Sun Worship in Sanatan Dharma

Sun Worship in Sanatan Dharma
By Dr. Giriraj Shankar Sharma
The Vedas and Puranas in Sanatan Dharma emphasize the worship of the Sun as a vital force in the universe, the ultimate source of life and energy. Known as Surya or Aditya, the Sun is revered as a powerful deity who bestows health, vitality, and prosperity. It is believed that by worshipping the Sun, devotees can gain physical and mental strength, positivity, and spiritual elevation.

Importance of Sun Worship
In Hindu tradition, the Sun is not merely a celestial body but a divine figure with a significant role in maintaining balance in nature. The tradition of worshipping the Sun has deep roots in Indian culture, with references found in ancient scriptures like the Rigveda, which describes the Sun as the soul of all creation.
The Sun’s energy is essential for sustaining life on Earth. Thus, Sun worship, especially during festivals such as Chhath Puja, is a celebration of this energy. Chhath Puja, particularly prominent in regions like Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, is dedicated to honoring the Sun and seeking blessings for health, happiness, and longevity.

Rituals and Practices
The rituals of Sun worship often include offering water to the rising and setting Sun, chanting sacred mantras, and observing fasts. Devotees stand in rivers or water bodies, offering Arghya (a ritual offering of water) to the Sun, symbolizing gratitude for its life-giving light and energy.
The Puranas also speak of various mantras dedicated to the Sun, such as the Aditya Hridaya Stotra, believed to bestow strength and dispel negativity. Many families in India still perform Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation), a sequence of yogic postures, as a daily ritual to pay respect to the Sun.

Significance of Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is one of the most well-known festivals associated with Sun worship in India. It is marked by rigorous fasting, worship, and a deep sense of community. Unlike other festivals, Chhath does not involve idol worship; instead, devotees worship the natural Sun directly, signifying a connection with nature.
This ancient practice underscores the importance of environmental balance and the need for sustainable living. The puja serves as a reminder of humanity’s dependence on natural elements and encourages a harmonious relationship with the environment.
Through Sun worship, Sanatan Dharma conveys profound messages of health, vitality, and spiritual growth, underlining the Sun’s irreplaceable role in the cosmic order.