The Eternal Sun

‘The Radiance of Surya: Myths, Mantras, and Mysteries of the Sun God’

In the Ramayana, Lord Rama, following sage Agastya’s guidance, turns to Surya Deva, the Sun God, for strength and clarity. By sipping water thrice and chanting the divine name, Rama purifies himself, invoking the energy of the Sun before taking up his bow to face Ravana. Infused with this celestial power, he experiences supreme felicity and unwavering focus.

Surya Deva, standing among the host of gods, witnesses this moment with delight, perceiving the imminent triumph of dharma over adharma. Surya Deva is the visible deity, the soul of life, and the Atmakarak in Vedic astrology. From the Rigveda to Puranic texts, narratives about Surya are vast and deeply interwoven with philosophy, spirituality and daily life. He is the luminary who drives away darkness, the guru who imparts knowledge, and the divine source of warmth and vitality.

The Eternal Sun illuminates Surya’s enduring role in Hindu thought, examining his relationships, lineage, devotees and influence on human life. Drawing from Vedic hymns, Aranyakas and Brahmanas, as well as later Puranic stories, it reveals how ancient symbolism of the Sun as the source of knowledge and life was encoded into stories that still inspire awe today. Readers are invited to explore the myths, mantras and mysteries surrounding this eternal luminary, the god who watches over us, dispels darkness, and inspires us to seek the light within.

Shalini Modi is an author with a profound interest in ancient Indian scriptures, including the Vedas, Puranas, and epics. She specializes in exploring the symbolism inherent in these texts. With a background in Vedic chanting and astrology, Shalini brings to the fore a style of writing which has a multi-faceted, research-based depth. Her distinctive style of blending historical insights with contemporary perspectives, while narrating unique tales and characters, renders her works compelling and insightful. Her previous book is Rasas in Divine Relationships (2024).