New SWAHA Publication: Soorya Upaasanaa (A Guide to Soorya Worship)

Paramacharya Pt. Hardeo Persad, the Spiritual Head of SWAHA, indicated at the beginning of 2010 that the astrological conditions suggest a year filled with natural disasters and deteriorating environmental conditions all around the world. In order to provide us with the armour needed to shield ourselves and counter the effects of these unfavourable conditions, the Paramacharya advised that the worship of Soorya Bhagavan (God in the sun) is essential. Soorya worship forms an integral part of daily worship (Nitya Karma) to which every Hindu is duty-bound. It leads to the removal of inner darkness (ignorance) and to the attainment of wisdom. It results in the development of inner courage and the ability to successfully overcome life’s difficulties.

The Sun is recognised as the source of light and energy in our Solar System, and thus the cause of activity and creation worthy of man’s respect, reverence and worship. More importantly, Sanatan Dharma teaches that the external world and the internal mental world are parallels of each other. It therefore follows that the act of worshipping Soorya Bhagavan moves the intellect from a state of ignorance to a state of enlightenment, intuition, and wisdom. Thus the power to withstand economic, environmental, emotional and other challenges is developed.

SWAHA has released a new publication in our Upaasanaa (worship) series to guide the Hindu community on the path of devotion to Soorya Bhagavan. Entitled Soorya Upaasanaa: Worship of Soorya (ISBN: 978-976-8210-31-9), this latest project of SWAHA Publications provides a metaphysical understanding of various aspects of Soorya worship. The first part of the book describes the symbolism of pictorial representations of Soorya and the 12 Sovereign Principles. It also explains the effects of ‘grahas’ or planetary movements on man’s life and the relationship to the chakras or energy centres within the body. In addition, translations of the Gayatri Mantra and the powerful Aditya Hridayam Stotra (victory over all enemies) are included. A key feature of this book is a step-by-step guide to the yogic practice of Soorya Namsakaar (Sun Salutations). All 12 postures with associated mantras are explained visually, and a convenient one page cut-out sheet of all postures is included at the back of the book.

The second part of the book deals exclusively with the physical preparations and the actual worship of Soorya. Designed for personalised use, all preliminary preparations are comprehensively explained. A pooja checklist and a step by step format for offerings and mantras are clearly laid out so that the devotee can make use of this valuable information at any time. Powerful Sanskrit Stotras pertaining to Lord Soorya are included for devotees wishing to offer praise to Soorya Bhagavan.

SWAHA believes that this book will be an invaluable guide for the Hindu community, especially at this present time when the worship of the Sun is needed. Soorya Upaasanaa is available from SWAHA’s Head Office (Ph: 674-7384, swahainternational@gmail.com), SWAHA Centres and Branches, and leading Pujaa stores. A full preview of the book is embedded below (Flash Player required).