The Birth of Lord Surya: When Bhaskara Manifested as 'Aditya' to Save the Universe from Demons

New Delhi: In Sanatan Dharma, the Sun God is the only deity who is visible to the naked eye (Sakshat Devata). He is hailed as the 'Soul of the Universe' and the 'King of Planets.' But do you know why, despite being a colossal sphere of fire, He took birth as a son from the womb of Mother Aditi? Let us explore the sacred legend of how the Sun God became 'Aditya.'

1. When the Existence of Deities was in Peril

In mythological times, a fierce war raged between the Devas (deities) and the Daityas (demons) for many years. The deities were defeated by the might of the demons and were forced to leave heaven and wander through the forests. As unrighteousness began to increase in the universe, Devarshi Narada reached the hermitage of Maharishi Kashyapa to discuss this grave crisis.

2. Narada Muni’s Advice and Mother Aditi’s Penance

Narada Ji informed Maharishi Kashyapa that to destroy the demons, an entity as brilliant and powerful as the Sun was required. He suggested that victory would only be possible if the Sun God took birth in human form and led the deities as their Commander-in-Chief. For this noble task, Mother Aditi, the wife of Maharishi Kashyapa and the Mother of the Devas, was chosen. Mother Aditi pleased Lord Surya through rigorous penance and meditation. The Sun God accepted her prayer and vanished after granting the boon.

3. The Birth of 'Aditya' and the End of the Demons

After some time, the Sun God was born from the womb of Aditi. Because He was the child of Mother Aditi, He was named 'Aditya.' From the very moment of His birth, the brilliance of the child Aditya was so divine that the entire universe was illuminated. Indra and the other deities joyfully appointed Him as their Commander-in-Chief.

Faced with the fierce radiance and prowess of Aditya, the demons could not hold their ground for long. Out of fear, the demons hid in the netherworld (Patala Loka), and the deities regained control of heaven. Following this, Lord Aditya established Himself at the center of the universe as the Sun God and began governing the creation from there.