Acharya Karan V – The Sun is a source of power. The earth gets nourishment and life because the Sun rises every day. Hinduism believes that the Sun or Surya Dev is a god who is the master of all the directions and sets out on his chariot every day to spread light, driving away the darkness. As the legend goes in Hindu mythology, the Sun’s chariot is driven by Aruna who represents the first glow of the morning sun. Arun Dev is believed to wield spiritual and divine powers, bringing vivacity, knowledge, prosperity and goodwill. Hence, Aruna is also venerated in Hindu prayers whenever Lord Surya is worshipped. The first glow of the Surya or Lord Aruna is considered to be a symbol of renewed strength and enthusiasm.

According to Hindu mythology, Aruna was born out of an egg along with his brother Garuda. As he was as glowing and reddish as the first ray of morning sun when he got out of the egg, many legends call him another manifestation of Lord Surya. However, he was not as bright as the Lord Surya himself, he settled for a position of Surya Dev’s charioteer, trumpeting the advent of the God of light every day in the morning with his own reddish glow.

Hinduism believes that Lord Surya is the only God who makes an appearance before human beings every day hence worshipping the Sun and his first ray Aruna is bound to introduce happiness and peace of mind in one’s life.

Besides Gayatri Mantras, Lord Surya and Aruna are venerated with the chanting of the following mantras:

‘Om Hrim Hrim Saha Suryay Namah’

Chanting the following mantra can bring prosperity and eliminate the enemies:
‘Om Ghrinh Surya Adivyomah
Shatru Nasaya Om Hrim Hrim Suryaya Namah’

If one wants all his wishes fulfilled, chanting the following mantra will definitely be beneficial:
‘Om Hram Hrim Hrom Saha Suryay Namah’

Mantra for getting blessed with Child:
‘Om Bhaskaraya Putram Dehi Mahatejase Dhimahi Tanna Surya Prachodayat’

For getting Name and Fame:
‘Om Adityay Namah’

Surya Mantra for excelling in studies:
‘Om Bhaskaraya Namah’

The ideal and effective time for Lord Surya and Aruna puja is on Sundays and on Sapthami Tithi. Any offering dedicated to Lord Surya gets carried to Lord Aruna as well, hence while offering puja to the Sun God, Lord Aruna is usually paid homage to by the devotees.