Common questions about IAS, our mission, and how you can be part of this spiritual movement.
The four types of Vedas in Hinduism are:
1. Rigveda – Contains hymns praising deities.
2. Yajurveda – Contains prayers and instructions for rituals.
3. Samaveda – Contains hymns arranged for singing.
4. Atharvaveda – Contains prayers, healing traditions, and everyday-life rituals.
Main rituals of Chhath Puja include:
1. Nahay Khay – Bathing and eating a pure, traditional meal.
2. Kharna – Fasting during the day and offering prasad in the evening.
3. Sandhya Arghya – Offering water to the setting Sun.
4. Usha Arghya – Offering water to the rising Sun.
5. Fasting – Devotees observe a strict fast, traditionally without food or water.
6. Prasad preparation – Preparing thekua, fruits, and other traditional offerings.
7. Worship of Chhathi Maiya – Praying for health, happiness, and family well-being.
Chhath Puja is an important shared tradition of Bihar, with distinct Maithili, Magahi, and Bhojpuri expressions. Its history combines ancient Sun worship, regional folk culture, and religious stories, but its precise origin remains uncertain.
- Surya: Worshipped through hymns and prayers for light, health, and protection.
- Ushas: Goddess of dawn, praised for bringing light and ending darkness.
- Aryaman: Aditya associated with friendship, hospitality, and social bonds.
Important: The Rigveda describes worship mainly through sacred hymns, prayers, and fire rituals (Yajna).
Reason for building the first Sun Temple:
According to Hindu tradition, Sun temples were built to worship Surya Dev, seek blessings for health and prosperity, and express gratitude for the Sun's life-giving energy.
A famous early Sun temple tradition is associated with Mulasthana (modern Multan, Pakistan) and Samba, Krishna's son, who is said to have worshipped Surya for healing.
Important: The exact first Sun temple and its construction date are not known with certainty.
World-famous temples of Surya Dev
1. Konark Sun Temple
Odisha, India · 13th century
Famous for its giant stone chariot design and UNESCO World Heritage status.
2. Modhera Sun Temple
Gujarat, India · 11th century
Known for its carved architecture and stepped Sun Kund.
3. Martand Sun Temple
Kashmir, India · 8th century
An important ancient temple dedicated to Surya Dev.
4. Dakshinaarka Temple
Gaya, Bihar, India
A traditional centre of Surya worship, associated with Bihar's longstanding Sun-worship customs.
5. Suryanar Kovil
Tamil Nadu, India
A well-known temple dedicated to Surya and associated with the Navagraha tradition.
6. Ancient Sun Temple of Multan
Multan, Pakistan · historical site
Famous in historical accounts of Sun worship; the ancient temple no longer survives as an intact temple.
Important: The Konark, Modhera, and Martand temples are among the best-known historic Sun temples. The exact first Sun temple in the world is not known with certainty.