In India’s eternal Sanatan culture, the Sun (Surya) is considered a visible deity. While other gods are worshipped through idols or imagination, the Sun is directly visible in the sky. Offering water to the Sun at sunrise is not just a religious ritual but is also considered highly beneficial from a scientific and spiritual perspective.
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Religious Significance of Offering Water to the Sun
According to Sanatan Dharma, Lord Surya is the sustainer of all life. He is one of the nine major planets (Navagraha) and the primary source of energy for all beings. References to offering water to Surya can be found in the Rigveda and other ancient scriptures.
It is believed that offering water to the Sun every morning helps:
- Cleanse one’s sins,
- Improve overall health,
- Alleviate eye disorders,
- Pacify planetary afflictions,
- Purify the soul.
Scientific Perspective of Offering Water to the Sun
(i) Improves Eye Health
When one looks toward the Sun through a steady stream of water, the reflected sunlight activates the eye nerves, which helps in improving eyesight.
(ii) Natural Source of Vitamin D
Morning sunlight is the best natural source of Vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones, skin health, and boosting immunity.
(iii) Boosts Positive Energy
When the rays of the rising Sun fall on the body, they energize the body, reduce stress, and increase mental strength.
How to Offer Water to the Sun: Method and Precautions
Materials Required:
- Copper or brass vessel
- Clean water
- Red flowers (like hibiscus or marigold)
- Rice (Akshat)
- Red vermilion (Roli or Kumkum)
Procedure:
- Bathe early in the morning before sunrise and wear clean clothes.
- Stand facing the east direction.
- Fill the vessel with water and add flowers, roli, and rice.
- Fold your hands, bow to the Sun, and gently pour the water in a stream while looking at the Sun.
- Chant mantras while offering the water.
Ideal Time to Offer Water to the Sun
The best time to offer water to the Sun is early morning at sunrise. This period is known as ‘Sandhya-Kaal’ (transition time), during which the environment carries abundant positive energy.
- In summer: between 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM
- In winter: between 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
Note: It is advised not to offer water after noon or in the afternoon.
Mantras to Chant While Offering Water to the Sun
Primary Mantras:
1. Surya Arghya Mantra:
Names of Surya :
- Om Mitraya Namah – Salutations to the friend of all
- Om Ravaye Namah – Salutations to the radiant one
- Om Suryaya Namah – Salutations to the one who energizes all beings
- Om Bhanave Namah – Salutations to the illuminator of the Earth
- Om Khagaya Namah – Salutations to the swift traveler of the sky
- Om Pushne Namah – Salutations to the nourisher of all beings
- Om Hiranyagarbhaya Namah – Salutations to the golden womb, the source of creation
- Om Marichaye Namah – Salutations to the lord of the dawn
- Om Adityaya Namah – Salutations to the son of cosmic mother Aditi
- Om Savitre Namah – Salutations to the creator of the universe
- Om Arkaya Namah – Salutations to the worship-worthy and radiant one
- Om Bhaskaraya Namah – Salutations to the illuminator of both the external and internal worlds
**Aadi Deva Namastubhyam, Praseeda Mama Bhaskara, Divakara Namastubhyam, Prabha Kara Namostute.**
(Salutations to the primordial deity. Be gracious to me, O Bhaskara. Salutations to you, O Divakara. Salutations to you, O one who gives light.)
2. Gayatri Mantra:
Om Bhur Bhuvah Swah
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
3. Aditya Hridaya Stotra (short form):
अस्य आदित्यहृदय स्तोत्रस्य अगस्त्यऋषिः, अनुष्टुप्छन्दः, आदित्यहृदयभूतो भगवान् ब्रह्मा देवता, निरस्ताशेषविघ्नतया ब्रह्माविद्यासिद्धौ सर्वत्र जयसिद्धौ च विनियोगः।
4. Surya Gayatri Mantra:
ॐ आदित्याय विद्महे मार्त्तण्डाय धीमहि तन्नः सूर्यः प्रचोदयात्।।
You may chant any of these mantras with devotion and focus.
Benefits of Offering Water to the Sun
(i) Mental Peace and Focus
Offering water to the Sun calms the mind and increases concentration.
(ii) Relief from Eye Disorders
According to Ayurveda, the Sun’s rays help relieve many eye-related problems.
(iii) Relief from Planetary Afflictions
Those facing afflictions due to a weak or malefic Sun in their horoscope are advised to perform this ritual regularly.
(iv) Success and Confidence
The Sun is the Karaka (significator) of the soul. Pleasing the Sun enhances one’s confidence and leadership abilities.
Rules and Precautions While Offering Water to the Sun
- Cover your head (especially for women).
- Remove footwear before performing the ritual.
- The water stream should be aligned with the sunlight.
- After the offering, seek forgiveness and pray for well-being.
Conclusion: Awakening of Spiritual Energy
The tradition of offering water to the Sun is not merely a religious ritual—it is a holistic practice for spiritual awakening, health enhancement, and mental purification. Regular practice brings discipline, devotion, and energy to one’s life.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Should we offer water only on Sundays?
Answer: No, daily offering is ideal, but Sundays are considered especially auspicious.
Q2: Can women offer water to the Sun?
Answer: Yes, women can perform this ritual with proper respect and adherence to rules.
Q3: Can tap water be used for this ritual?
Answer: If river or well water is not available, clean tap water with added roli and flowers is acceptable.
