Surya (Sun) Yagya, also known as Surya Puja, is a ritualistic worship dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. In Hinduism, the Sun is considered a deity and is known as the source of light, energy, and life on Earth. Surya Yagya is performed to seek the blessings of Surya for health, prosperity, success, and overall well-being.

The word "Yagya" or "Homam" refers to a sacred fire ritual performed according to Vedic traditions. In Surya Yagya, specific mantras and prayers are recited, and offerings such as ghee (clarified butter), grains, and herbs are made into the sacred fire. The ritual is usually conducted by qualified priests or individuals well-versed in Vedic rituals. We at Astrokapoor have an expert team of Pandits, They do the Pooja/Paath/Homan, in the ingenious guidance of Astrologer Prashant Kapoor.

Surya Yagya is often performed on special occasions, such as the Surya Sankranti (transition of the Sun from one zodiac sign to another), Makar Sankranti (the Sun's transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn), or during solar eclipses. It is believed that by performing this ritual, one can appease Surya and receive his blessings for a prosperous and healthy life.

The benefits associated with Surya Yagya are believed to include improved physical and mental health, protection from diseases, success, and the removal of obstacles. The ritual is also thought to purify the environment and bring positive energy to the participants.

Significance of Surya Yagya - 

Here are some aspects of the significance of Surya Yagya:

Worship of the Sun god: The Sun is a symbol of light, warmth, and vitality, and worshiping Surya is believed to bring blessings, good health, and prosperity.

Solar energy and cosmic harmony: The Sun is the primary source of energy for life on Earth. Surya Yagya is seen as a means to connect with cosmic energy and harness the positive vibrations of the Sun. It is believed that performing this ritual helps align oneself with the natural elements and promotes harmony with the universe.

Healing and purification: Surya Yagya is thought to have purifying and healing effects. The fire ceremony is performed with specific mantras and offerings, which are believed to purify the environment and cleanse the mind, body, and soul of negative influences or impurities. It is also believed to promote overall well-being and vitality.

Astrological significance: Surya Yagya is often performed to enhance one's fortune and bring favorable outcomes.

Cultural and traditional value: Surya Yagya is often conducted on special occasions such as solar eclipses, Makar Sankranti (a festival celebrating the transition of the Sun into Capricorn), or during the month of Margashirsha (as per the Hindu calendar).

Process of Surya Yagya - 

Here is the process of yagya - 

• Choose an auspicious day for performing the Surya Yagya. Cleanse the area where the ritual will take place, preferably an open space where the rays of the sun can directly fall.

•  Gather all the necessary items for the yagya, including a small fire pit, ghee (clarified butter), cow dung cakes or camphor for fuel, flowers, fruits, water, and other offerings.

• Begin by purifying yourself through a bath. Wear clean and traditional attire. Set up the fire pit in the designated area and light the fire using the cow dung cakes or camphor. Sit facing the east or the direction of the rising sun.

• Offer prayers to Lord Surya and seek his blessings. Recite specific mantras dedicated to Surya.These mantras are chanted to invoke the divine energy of the Sun God.

The mantra for Surya Yagya, which is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God Surya, is the Surya Gayatri Mantra. Here is the Surya Gayatri Mantra:

"Om Bhaskaraya Vidmahe Divakaraya Dhimahi Tanno Suryah Prachodayat"

Translation: "Om, let us meditate on the Sun God, the illuminator, Let the Sun God inspire our thoughts."

Reciting this mantra with devotion during the Surya Yagya can help in attaining blessings, spiritual enlightenment, and the positive energy associated with the Sun. It is advisable to seek guidance from a knowledgeable priest or spiritual guide to perform the Surya Yagya and chant the mantra correctly.

• Offer various items to Lord Surya as a part of the yagya. This can include flowers, fruits, water, milk, honey, ghee, and other symbolic offerings. Offer them into the fire as a means of transferring your prayers and intentions to Surya..

• Light a camphor or ghee lamp and circulate it in front of the deity or picture of Lord Surya. Sing or recite aarti songs praising Lord Surya's greatness.

• Conclude the yagya by distributing prasad (blessed food) to the participants and attendees. Prasad can consist of fruits, sweets, or any food that has been offered to the deity during the ritual.

Things required for Surya Yagya - 

Surya Yagya, also known as the Sun Yagya or Sun Homam, is a Vedic ritual dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun god. It is performed to seek blessings, good health, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment. The specific requirements for a Surya Yagya may vary depending on regional customs and traditions, but here are some common things that are generally required:

• Yagya Kund: where the yagya will be performed. It is usually constructed with bricks or stone.

• Surya Yantra: A sacred geometric diagram representing the energy of the Sun.

• Ghee (clarified butter): Ghee is an essential ingredient used to offer oblations into the fire during the yagya.

• Dried Herbs (Hawan Samagri): Various dried herbs and medicinal plants are used as offerings during the yagya. These can include items like samidha, havan samagri.

• Mantras: The Surya Yagya involves the recitation of specific mantras dedicated to Lord Surya. These mantras are chanted by the priests or participants throughout the yagya.

• Offerings: Offerings are made to Lord Surya during the yagya. These can include flowers, fruits, coconuts, rice, sweets, and other symbolic items.

• Priest: A knowledgeable and qualified Vedic priest who is well-versed in the rituals and procedures of the Surya Yagya is usually required to perform the ceremony.

• Traditional Attire: Participants may be required to wear traditional attire during the yagya, such as dhoti (for men) or saree (for women).

• Puja Accessories: Various puja accessories like incense sticks, camphor, oil lamps, conch shell, bell, and sacred thread (moli) may be used during the yagya.

• Personal Intentions: It is customary for participants to bring their personal intentions and prayers for the yagya. These intentions are often written on a piece of paper and offered to the fire.