Deities & devotionNavagraha: the Sun
Surya
The sun god, first of the nine grahas.
Try it at home
On a Sunday morning, face the sunrise and chant Om Suryaya Namah, or offer a little water.
Optional, as always. Adapt it to your family, region and health.
The wisdom
Surya is the sun worshipped as a god, riding a chariot drawn by seven horses. He is first of the Navagraha, and Sunday (Ravivara) is his day.
Greeting the sun each morning roots the day in gratitude for light, warmth and life.
What the evidence says
Evidence: TraditionalThe value rests on lived tradition and reasoning, not on tests.Astrology's claims that the grahas shape people's lives are not supported by research. Worship of the grahas is a matter of faith and tradition. Morning light exposure is linked to steadier sleep rhythms.
How we rate evidenceSignificance
What it means to the people who keep it. Faith-based meaning is described as belief, not as proven fact.
Offering water to the rising sun (arghya), Surya Namaskar, Chhath Puja and Makar Sankranti all honour Surya. The Gayatri mantra is addressed to the sun as Savitr.