Aditya Hridayam

- The Heart of Aditya (the Sun God) -

Sundara Khanda, Valmiki Ramayanam
Aditya = the Sun God; Hridayam = that which is especially nourishing and healing for the heart.

Sage Agasthya Muni gave this powerful Mantra to Sri Rama when Rama was perplexed, while fighting with
Ravana. After chanting this Hymn three times Sri Rama defeated Ravana.

The Aditya Hridayam, is a hymn in glorification of the Sun or Surya and was recited by the great
sage Agastya to Lord Rama on the battlefield before fighting with Ravana. This historic hymn starts at the
beginning of the Battle with Ravana, when Lord Rama is fatigued and getting ready to fight. The mystical
hymn is dircted to the Sun God, the illustrious lord of all victories.

Trying to do justice to verses from the epic Ramayana – the first of all epics in the world – written over
5000 years ago, is impossible by anybody today. And for that matter, Sage Valmiki himself says that the
prayer part is older than the epic itself. That must be obviously true, for, Sanskrit language existed in its
poetic, prosaic and pristine form much before the penning of the epic. I have just attempted to give the
limited version of my understanding of the Slokas (verses). Mistakes, if any, are all mine, and any praise for
the work goes to blessings of Lord Ganesha, Lord Rama, the Sun God, and of course Sage Valmiki.

The Adityta-Hridyam Hymn is part of the Yuddha Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana (the chapter of war) and
contains 31 slokas.

Nama Suryaya Santaya Sarvaroga Nivarine |

Ayu rarogya maisvairyam dehi devah jagatpate ||

Oh! Lord Surya, ruler of the universe, you are the rem over of all diseases, the repository of peace
I bow to you. May you bless your devotees with longevity, health and wealth.
 download MP3 Audio file for this mantra

tato yuddha parishrantam samare chintaya sthitam |

ravanam chagrato drishtva yuddhaya samupasthitam || 1

daiva taishcha samagamya drashtu mabhya gato ranam |

upagamya bravidramam agastyo bhagavan rishihi || 2

rama rama mahabaho shrinu guhyam sanatanam |

yena sarvanarin vatsa samare vijayishyasi || 3

aditya-hridayam punyam sarva shatru-vinashanam |

jayavaham japen-nityam akshayyam paramam shivam || 4

sarvamangala-mangalyam sarva papa pranashanam |

chintashoka-prashamanam ayurvardhana-muttamam || 5

rashmi mantam samudyantam devasura-namaskritam |

pujayasva vivasvantam bhaskaram bhuvaneshvaram || 6

sarva devatmako hyesha tejasvi rashmi-bhavanah |

esha devasura gananlokan pati gabhastibhih || 7

esha brahma cha vishnush cha shivah skandah prajapatihi |

mahendro dhanadah kalo yamah somo hyapam patihi || 8

pitaro vasavah sadhya hyashvinau maruto manuh |

vayurvahnih praja-prana ritukarta prabhakarah || 9

adityah savita suryah khagah pusha gabhastiman |

suvarnasadrisho bhanur-hiranyareta divakarah || 10

haridashvah sahasrarchih saptasapti-marichiman |

timironmathanah shambhu-stvashta martanda amshuman || 11

hiranyagarbhah shishira stapano bhaskaro ravihi |

agni garbho'diteh putrah shankhah shishira nashanaha || 12

vyomanathastamobhedi rigyajussamaparagaha |
ghanavrishtirapam mitro vindhya-vithiplavangamaha || 13

atapi mandali mrityuh pingalah sarvatapanaha |

kavirvishvo mahatejah raktah sarva bhavodbhavaha || 14

nakshatra grahataranam-adhipo vishva-bhavanah |

tejasamapi tejasvi dvadashatman namo'stu te || 15

namah purvaya giraye pashchimayadraye namah|

jyotirgananam pataye dinaadhipataye namah || 16

Jayaya jaya bhadraya haryashvaya namo namah |

namo namah sahasramsho adityaya namo namah || 17

nama ugraya viraya sarangaya namo namah |

namah padma prabodhaya martandaya namo namah || 18

brahmeshanachyuteshaya suryayadityavarchase |
bhasvate sarva bhakshaya raudraya vapushe namaha || 19

