Lord Surya ( The Sun God )

Lord Surya ( The Sun God )

Prathihara Dynasty, 10th Century CE, Bhopal Museum

           One of the finest sculptures of the Bhopal Museum is this small statue of Lord Surya. The museum has a good collection of sculptures from Hinglajgarh   in M. P. The history of the city of Hinglajgarh is unknown.  But it's sculptures can compete with the finest sculptures of Khajaraho.  Although both belong to the Khajaraho School,  the sculptures from Hinglajgarh are more finely chiselled, are more delicate,  and are more well proportioned than the figures from Khajaraho.  Whether these figures belong to the same temple or come from different temples is also u known.  But the high quality of work testifies to the prosperity of the city, and to the high aesthetics of the people.  

           Today is Lord Surya ' s day as today is Raviwaar.  The Lord holds two lotus in his hands. Like many flowers the lotus also opens and closes according to the sun. Since it floats on murky water, it is the symbol for the human mind and soul. It is said that when the highest "Chakra" ( wheel) of the mind opens, it is like the blossoming of a lotus with thousand petals. Thus, the mind has to be as wife encompassing as the rays of the Sun. 

           According to Valmiki, the author of Ramayan, the Sun causes the division of time. Without the Sun there would be no day and night. It causes the change in the seasons; it causes the rains. It also dispels the darkness of the mind and the soul. It is omnipotent and omnipresent.  It is said to be the God of Gods. Even Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are said to worship Lord Surya. For it is Surya who is the source of all energy; He is the source of life. Life exists as long as our minds are open  like the thousand petal lotus.