Common questions about IAS, our mission, and how you can be part of this spiritual movement.
In Vedic astrology, the Sun represents the father because it symbolizes authority, protection, discipline, and guidance. Just as the Sun provides light and life to the world, a father is traditionally seen as a source of guidance and support for the family. ☀️
The Saura tradition of Hinduism, which focuses on the worship of Surya Dev (the Sun God), has historical roots across India, particularly in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. ☀️
Major Sun temples associated with Surya worship are located in these Indian states:
1. Odisha — Konark Sun Temple
2. Gujarat — Modhera Sun Temple
3. Bihar — Deo Sun Temple
4. Jammu and Kashmir — Martand Sun Temple
5. Rajasthan — Surya Narayan Temple
6. Uttar Pradesh — Surya Temple
Chhath Puja is celebrated on the sixth day (Shashthi Tithi) of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, usually in October or November.
It is a four-day festival:
1. Nahay-Khay — Day 1
2. Kharna — Day 2
3. Sandhya Arghya — Day 3 (offering to the setting Sun)
4. Usha Arghya — Day 4 (offering to the rising Sun)
Chhath Puja is mainly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as in parts of Nepal and other Indian states.
Major cities include:
1. Bihar: Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai.
2. Jharkhand: Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, and Bokaro.
3. Uttar Pradesh: Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, and Lucknow.
4. Delhi: New Delhi and surrounding areas.
5. West Bengal: Kolkata and Siliguri.
6. Maharashtra: Mumbai and Pune.
In Vedic astrology, the Sun (Surya Dev) is associated with three Nakshatras:
1. Krittika ☀️ — Ruled by the Sun.
2. Uttara Phalguni ☀️ — Ruled by the Sun.
3. Uttara Ashadha ☀️ — Ruled by the Sun.