tamoghnaya himaghnaya shatrughnayamitatmane |

 kritaghnaghnaya devaya jyotisham pataye namaha || 20

taptacami karabhaya vahnaye vishvakarmane |

namastamo'bhinighnaya ravaye (rucaye) lokasakshine || 21

nashayat yesha vai bhutam tadeva srijati prabhuh|

payatyesha tapatyesha varshatyesha gabhastibhih || 22

esha supteshu jagarti bhuteshu parinishthitaha |

esha evagnihotram cha phalam chaivagnihotrinam || 23

vedashcha kratavashcaiva kratunam phalam eva cha |

yani krityani lokeshu sarva esha ravih prabhuh || 24

ena-mapatsu krichchreshu kantareshu bhayeshu cha |

kirtayan purushah kashchinnavasidati raghava || 25

pujayasvaina-mekagro devadevam jagatpatim |

etat trigunitam japtva yuddheshu vijayishyasi || 26

asmin kshane mahabaho ravanam tvam vadhishyasi |

evamuktva tada'gastyo jagama cha yathagatam || 27

etachchrutva mahateja nashtashoko'bhavattada |

dharayamasa suprito raghavah prayatatmavan || 28

adityam prekshya japtva tu param harshamavaptavan |

trirachamya shuchirbhutva dhanuradaya viryavan || 29

ravanam prekshya hrishtatma yuddhaya samupagamat |

sarvayatnena mahata vadhe tasya dhrito'bhavat || 30

atha ravi-ravadan-nirikshya ramam

mudita manah paramam prahrishyamanaha |
nishicharapati-sankshayam viditva
suragana-madhyagato vachastvareti || 31

Translation

1& 2 Beholding Sri Rama, standing absorbed in deep thought on the battle-field, exhausted by the fight and
facing Ravana who was duly prepared for the war, the glorious sage Agastya, who had come in the company
of gods to witness the encounter (battle) now spoke to Rama as follows:

3 'O Rama', 'O Mighty armed elegant Rama', listen

carefully to the eternal secret by which, 'O my child',
you shall conquer all your enemies on the battle field
and win against your adversaries.

4 By Chanting the Aditya-Hridayam (the meditation of Sun in the heart ) which is very auspicious and
highly beneficial, you will be victorious in battle. This holy hymn dedicated to the Sun-God will result in
destroying all enemies and bring you victory and permanent happiness.

5 This supreme prayer is the best amongst auspicious verses, it will destroy all sins, dispel all doubts,
alleviate worry and sorrow, anxiety and anguish, and increase the longevity of life. It is a guarantee of
complete prosperity.

6 Worship the sun-god, the ruler of the worlds and lord of the universe, who is crowned with effulgent rays,
who appears at the horizon and brings light, who is revered by the denizens of heaven (devas) and asuras
alike.

7 Indeed, He is the very embodiment of all Gods. He is self-luminous and sustains all with his rays. He
nourishes and energizes the inhabitants of all the worlds as well as the host of Gods and demons by his
Rays.
8 He is Brahma (the creator), Visnu (the Sustainer),
Shiva (the destroyer), Skanda (the son of Siva),
Prajapati (progenitor of human race), the mighty Indra
(king of heaven), Kubera (the god of wealth and lord
of riches), Kala (eternal time), Yama (the Lord of
death), Soma (the moon god that nourishes), and
Varuna (the lord of sea and ocean).

9 Indeed, he is Pitris (ancestors, manes), the eight

Vasus, the Sadhyas, the twin Aswins (physicians of
Gods), the Maruts, the Manu, Vayu (the wind God),
Agni (the fire God), Prana (the Life breath of all
beings), the maker of six seasons and the giver of
light.

10 He is the Son of Aditi (the mother of creation), the

Sun God who transverser the heavens, he is of
brilliant golden color, the possessor of a myriad rays,
by illuminating all directions he is the maker of
daylight. He is the all pervading, shining principle, the
dispeller of darkness, exhibiting beautiful sight with
golden hue

11 He has seven horses yoked to his Chariot, shines

with brilliant light having infinite rays, is the destroyer
of darkness, the giver of happiness and prosperity,
mitigator of the sufferings and is the infuser of life. He
is the Omnipresent One who pervades all with immeasurable amount of rays.

12 He is Hiranyagarbha born of Aditi of a golden womb, He is Sisirastapana the destroyer of the cold, snow
and fog, illuminator, Ravi, bearer of the fire and conch, He is the remover of ignorance and giver of fame.

13 He is the Lord of the firmament and ruler of the sky, remover of darkness. the master of the three vedas
Rig, Yaju, Sama, he is a friend of the waters (Varuna) and causes abundant rain. He swiftly courses in the
direction South of Vindhya-mountains and sports in the Brahma Nadi.

