God Surya and the 7 Horses: The Timekeeper, Energy Controller, and Guardian of Cosmic Balance

The name "Surya" comes from the Sanskrit word "Svar" (swah), meaning "light." In Hinduism, Dewa Surya is the deity responsible for regulating, controlling, and maintaining the stability and balance of the sun. Through his rays, Surya ensures that the sun continues to shine and provides life to all living beings on Earth.

As the Sun God, Dewa Surya is tasked with keeping the sun shining consistently and delivering essential light and energy for life on Earth. In Hindu teachings, Surya's rays not only supply physical needs like light and warmth but also possess a profound spiritual dimension. His light symbolizes enlightenment and knowledge and represents the divine power that sustains the life and well-being of all living creatures.

In Hindu tradition, Dewa Surya is often depicted with golden or yellow skin, reflecting the brilliance of sunlight. He is usually portrayed as a majestic figure with four arms. In one hand, Dewa Surya often holds a lotus flower, symbolizing purity and spiritual beauty. In his other hands, he holds a discus, mace, or other weapons. Additionally, he is frequently shown carrying a bundle of palm leaves, symbolizing knowledge and wisdom.

The Chariot of Dewa Surya Pulled by Seven Horses (Source: Private Collection)

Dewa Surya rides a magnificent chariot drawn by seven horses, each representing a day of the week or a color of the rainbow. The seven horses are named Gayatri, Brihati, Ushnih, Jagati, Trishtubha, Anushtubha, and Pankti, which reflects the harmony between time, life, and spirituality in Hindu teachings.

The chariot is driven by Aruna, the brother of Garuda, a mythical being known as the vehicle of Vishnu, and the son of the goddess Vinata. As the charioteer, Aruna ensures that Dewa Surya's chariot moves smoothly across the sky, carrying the vital sunlight needed for life on Earth.

Dewa Surya has three wives: Saranyu, Ragyl, and Prabha. Saranyu is the mother of Waiwaswata Manu, the leader of the seventh Manwantara or present era, and the twins Yama (god of death) and Yami.

It is said that because she could not endure Surya's bright light, Saranyu created a replica of herself named Chaya and instructed Chaya to act as Surya's wife in her absence. From Chaya, Surya had two sons, Sawarni Manu, the leader of the eighth Manwantara, and Sani, the god of the planet Saturn, as well as two daughters, Tapti and Vishti. Additionally, Dewa Surya also had a son named Rewanta with Ragyl.

Kunti Calls Upon Dewa Surya to Request a Blessing (Source: Private Collection)

Dewa Surya plays a significant role in the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. In the Mahabharata, Surya miraculously causes the young Kunti to give birth to a son. The story begins with Kunti, who, while still unmarried, accidentally gains the ability to summon gods and request children from them through a mantra given by the sage Durvasa. Kunti prays to Dewa Surya and asks for a child, hoping to obtain a great descendant.

Dewa Surya, as a manifestation of divine power and virtue, appears and grants Kunti's wish. However, he warns her that the child will possess extraordinary qualities and power but will also result from an illegitimate union, as Kunti was not married at that time.

In her ignorance and without fully understanding the consequences of her decision, Kunti accepts the blessing and gives birth to a powerful and radiant son, known as Karna. Karna is endowed with indestructible armor and earrings, granting him immense strength and protection. However, as Kunti cannot explain the situation to those around her and feels pressured by her circumstances, she is forced to abandon Karna and set him adrift in a river, where he is found and adopted by a charioteer named Adhiratha and his wife, Radha, growing up to become a central figure in the great Kurukshetra war.

In the Ramayana, Dewa Surya is mentioned as the father of King Sugriwa, who helps Rama and Lakshmana defeat King Ravana. Additionally, Surya plays the role of Hanuman's teacher.

Dewa Surya is also a disciple of Lord Shiva, possessing intelligence and power comparable to his guru. In the Siwagama manuscript, Batara Surya is honored with the title Siwaraditya by Bhatara Guru for his dedication and obedience, as well as his role as a witness to this world.

Overall, Dewa Surya plays a crucial role in Hindu cosmology and epic narratives, both as a vital cosmic force and as a figure providing spiritual and moral lessons. The depictions and stories of Dewa Surya not only reflect the power and energy of the sun but also teach values such as wisdom, justice, and responsibility that remain relevant today.