Sun Mantras

The twelve sun mantras
Every year the sun passes through twelve different phases: known as the zodiacal signs in Western astrology, and as the rashis in Hindu astrology. According to Hindu astrology, each rashi has specific attributes or moods, and in each of these twelve moods the sun is given a different name. These twelve names comprise the twelve sun mantras, which are to be mentally repeated in their respective order in conjunction with the twelve movements of Surya Namaskara.

These sun mantras are not merely names of the sun, but every sound syllable contained in them is the vehicle of a basic, eternal energy (shakti) represented by the sun itself. By repetition and concentration on these mantras, the whole mental structure will benefit and be uplifted.

Although these mantras do not require intellectual understanding, a translation of their meaning is given below for those with an enquiring mind as well as for the more spiritually inclined who wish to use the mantras as a form of attunement with the source of spiritual illumination symbolized by the sun.

1. Om Mitraya Namaha
(Salutations to the friend of all)

Pranamasana

The first position, pranamasana, embodies the attitude of reverence to the source of all life as we know it: the sun is regarded as the universal friend, endlessly giving light, heat and energy to support this and all the other planets. In the scriptures, Mitra is described as calling men to activity, sustaining earth and sky, and beholding all creatures without discrimination, just as the early morning sun signals the beginning of the day's activities, and sheds its light on all life.

Hasta uttanasana

2. Om Ravaye Namaha
(Salutations to the shining one)
Ravaye means one who shines and offers divine blessings upon all life. In the second position, hasta uttanasana, we are stretching our whole being upwards, towards the source of light, to receive these blessings.

Padahastasana

3. Om Suryaya Namaha
(Salutations to he who induces activity)

Here the sun is in a very dynamic aspect as the deity, Surya. In ancient vedic mythology, Surya was worshipped as the Lord of the Heavens, pictured crossing the sky in his fiery chariot, drawn by seven horses. This is a beautiful analogy and needs a correct interpretation. The seven horses actually represent the seven rays or emanations of the supreme consciousness, which manifest as the seven planes of existence, bhu (earthly, material), bhuvar (intermediate, astral), suwar (subtle, heavenly), mahar (the abode of the devas), janah (the abode of divine souls who have transcended ego); tapah (the abode of enlightened siddhas) and satyam (the ultimate truth of reality). Surya symbolizes the supreme consciousness itself, in control of all these different planes of manifestation. Surya is regarded as the most concrete of the solar gods, one of the original vedic triad, his place being in the sky, while Agni (fire) is his representative on earth.