* The Sun evaporates water from the ocean and rain is produced. Sun is the cause of rain. * The
southward (apparent) jouney of the sun causes the change of seasons which is essential for life on earth.

14 He, whose form is circular and is colored in yellow and red hues, is intensely brilliant and enegetic. He is a
giver of heat, the cause of all work, of life and death. He is the destroyer of all and is the Omniscient one
sustaining the universe and all action.

15 He is the lord of the constellations, stars and planets and the origin of every thing in the universe.
Salutations to Aditya who appears in twelve forms (in the shape of twelve months of the year) and whose
glory is described in his twelve names.

16 Salutations to the Lord of sunrise and sunset, who rises at the eastern mountains and sets in the
western mountains. Salutations to the Lord of the Stellar bodies and to the Lord of daylight.

17 Oh! Lord of thousand rays, son of Aditi, Salutations to you, the bestower of victory, auspiciousness and
prosperity, Salutations to the one who has coloured horses to carry him.

18 Salutations to Martandaya the son of Mrukanda Maharisi, the terrible and fierce one, the mighty hero, the
one that travels fast. Salutations to the one whose appearance makes the lotus blossom (also the awakener
of the lotus in the heart)

19 Salutations to the Lord of Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu, salutations to Surya the sun god, who (by his
power and effulgence) is both the illuminator and devourer of all and is of a form that is fierce like Rudra.

20 Salutations to the dispeller of darkness, the destroyer of cold, fog and snow, the exterminator of foes;
the one whose extent is immeasurable. Salutations also to the annihilator of the ungrateful and to the Lord
of all the stellar bodies, who is the first amongst all the lights of the Universe.

21 Salutations to the Lord shining like molten gold, destroying darkness, who is the transcendental fire of
supreme knowledge, who destroys the darkness of ignorance, and who is the cosmic witness of all merits
and demerits of the denizens who inhabit the universe. Salutations to Vishvakarma the architect of the
universe, the cause of all activity and creation in the world

22 Salutations to the Lord who creates heat by his brilliant rays. He alone creates, sustains and destroys all
that has come into being. Salutations to Him who by His rays consumes the waters, heats them up and
sends them down as rain again.

23 Salutations to the Lord who abides in the heart of all beings keeping awake when they are asleep. Verily
he is the Agnihotra , the sacrificial fire and the fruit gained by the worshipper of the agnihotra.

24 The Sun God (Ravi) is the origin and protector of the four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva), the
sacrifices mentioned in them and the fruits obtained by performing the sacrifices. He is the Lord of all action
in this universe and decides the Universal path.

Phalashruti

25 Listen Oh Rama! Oh Ragava, scion of the Raghu dynasty, any person, singing the glories of Surya in great
difficulties, during affliction, while lost in the wilderness, and when beset with fear, will not come to grief (or
loose heart).

26 If you worship this lord of the universe, the God of all Gods, with concentrated mind and devotion by
reciting this hymn (Aditya-Hridayam) thrice, you will emerge victorious in the battle.

27 O mighty armed one, you shall truimph over Ravana this very moment. After blessing Lord Rama thus, and
predicting that He would slay (the demon) Ravana, sage Agastya took leave and returned to his original
place.

28 Having heard this, that great warrior Raghava, feeling greatly

delighted, became free from grief. His clouds of worry thus dispelled,
the lustrous Lord Rama obeyed the sayings of sage Agastya with
great happiness.With composed mind he retained this hymn in his
memory, ready to chant the Aditya-Hridayam.

29 Having performed Achamanam (sipping water thice) and being

purified, Rama gazing at the sun with devotion, recited the hymn
Aditya-Hridayam thrice, then that great hero Raghava was thrilled
and lifted his bow.

30 Lord Rama thus cheered, seeing Ravana coming to fight, put

forth all his effort with a determination to kill him. (Ravana)

31 Then knowing that the destruction of Ravana was near, the Sun-God Aditya, surrounded by all the Gods
in heaven, looked at Rama with delighted mind and exclaimed 'Hurry up' - 'Be quick'.

