Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IAS, our mission, and how you can be part of this spiritual movement.
Yes, Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya are worshipped together during Chhath Puja. - Surya Dev: Worshipped as the source of light, energy, health, and life. - Chhathi Maiya: Revered as the divine mother who protects children and blesses families with well-being and prosperity. Why are both worshipped together? 1. Connection with life: Surya Dev represents life-giving energy, while Chhathi Maiya represents protection and nurturing. 2. Family well-being: Devotees pray to both for children's health, longevity, and family happiness. 3. Religious tradition: Offering arghya to the setting and rising Sun while worshipping Chhathi Maiya expresses devotion, gratitude, and respect for nature.
In Hindu traditions, many gods are associated with or worship Surya Dev because the Sun represents divine energy, life, light, and cosmic order. - Source of life: The Sun provides energy essential for life on Earth. - Divine power: Surya is regarded as a powerful Vedic deity who illuminates and sustains the world. - Connection among deities: Hindu traditions sometimes portray different gods as sharing divine powers or expressing aspects of one ultimate reality. - Spiritual knowledge: The Sun symbolizes wisdom and the removal of ignorance. - Religious significance: Sun worship is an ancient practice mentioned in Vedic literature and preserved in festivals such as Chhath Puja. In essence: The Sun is revered because it sustains life and symbolizes divine light and knowledge. However, not all Hindu gods are described as worshipping Surya; the relationship varies across scriptures and
Why is the term Arka more commonly used in temples? The term Arka is commonly associated with Surya Dev in Hindu temples because Arka is one of the Sanskrit names of the Sun God. Meaning: Arka means the Sun or its radiant energy; it can also refer to a medicinal plant. Religious significance: The name emphasizes Surya's brilliance, light, and life-giving power. Temple tradition: Names such as Arkakshetra are associated with sacred places dedicated to Surya worship. Cultural importance: The term appears in traditional religious literature, prayers, and place names connected with Sun worship.
The Martand Sun Temple in Kashmir is believed to have been destroyed during the late 14th or early 15th century under Sultan Sikandar Shah Miri (1389–1413 CE), who is also known as Sikandar Butshikan. Historical accounts associate its destruction with his campaign against Hindu religious sites. The Indian Express +1 Why was it destroyed? - Religious intolerance: Historical accounts describe a policy of persecution against Hindus and the destruction of some Hindu temples during Sikandar's reign. - Religious and political motives: The destruction is associated with efforts to impose religious conformity and weaken established Hindu religious institutions. - Historical evidence: The Kashmiri chronicle written by Jonaraja is among the important sources connecting Sikandar's reign with temple destruction. Historians also discuss the role of his chief minister, Suhabhatta.
In some Buddhist artwork, Surya's chariot is shown being pulled by four horses to symbolize his movement across the sky and the passage of time. - Solar movement: The horses represent the Sun's journey across the heavens. - Speed and power: They symbolize the Sun's energy and continuous motion. - Buddhist artistic influence: Buddhist art adopted imagery from Indian religious traditions, including Surya's celestial chariot. - Symbolic meaning: The chariot represents cosmic order and the regular cycle of day and night. Important: In Hindu iconography, Surya is more commonly depicted with seven horses, often associated with the seven metres of Vedic poetry or the seven colours of sunlight in later interpretations. Four-horse depictions may reflect particular Buddhist artistic traditions; their exact meaning depends on the artwork.
Surya is shown with two hands, a crown, and high boots in Northern Indian and Central Asian art because these features reflect his royal status, divine authority, and the influence of Central Asian artistic traditions. - Two hands: Usually hold lotuses, symbolizing purity, light, and life. - Crown: Represents Surya's divine power, sovereignty, and status as the Sun God. - High boots: Reflect Central Asian and Iranian artistic influences, particularly the clothing of ancient horse-riding peoples. - Overall symbolism: These features portray Surya as a powerful celestial king who travels across the sky in his chariot.