Overview
Surya is the solar deity of Hindu tradition and is associated with the sun, light and the daily rhythm of life. Surya worship appears in Vedic tradition, temple practice and daily devotional observances.
Significance
The visible sun gives Surya worship a distinctive place in daily practice. Traditions of offering water at sunrise, prayer and solar salutations exist in different communities, though their ritual form varies.
Traditional context
Surya has an ancient place in Hindu sacred literature and later temple traditions. The deity also appears within wider narratives and family relationships that differ across textual and regional sources.
Worship significance
Devotees may honour Surya at sunrise through prayer or offerings according to personal tradition. Chhath is a major festival centred on worship of the sun in parts of northern and eastern India, with its own rigorous regional customs.
Sacred places
Major Surya temple traditions include Konark in Odisha and other historic sun temples across India. Darshn connects Surya to governed temple and festival pages where canonical relationships exist.