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Surya Mantra: Sun God of Hinduism

by Kathleen Karlsen, Author of Vocal Medicine

Surya is a Hindu sun god revered as the source of light and life. Surya rides in a golden chariot driven by Aruna, a personification of the dawn. The chariot is pulled by seven horses representing the seven chakras or energy centers. In terms of symbolism, the sun is usually associated with the masculine; the moon with the feminine. 

Surya Mantra in Sanskrit and in English

Mantras are a form of yoga: practices for spiritual development through physical exercises or disciplines. Like yoga poses, each mantra emphasizes a specific flow of energy. The mantra below in Sanskrit and in English is like a vocal equivalent of the Sun Salutation poses in hatha yoga.

Lyrics: Om Sam Suryaya Namaha
English Meaning: I offer salutations to the sun.

Sun God of Egypt
In ancient Egypt, the sun was associated with three deities: Horus, Ra and Osiris. Horus represents the rising sun. Osiris is the setting sun. Ra represents the sun’s zenith. In astrology, the sun is an expression of the outward self, the self that “shines” towards others.

Sun Mantras for the Eyes
Mantras to the sun are believed to be the most powerful healing mantras. The energy of the sun is believed to heal all types of conditions. The sun is particularly advantageous for healing the eyes and vision. Learn more about all types of mantras to support wellness in the article Healing Mantras.

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Understanding the Surya Mantra

In Vedic astrological mantras, the Sanskrit seed syllable “sam” (suum) connects to the fundamental vibration of the sun, giver of life and energy in this physical dimension. The use of an astrological mantra is a significant part of this branch of Vedic sciences. An astrological mantra mitigates challenging aspects and amplifies positive configurations.

Using Astrological Mantras
Astrological mantras improve karmic outcomes at all levels to heal the body and mind. They can also help to improve situations in a larger sense such as the fate of nations or of Earth itself. Each mantra is said to work in the subtle or unseen realms that influence our lives in every area. 

The Power of Cycles
There are specific times when astrological mantras are purported to be the most effective: solstices, equinoxes, eclipses, new and full moons and sunrise, noon and sunset. However, astrological mantras can also be used at any time. Read full article on Astrology Mantras.

Story of the Hindu Sun God Surya

In the early Vedic period, the sun god Surya reigned supreme. In later Hindu periods, only certain sects worship Surya as a central deity. In many branches of Hinduism, Vishnu has largely taken over the role of Surya. In spite of this shift, there are many mantras are dedicated to Surya.

The Sun and the Element of Gold
The sun has long been associated with gold. In one story, the Surya gives a gift to a devout follower. The gift from the sun god is a magical gem that can produce a huge quantity of gold on a daily basis. However, this only occurs if the owner is good. If the owner behaves in an evil manner, the stone has deadly powers as well. 

Ancient Quest of Alchemy
The transformation of base metals or sunlight into gold is an ancient quest. Empires have been built and continents explored in the search for gold. Gold is believed to reflect the sun or to be solidified sunlight. The sun represents the self in its most exalted form: the self that shines.

RESOURCE: To learn about the beautiful symbol associated with Surya, please visit Surya Yantra.

Names for the Sun God

There are twelve names for Surya, each with their own meaning:

  • Mitraya: the friend of all
  • Ravaye: praised by all
  • Suryaya: the guide of all
  • Bhanave: the besstower of beauty
  • Khagaya: stimulator of the sense
  • Pushne: the nourisher of all
  • Hiranyagarbhaya: the creator
  • Marichaye: destroyer of disease
  • Adityaya: the inspirer
  • Arkaya: the radiant one
  • Bhaskaraya: the illuminator

More About Vedic Astrology Mantras

Moon Astrology Mantra
One Word Mantra: CAM
Full Mantra: Om Cam Chandryya Namaha
Meaning: I offer salutations for transformation of the energy of the moon.

Mars Astrology Mantra
One Word Mantra: KUM
Full Mantra: Om Kum Kujaya Namaha
Meaning: I offer salutations for transformation of the energy of Mars.

Mercury Astrology Mantra
One Word Mantra: BUM
Full Mantra: Om Bum Bhudhaya Namaha
Meaning: I offer salutations for transformation of the energy of Mercury.

Venus Astrology Mantra
One Word Mantra: SUM
Full Mantra: Om Sum Sukraya Namaha
Meaning: I offer salutations for transformation of the energy of Venus.

Saturn Astrology Mantra
One Word Mantra: SAM
Full Mantra: Om Sam Sanaya Namaha
Meaning: I offer salutations for transformation of the energy of Saturn.

Jupiter Astrology Mantra
One Word Mantra: BRIM
Full Mantra: Om Brim Brihaspataye Namaha
Meaning: I offer salutations for transformation of the energy of Jupiter.

Kathleen Karlsen

Kathleen Karlsen is an author, musician, artist, and composer. She has written three books (The Color-Music Connection, Flower Symbols, and Vocal Medicine) and over 200 articles. Her YouTube channel features over 600 videos. Kathleen and her family live in Bozeman, Montana, USA.

Surya Mantra Article Summary

This article covers the meaning and symbolism of sun and moon art, sun and moon deities around the world, the power of sun and moon art in interior design, the Hindu sun god Surya, the Egyptian sun god Ra, Christian sun symbolism and the sun and moon art of Kathleen Karlsen.

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