Thus ends the hym n Aditya-Hridayam in praise of the Sun God

recounted in the Y uddha Kanda of Valm iki Ram ayana (the war chapter)

Download PDF file with Sankrit and Transliteration

This hymn (Aditya-Hridayam) praise to the Sun God is known as the Heart of Aditya. The word heart or
hridayam refers to the One (ayam) who is shining or dwelling in the heart (hridi). Aditya is derived from “ad”
meaning “to enjoy” or to perceive all sense objects like sound, touch, form, taste and smell, after entering
the heart. So by the Heart of Aditya is meant the inner and unchanging witness of all thoughts, words and
deeds, whose nature is the all-pervading Light of Consciousness. By the repetition of this holy hymn daily,
one attains imperishableness, the highest good, all blissfulness, the end of all sins, troubles and sorrows, and
a long life. Thus one should worship the rising Sun of divine rays who is hailed as the brilliant Lord of the
universe by all devas and asuras, by all man and gods. The Sun God is Universal.
One can understand how important is Sun worship when remembering that the Lord Rama himself was taught
the Aditya Hridaya Stotram by the great sage Agastya in a critical moment. After fighting with Ravana and
being severely tried and tired, Sri Rama became anxious on the battlefield. It is then that Sage Agastya
appeared to him and taught him the perennial secret through which all foes are conquered, not only the
external foes but the internal as well. Our constant internal foes are passion, anger and greed caused by
delusion and ignorance.

The benefit of Aditya Hridaya Stotra recitation

1. By reciting Aditya Hridaya Stotra lord Sri

Rama killed Ravana and achieved Victory.

2. "Tejaskamo Vibhavasum" people desirous of Tejas-Aura around them, have to recite Aditya Hridaya
Stotra. This is stated in Bhagavata.

3. By the grace of Bhagavan Surya Kunti Devi was blessed with Kama and the Monkey Rurajasa with
Sugreeva, as sons.

4. Satrajit obtained Syamantaka-mani by worshipping Surya.

5. Dharma Raja obtained Akshaya patra by worshipping Lord Surya and he used to entertain his guests with
this wish yielding bowl.

6. "Dinesam Sukhardham" It is stated in

Skanda purana that one has to pray to
Surya Bhagavan for happiness and welfare.

7. The Samba purana declared that Samba

the son of Jambavati could get himself
cured of his leprosy by worshipping Lord
Surya.

8. Mayurabhatta could make his body a

diamond wise and became free from disease.

Sunday is very dearer to Aditya.

One must avoid keeping mundane Company,
liquor and Meat on that day. Also one
should observe Celibacy on Sunday. Veda
has stated that it is essential to get up
early before sun rise. The method of
Suryopasana is said as Naturopathy.

One must get up in the early morning and

offer oblations to Sun God. It is desirable to
take bath in any lake or pond or river. Stand
opposite to Sun God and offer the Arghya.
Then the Cosmic rays covering the flowing
water in Arghya pradana will emanate the
power received from the rays of Sun and
they project on our body. Hence the
infective germs in our body will die due to
that and our body receive the vital energy
(pranic sakti).

The Vedas declare, that the

colours embeded in the Sun rays
cure all diseases.
These Seven rays, viz. 1. Red 2. Orange 3. Yellow 4. Green 5. Blue 6. Indigo 7. Violet, are the seven horses
of Surya. We also see the same colours in the Rainbow.
The system of curing the diseases with the different colours of cosmic rays and its benefits are detailed.

This system of “Chromopathy” is the method of systematic application of the Seven colours present in Sun.

In this the health advantages and its procedures are stated. By this treatment certain specific diseases and
other common ailments are cured.

This means that leucoderma, heart diseases when attacked exposure to the red rays of Sun health will be
resorted.

In this treatment the application of blue colour cures fever, dysentry, diabetics, blood motions. Bronchitis,
head ache, urinary disorders, small pox, filarial Elephantasis.

In the line of colours the last one orange, the ultra violet ray are hiddenly secure in its rays. When these
rays radiate on our body the ‘D’ Vitamin in the middle of the Skin will be produced.

This ‘D’ Vitamin manufacture the substances ‘Calcium’ and phosphorous essential for our body. Due to these
substances teeth get improved and help the actions of the body perfectly.

Due to chromopathy hernia will be cured. The medicine used for cure is kept in coloured bottles and allow
the Sun ray pass through there and made a mixture from two to three bottles each time and used each time
for three months. Improvement is found. Every disease through the red colour, the yellow the stomach
diseases, the green colour heart and all skin diseases are cured. In the Sun’s ray all the colours of red and
white are secretly penetrated.

In our body we have different colours in different organs separately. The skin has wheatish colour, hair
black, eye balls and teeth whitel the other organs too has different colours in the body. The essence of this
cosmic colour therapy is that the deficiency of colour and the reduction of them cause ill health.

