SURYA (Sun)

He is the God a living God-whom everyone can see, perceive and pray. Though he is visible, he also has been presented in a variety of forms. He is the life-giver, light-giver, and time-giver. In the six cults established by Adi Sankara, Souram is one devoted to Sun God. Even in other religions, Sun worship has a place.

In the zodiac, he occupies a prominent place-the Centre. This griha is the source of life and He is therefore described as the life-giver (Pranadhata). He helps one to gain his eyesight and Suryanamaskara (worship by prostration ) will strengthen the bones, cure illness, however severe it may be, cleanse the devotee from his sins, and bestow on him progeny, wealth, good health, and long-life. He is the cause for rain-fall benefiting the world. The Vedas adore him as a witness for all actions(Sakthi). Worship of this devata on Sundays is supposed to bring manifold benefits to the worshipper.

He is the Lord of Leo in the zodiac. He stays 1 month in each Rasi and takes 365 days or 12 months to complete a round of the 12 Rasis.

Suryanarayana Temple-Tamil Nadu Suryanarayana Temple, popularly known as Suryanar-Koil, is about 3 kms from Aduturai railway station on the mainline(Southern Railway) from Madras to Thanjavur. There are also temples to Sun at Konark in Orrisa and Modhera in Gujarat.