into space, than in the past. The origin and energy source of all these phenomena is
the Sun's magnetic field.

Since the invention of the telescope in the early 17th century, astronomers have observed sunspots on a
regular basis. These are regions on the solar surface where the energy supply from the solar interior is
reduced owing to the strong magnetic fields that they harbour. As a consequence, sunspots are cooler by
about 1,500 degrees and appear dark in comparison to their non-magnetic surroundings at an average
temperature of 5,800 degrees. The number of sunspots visible on the solar surface varies with the 11-year
activity cycle of the Sun, which is modulated by long-term variations. For example, there were almost no
sunspots seen during the second half of the 17th century.

For many studies concerning the origin of solar activity and its potential effect on long-term variations of
Earth's climate, the interval of time since the year 1610, for which systematic records of sunspots exist, is
much too short. For earlier times the level of solar activity must be derived from other data. Such
information is stored on Earth in the form of "cosmogenic" isotopes. These are radioactive nuclei
resulting from collisions of energetic cosmic ray particles with air molecules in the upper atmosphere.
One of these isotopes is C-14, radioactive carbon with a half life of 5730 years, which is well known from
the C-14 method to determine the age of wooden objects. The amount of C-14 produced depends strongly
on the number of cosmic ray particles that reach the atmosphere. This number, in turn, varies with the
level of solar activity: during times of high activity, the solar magnetic field provides an effective shield
against these energetic particles, while the intensity of the cosmic rays increases when the activity is low.
Therefore, higher solar activity leads to a lower production rate of C-14, and vice versa.

By mixing processes in the atmosphere, the C-14 produced by cosmic rays reaches the biosphere and part
of it is incorporated in the biomass of trees. Some tree trunks can be recovered from below the ground
thousands of years after their death and the content of C-14 stored in their tree rings can be measured. The
year in which the C-14 had been incorporated is determined by comparing different trees with
overlapping life spans. In this way, one can measure the production rate of C-14 backward in time over
11,400 years, right to the end of the last ice age. The research group have used these data to calculate the
variation of the number of sunspots over these 11,400 years. The number of sunspots is a good measure
also for the strength of the various other phenomena of solar activity.

The method of reconstructing solar activity in the past, which describes each link in the complex chain
connecting the isotope abundances with the sunspot number with consistent quantitative physical models,
has been tested and gauged by comparing the historical record of directly measured sunspot numbers with
earlier shorter reconstructions on the basis of the cosmogenic isotope Be-10 in the polar ice shields. The
models concern the production of the isotopes by cosmic rays, the modulation of the cosmic ray flux by
the interplanetary magnetic field (the open solar magnetic flux), as well as the relation between the large-
scale solar magnetic field and the sunspot number. In this way, for the first time a quantitatively reliable

66
reconstruction of the sunspot number for the whole time since the end of the last ice age could be
obtained.

Top: Reconstructed sunspot activity (10 year average) for the last 11,400 years based on C-14 data (blue
curve) and the… [more]
© Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research

Because the brightness of the Sun varies slightly with solar activity, the new reconstruction indicates also
that the Sun shines somewhat brighter today than in the 8,000 years before. Whether this effect could
have provided a significant contribution to the global warming of the Earth during the last century is an
open question. The researchers around Sami K. Solanki stress the fact that solar activity has remained on
a roughly constant (high) level since about 1980 - apart from the variations due to the 11-year cycle -
while the global temperature has experienced a strong further increase during that time. On the other
hand, the rather similar trends of solar activity and terrestrial temperature during the last centuries (with
the notable exception of the last 20 years) indicates that the relation between the Sun and climate remains
a challenge for further research.

Unusual activity of the Sun during recent decades compared to the previous 11,000 years

Nature, 28 October 2004

Ilya G. Usoskin, Sami K. Solanki, Manfred Schüssler, Kalevi Mursula, Katja Alanko

A Millenium Scale Sunspot Reconstruction: Evidence For an Unusually Active Sun Since the 1940s

Physical Review Letters, 91, 211101 (1993)

Sami K. Solanki, Natalie A. Krivova

Can solar variability explain solar warming since 1970?

Journal of Geophysical Research,108, doi 10.1029/2002JA009753 (2003)

https://www.mpg.de/research/sun-activity-high

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