Bharadvāja.research

☀︎ Sūrya: Who is he in the Vedas? ☀️ The Vedic conception of the Sun extends far beyond the celestial orb. Sūrya is the metaphysical divine witness of all life and the inner spiritual self, the Eye of the Gods (devānāṃ cakṣus), whose all-seeing radiance makes existence visible and whose presence is intimately connected with consciousness, perception and ṛta - cosmic order. ☀️ Viṣṇu in the Vedas is also quintessentially solar - characterised by a different but complementary cosmic function: the creation and extension of space through his celebrated three strides (trīṇi padā). Where Sūrya witnesses the worlds, Vishnu measures and establishes the cosmic expanse. These are distinct yet interconnected dimensions of Vedic solar theology. ☀️ The history of the Saura, solar sampradaya tradition is equally fascinating. The development of organised Sun worship in northern India took place against a changing cultural landscape, particularly with the arrival and ascendancy of Śaka, Kuṣāṇa, Kṣatrapis and Hūṇa rulers. Iranian and Central Asian cultural influences became visible in the iconography of Sūrya Nārāyaṇa, particularly the distinctive boots, tunics and headgear. ☀️ The spread of solar calendars led to the birth of several cornerstone Hindu local festivals - Makara Saṅkrānti/Pongal in the south Chaṭh Pūjā in Bihar and Ratha Saptamī across India. Humanity is solar-centric, and Indians certainly are. ☀️ This exploration focuses primarily on the Rigveda - Book/Maṇḍala 10 and Surya's relation to Indra, Savitr and Agni. Atwork and research: @achintyavenk as part of my Vedic Pantheon Visions illustration series featuring my artwork of Vivasvān-Surya (2022), Indra, Agni and Vrtra. ☀️ Chhaṭh Pūjā celebrates devotion to Sūrya, Chhathi Maiya and the life-sustaining power of nature, honouring the setting and rising Sun with gratitude and reverence. Wishing everyone a blessed Chhaṭh Pūjā! #Surya #Rigveda #Vedas #ChhathPuja #Indra