Puja Vidhi · Surya Dev (Sun god, Aditya, Ravi)
Surya Puja (Arghya)
सूर्य पूजा
Surya Puja is the daily ritual offering of water (Arghya) to the rising Sun, one of the oldest and most fundamental practices in Sanatana Dharma. The Sun is worshipped as the visible form of the divine, the source of all life, and the planet governing health, vitality, father, career, and authority in Vedic astrology. Sunday and Ratha Saptami are the principal occasions for more elaborate Surya worship.
Puja Samagri (Materials Required)
- ◆A copper vessel (tamba lota) for offering water — copper is prescribed for Surya Arghya
- ◆Water — ideally from a river or clean source
- ◆Red sandalwood (rakta chandan) paste
- ◆Red flowers: red lotus, red rose, marigold
- ◆Wheat or jaggery as food offering (Naivedya)
- ◆Incense and camphor
- ◆Red cloth for altar
Step-by-Step Vidhi
- 1
Wake before sunrise. Bathe and wear clean clothes (white or saffron preferred)
- 2
Fill the copper vessel with clean water. Add a few drops of Gangajal (Ganga water) if available
- 3
Stand facing east as the Sun rises. Raise the copper vessel above your head and slowly pour the water, allowing it to fall in a gentle stream so you can see the Sun through the falling water
- 4
Recite Surya Mantras during the Arghya: 'Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah' — 11 times minimum
- 5
For elaborate worship: apply red sandalwood paste and offer red flowers to the Sun
- 6
Recite the Aditya Hridayam (31 shlokas from Ramayana) for full Surya puja
- 7
Offer wheat or jaggery as Naivedya (food offering) and conclude with Surya Aarti
Main Mantra
Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah
Chant 108 times during the puja
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the benefit of offering water to the Sun (Surya Arghya)?
Offering water (Arghya) to the rising Sun is one of the most powerful Vedic practices for health, eye strength, and vitality. The water creates a prism effect through which the Sun's healing rays reach the devotee's eyes and body. In Vedic astrology, Surya Arghya strengthens a weak Sun in the birth chart and is the primary remedy for Sun-related afflictions: poor health, career obstacles, conflicts with authority, or a strained relationship with the father.
What should I say while offering water to the Sun?
The minimum is 'Om Suryaya Namah' with each offering. The full Surya beeja mantra 'Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah' is more powerful. Reciting the Gayatri Mantra (which is addressed to Savitri, the solar deity) during Arghya is also traditional. The Aditya Hridayam from the Ramayana, taught by Agastya to Rama before his battle with Ravana, is the most complete Surya worship text.
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