Surya Aarti
The Surya Aarti is a Hindu devotional hymn or prayer dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God, who is revered as the source of light, energy, and life in Vedic traditions. The practice of performing Surya Aarti is a spiritual ritual in which devotees express gratitude, devotion, and reverence to Surya through the offering of light (typically a ghee lamp or camphor flame), accompanied by the chanting or singing of specific verses. This ritual is deeply rooted in Hindu scriptures and is performed to seek blessings for health, prosperity, vitality, and spiritual enlightenment.
Surya Aarti
Jai Kashyap Nandan,Om Jai Aditi Nandan।
Tribhuvana Timira Nikandana,Bhakta Hridaya Chandana॥
Jai Kashyap Nandan, Om Jai Aditi Nandan।
Sapta Ashvaratha Rajita,Ek Chakradhari।
Dukhahari Sukhakari,Manasa Mala Hari॥
Jai Kashyap Nandan, Om Jai Aditi Nandan।
Sura Muni Bhusura Vandita,Vimala Vibhavashali।
Agha Dala Dalana Diwakara,Divya Kirana Mali॥
Jai Kashyap Nandan, Om Jai Aditi Nandan।
Sakala Sukarma Prasavita,Savita Shubhakari।
Vishwa Vilochana Mochana,Bhava Bandhana Bhari॥
Jai Kashyap Nandan, Om Jai Aditi Nandan।
Kamala Samuha Vikasaka,Nashaka Traya Tapa।
Sevata Sahaja Harata,Ati Manasija Santapa॥
Jai Kashyap Nandan, Om Jai Aditi Nandan।
Netra Vyadhi HaraSurvara Bhu Pida Hari।
Vrishti VimochanaSantata Parahita Vratadhari॥
Jai Kashyap Nandan, Om Jai Aditi Nandan।
Suryadeva Karunakara,Ab Karuna Kijai।
Hara Agyana MohaSab Tatvagyana Dijai॥
Jai Kashyap Nandan, Om Jai Aditi Nandan।
Significance of Surya Aarti
- Spiritual Importance:
- Lord Surya is considered a manifestation of the divine in Hinduism, symbolizing life, energy, and consciousness. He is often associated with the qualities of truth, discipline, and purity.
- The Sun is believed to be the physical embodiment of divine energy, and worshipping Surya is thought to purify the mind, body, and soul.
- Performing Surya Aarti is believed to remove negative energies, dispel ignorance, and grant clarity of thought and purpose.
- Health and Well-being:
- Surya is associated with vitality and physical health. Devotees believe that worshipping the Sun God can improve eyesight, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being.
- The practice of offering water to the Sun (Surya Arghya) during sunrise, often accompanied by Aarti, is said to balance energies and enhance mental clarity.
- Vedic and Cultural Roots:
- The worship of Surya is mentioned in ancient texts like the Rigveda, where he is described as the dispeller of darkness and the source of cosmic order (Rita).
- Surya is also linked to deities like Aditya, Savitr, and Vishnu in various scriptures, highlighting his multifaceted significance in Hindu cosmology.
- The Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) in yoga and the Chhath Puja festival are other practices that emphasize devotion to Surya.
- Auspiciousness:
- Surya Aarti is often performed during sunrise, as this time is considered highly auspicious for connecting with divine energies.
- It is especially significant on Sundays (Ravivar), which are dedicated to Lord Surya, and during festivals like Makar Sankranti, Ratha Saptami, and Chhath Puja.
Procedure for Performing Surya Aarti
The Surya Aarti is typically performed at sunrise, facing the rising sun, in an outdoor setting such as a courtyard, terrace, or near a body of water. The ritual involves several steps, which may vary slightly depending on regional and familial traditions. Below is a general outline:
- Preparation:
- Cleanliness: The devotee should bathe and wear clean clothes to maintain purity.
- Setting Up: A small altar or clean space is prepared, often with an image or idol of Lord Surya. A copper vessel (lota) filled with water, a ghee lamp (diya), incense sticks, flowers, and offerings like fruits or sweets are arranged.
- Offerings: Red flowers (like hibiscus), sandalwood paste, and sesame seeds are considered auspicious for Surya worship.
- Sankalpa (Intention):
- The devotee begins by taking a vow or stating their intention to perform the Aarti for the blessings of Lord Surya. This may include prayers for health, prosperity, or spiritual growth.
- Surya Arghya (Offering Water):
- A copper vessel filled with water, sometimes mixed with red sandalwood, sesame seeds, or flowers, is held in both hands.
- Facing the rising sun, the water is offered by pouring it slowly in a thin stream while chanting mantras like the Gayatri Mantra or Surya Mantras (e.g., “Om Suryaya Namah”).
- The devotee gazes at the sun through the stream of water, which is believed to be beneficial for the eyes and soul.
- Lighting the Lamp:
- A ghee lamp or camphor is lit, symbolizing the offering of light to the Sun God, who is the ultimate source of light.
- The lamp is gently waved in a circular motion in front of the sun or the Surya idol while singing or chanting the Aarti.
- Chanting the Aarti:
- The Surya Aarti hymn is sung with devotion. The lyrics typically describe the glory, power, and benevolence of Lord Surya.
- Devotees may also chant additional mantras, such as:
- Aditya Hridaya Stotra (from the Ramayana, believed to grant strength and victory).
- Surya Ashtak (a hymn praising the eight qualities of Surya).
- Gayatri Mantra: “Om Bhur Bhuva Swaha, Tat Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat.”
- Offering Prayers and Prostrations:
- After the Aarti, devotees offer their personal prayers, seeking blessings for themselves and their families.
- They may perform Surya Namaskar or bow down to the sun as a sign of respect.
- Distribution of Prasad:
- The offerings (fruits, sweets, or other items) are distributed as Prasad among family members or devotees.
Benefits of Performing Surya Aarti
- Physical Benefits:
- Exposure to early morning sunlight during Aarti promotes vitamin D synthesis, improving bone health and immunity.
- The practice of gazing at the sun (through water or briefly) is believed to enhance eyesight and mental focus.
- Mental and Emotional Benefits:
- The ritual fosters a sense of discipline, gratitude, and positivity.
- Chanting mantras and performing Aarti can reduce stress and promote mental clarity.
- Spiritual Benefits:
- Surya Aarti strengthens the connection with divine energy, promoting spiritual growth.
- It is believed to remove obstacles, grant wisdom, and fulfill righteous desires.
Festivals and Occasions for Surya Aarti
- Ratha Saptami:
Known as the “Sun Festival,” this day is dedicated to Lord Surya. Devotees perform elaborate Aartis and offer special prayers. - Chhath Puja:
A major festival in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, where devotees offer Arghya and perform Aarti to the rising and setting sun. - Makar Sankranti:
The festival marking the transition of the sun into Capricorn is celebrated with Surya worship and Aarti. - Sunday Worship:
Many devotees perform Surya Aarti every Sunday to honor the Sun God.
