Surya (m)

Surya is the Sanskrit name for the sun and the Sun-God. This benign and loving deity is depicted as radiant and extremely brilliant. He rides in a fabulously beautiful chariot that is drawn by seven magnificent horses. Surya is also called the jewel of the great sky. He gives life, force and strength to all beings, kills diseases and negative things and removes lethargy, making all beings active in different ways. Surya also means one who impels, drives and pushes life into being. It is also a name of Lord Vishnu. Adi Shankara said, "The great Lord who gives life to all and brings forth splendour in beings is called Surya, the life-giver."

In esoteric yogic terms, surya is the subtle energy in the navel region. By controlling this solar energy, the body can access the lunar energy that allows us to experience amrita (divine nectar that gives us spiritual ecstasy) that drips from the moon centre (known as the chandra centre) located in the head.

Suryam Sundar Loka Natham
Amritam Vedanta Saram Sivam
Jnanam Brahmamayam Suresham
Amalam Lokaika Cittam Swayam
Indraditya Naradhipam Sura Gurum
Trailoya Cudamanim
Brahma Vishnu Siva Swarupa Hridayam
Vande Sada Bhaskaram

"I eternally salute the Maker of Light, beautiful Lord of all the world
Surya who energizes all, who lives forever, the very essence of Vedanta
He is truly auspicious, the embodiment of knowledge
His nature is Brahman and He is absolute purity
Lord and Master of the Gods, the consciousness of this world
Ruler even over Indra, the King of the Gods and all men and sun deities
He is the crowning jewel of the three worlds
The Heart of the Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva"