How to offer arghya to the Sun at dawn, which mantras to chant and how to do Surya Namaskar

In Hinduism, the Sun God is regarded as a symbol of life force and energy. There is a religious tradition of offering arghya, or water, to the Sun God at sunrise in the morning, and chanting the Sun's mantras while doing so is considered auspicious.

In Indian culture, the Sun is seen not merely as a source of light and energy. It is also worshipped as a deity that sustains life. The Sun, which gives light to all living and non-living things, helps plants grow and keeps the cycle of time moving, is an integral part of faith. From the Vedic tradition to everyday life today, Sun worship has held special importance.

The Vedas regard the Sun as a symbol of the life force of the universe. The hymns to the Sun in the Rigveda show its radiance, its universal role and its importance for living beings. Regular sight of the Sun and worship of it awaken feelings of faith, gratitude and positivity. The Sun, which dispels darkness, is also a symbol of the journey from ignorance to knowledge and from despair to hope. According to Hindu religious tradition, the Sun is considered the bestower of self-confidence, radiance, health, prestige and accomplishment.

The method of offering arghya is simple. Take clean water in a copper vessel, stand facing east, bow to the Sun and offer the water. In some traditions, a red flower, kumkum or akshata (unbroken rice grains) is added to the water. While offering arghya, one keeps the mind calm and remembers the Sun. It is a symbol of expressing gratitude to nature and beginning the day in an auspicious spirit. It needs no elaborate ritual or special equipment. Faith, cleanliness and consistency matter more.

Chanting mantras is also an important part of Sun worship. One tries to keep the mind focused while chanting. Some popular mantras dedicated to the Sun are:

Om Mitraya Namah

Om Ravaye Namah

Om Suryaya Namah

Om Ghrinih Suryaya Namah

One can choose a favourite among these and chant it with faith. This may help calm the mind and improve focus during prayer.

Surya Namaskar is an important practice in the Indian yoga tradition. Besides expressing gratitude to the Sun, the practice brings the body and mind into harmony. The traditional Surya Namaskar has twelve positions, and in each one a specific body movement is coordinated with the breath. Done according to one's capacity and in the proper manner, it may help increase flexibility, muscle strength and physical activity.

Sunlight is closely linked to health. Sunlight must fall on the skin for vitamin D to form in the body. However, how much sunlight and for how long is needed varies with skin type, geographical location, season and other factors. It is therefore necessary to take care of the skin while taking in the sun.

A simple routine can be followed to bring Sun worship into daily life. Wake up early and freshen up, and if possible go to a quiet spot at sunrise. Face east and remember the Sun, and offer arghya with clean water as faith dictates. After bowing, chant one of the popular Sun mantras. Do Surya Namaskar or light exercise according to capacity. Finally, sit quietly for a few moments, plan the day's tasks and make a positive resolve.

This does not take much time. Even a few minutes a day may build a habit of starting the day in a more disciplined and mindful way.