Common questions about IAS, our mission, and how you can be part of this spiritual movement.
Important timeline
- Vedic period (c. 1500–500 BCE): Surya was worshipped through hymns, prayers, and rituals.
- Around the 2nd–1st century BCE: Early artistic depictions of Surya appeared at sites such as Bodh Gaya in Bihar and the Udayagiri–Khandagiri caves in Odisha.
- Kushan period (c. 1st–3rd century CE): Images of Surya became more prominent.
- Gupta period (c. 4th–6th century CE): Religious texts described how Surya's idol should be represented.
- Medieval period (c. 8th–13th century CE): Major Sun temples were built, including Martand in Kashmir, Modhera in Gujarat, and Konark in Odisha.
The birth of Surya Dev can be explained in two ways:
- According to Hindu mythology: Surya Dev was born to Prajapati Kashyapa and Aditi. The scriptures do not give an exact historical date for his birth.
- According to science: The Sun formed approximately 4.6 billion years ago from a collapsing cloud of gas and dust. ☀️
According to Hindu mythology, the enmity between the Devas and Asuras began in ancient times, but there is no single agreed date.
- Cause: Conflicts over power, heaven (Swarga Loka), and control of the universe.
- When: The conflicts appear in ancient Vedic texts and later Puranic stories.
- Relation to Surya Dev: Surya was born to Aditi, while many Asuras were born to Diti or Danu, all daughters/descendants in Kashyapa's family traditions.
Nights increase and days decrease during Dakshinayana (दक्षिणायन), when the Sun appears to move southward.
- Period: Approximately June 21 to December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Longest night: Around December 21–22.
- Shortest day: Around December 21–22.
Nights increase and days decrease during Dakshinayana (दक्षिणायन), when the Sun appears to move southward.
- Period: Approximately June 21 to December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Longest night: Around December 21–22.
- Shortest day: Around December 21–22.
Days increase and nights decrease during Uttarayana (उत्तरायण), when the Sun appears to move northward.
- Period: Approximately December 21 to June 21.
- Longest day: Around June 21.
- Shortest night: Around June 21.