This excerpt from sage Valmiki’s Ramayana, an ancient epic poem written in the Sanskrit language, extols Lord Surya—also known as Ravi or Aditya—the god of the sun, as the vivifying force behind creation.… Read more
The verses appear in a climactic episode of the epic’s sixth book, Yuddha Kandha, “The Battle Book.” Lord Rama, the embodiment of dharma, is about to launch his fight against the demon king Ravana, who represents ignorance. Seeing this, the sage Agastya approaches the hero with words of encouragement in the form of a prayer to Lord Surya: the Adityahridayam.
As soon as Lord Rama invokes Surya Devata, the Divine in the form of the sun, he finally finds within himself the strength and confidence to defeat Ravana. Lord Rama’s victory signals the definitive triumph of inner knowledge over ignorance.
These verses from the Adityahridayam remind us that each new beginning is a propitious time to honor Surya Devata. The sun is a symbol of the light of Consciousness, which has inexhaustible nourishing power and is both an abiding and an ever-new source of wisdom.
Viewing Lord Surya, the God of the sun, as both “the oblations offered to the fire” and “the fruit of those oblations” and as “the sacrifices, and the fruit of the sacrifices,” as the hymn poetically suggests, helps me understand that I am not the doer. When I give of myself, I am allowing God to speak and work through me. In so doing, I experience transcendence and union with the eternal.
New York, United States
What struck me in the introduction to the verses from the Adityahridayam is that the moment Lord Rama, the embodiment of dharma, invoked the “Divine in the form of the Sun,” he found the inner strength to defeat the “demon King Ravana, representing ignorance.” As I perform the Siddha Yoga practices and turn inward, with Gurumayi’s grace that is like the sun to me, the knowledge of the Self triumphs over my sense of separateness, and day by day the bliss of the Self grows more steady and firm within me.
New Jersey, United States
I was deeply grateful to read both the verses from the Adityahridayam and the informative explanation that introduced them. It is so inspiring for me to receive this reminder that every day of this year will be blessed with the boundless power of Lord Surya, the god of the Sun, the “celestial architect.” I also am encouraged by the noble example of how Lord Rama’s invocation of this power led him to find within himself all that was necessary to bring about “the definitive triumph of inner knowledge over ignorance.”
I will take Rama’s example to heart in bringing courage, confidence, and determination to whatever challenges lie ahead, knowing that the Lord has given me all that I need to reach the ultimate goal.
Oregon, United States
This morning I memorized the first verse of this lovely hymn. Then, before I sat for meditation, I went to an eastern-facing window and recited the verse to the rising sun, to the one “who overcomes darkness.” At that moment, however, there were clouds on the horizon, so I wasn’t able to see the sun clearly. I reminded myself that there are times when the light in the world seems diminished, and though the light is hidden, it is still there and will manifest again.
When I sat for meditation, I repeated the words of the first verse again. I became aware of the radiant light of the Self illumining my mind and heart. I felt tremendous gratitude for the light of Consciousness that is always within me.
Massachusetts, United States
I feel inspired as we honor Lord Surya, who brings everlasting light and wisdom. I was struck by the description of Lord Surya as “celestial architect.” I immediately felt an expansion of my inner state beyond time and concepts. I experienced the presence of the column of light extending from the “celestial architect” to my own heart, and in that moment I recognized the benevolent power of light within.
