Lord Surya ( The Sun God )Konark Temple,Eastern Ganga Dynasty,13th Century CE, National Museum, New Delhi
Imported by the Kushan Kings in the 1st Century CE, from Iran, Lord Surya is a late entry in the Hindu pantheon. As Hinduism developed, He was fused with Lord Vishnu and came to be called Suryanarayan.
His western ancestry is reflected in His attire : usually He wears a squarish crown. He is the only god who is depicted with boots. He is shown either standing or squatting. His chariot is said to be pulled by seven "green" horses.
Amongst the nine planets in Hindu astronomy, He is considered to be the most powerful. Praying to Him is supposed to bring good health and great wealth. Even according to science tells us that vitamin D is essential for the body.
With the rise of scientific temper, with industrial revolution, we had forgotten the importance of the Sun. But with concept of solar energy gaining ground, again Sun has become important. The wisdom of the ancients is dawning on the moderns.
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