The blue colour gives good health and the red colour enthusiasm and energy.

Depending upon the types of disease pure water is filled in the different coloured bottles, and the Sun rays
are being attracted through the bottles into the water, and given to the diseased for few days and there by
the colours in their body is recouped and health is restored.

The oil and water can be prepared from the cosmic rays during the convenient time from (April, May and
June) Caitra to Jesta months. During this period the Sun rays are profusely available.

Medicated Oil Preparation with Sun Rays

To cure the diseases of head, pour gingelly oil, or Badam ol, two inches below the neck of a bottle, tie with
the cork or cotton and keep it in Sun shine. When cotton is plugged, every day the cotton has to be
replaced. The oil will be ready in Ninety days. After the oil is prepared perfume can be added but not
colours.

Medicated Water Preparation with Sun Rays

Depending upon the type of disease, in different coloured bottles, water has to be filled two inches less to
the full capacity of the container, and the same coloured cork has to be fitted to the bottle. The oil or
water has to be kept on a wooden plank and not on the ground and expose it in full shine from 10 ‘O’ clock in
the morning to 5 ‘O’ clock in the evening. In the mean while no shadow should befall on it. If by any mistake
it is allowed to stay after the setting of Sun, and the ray of moon, or Stars falls on them the water will be
spoiled. Then the bottles must be emptied. It has to be cleansed, fresh water is filled up and again prepared.

When different coloured bottles are kept in the same cabin or when they are exposed to Sun rays
simultaneously, a separate coloured papers matching their own colour is daily wrapped and separately kept
up with out touching each other and one’s own shade of the bottle will not fall on the other.

The water prepared in one bottle can not be kept more than three days. Immediately it has to be
transferred to a white bottle. It is useful only for three days and again it has to be prepared separately. The
water prepared though the Sun rays in a white bottle is very beneficial. This water can be used two times
during a day.

SAPTA SAPTIH – SURYA BHAGAVAN

1. He possesses Seven horses (Seven rays)

They are Jaya, Ajaya, Vijaya, Jitaprana, Jitakrama, Mano Japa, Jita Krodha (Bhavisya purana)

Jaya : The first ray bestows firm conviction, mental and physical strength generosity domination of others
and benevolence.

Ajaya : gives Compassion, tranquility and intelligence, inward understanding.

Vijaya : Voracious reading, high thinking and spiritual base.

Jita prana : Deep thinking, extremely kind, merciful.

Jita krama : grants high quality discipline, very knowledgeble and scientific evaluators.

Manojapa : Dedication and devotion, sincere and pursues the path of truth.

Jita krodha : In depth evaluation, artistic taste in fine arts and adoration of beauty, love for display.

2. The Seven Chandas : (poetic metres)

1. The Gayatri 2. Jagati 3. Usnik 4. Tristupp 5. Anustupp 6. Pankti became the six horses. 7. the bhruhati
chanda has became the seat in the middle of the Chariot. Surya Bhagavan sits on this Chariot of Chandas
and travel on the space.

3. Lord Surya has Seven rays :

These are 1. Susumna 2. Suradana 3. Udanvasu 4. Visvakarma 5. Udavasu 6. Visvavyaca 7. Harikesa

“Susumna”: This is equivalent to the brightness of thousand rays. This ray with this name make Candra
(Moon) the most beautiful one. The Nectar given by the fullmoon to all the panis bestows on them all
happiness and pleasure.

“Surandana” : The moon has originated from this ray. Even the rays of are only the rays of Surya (Sun)
alone.

“Udannvasu” : From this the Kuja graha (planet) is originated. This ray of Surya will protect the living being
from the defects of blood, and gives them health, brilliance and wealth.

“Visva karma” : This constructs the Budhagraha (planet). This ray will remove the mental agitations of the
people and grants all auspiciousness and peace.

“Udavasu” : This ray constructs Bruhaspati planet. This planet grants pleasures and liberation to all living
beings. By worshipping this planet all hurdles, obstructions, opposition will be removed and success is
achieved.

“Visva vyaca” : From this ray Sukra and Sani have originated. Among them sukra is responsible for Virya
(sperm) Sukra is incharge of humans procreation and also his ray brings death. Hence by worshipping this ray
one will get complete longevity.

“Harikesa” : Due to this ray, all Stars (Nakshatras) are born. These come to be known as Nashatra because
they are protecting the human bodies from the loss of strength, virya, and teja.

Surya has seven service personnel

They are 1. Namshatras 2. Months 3. Fortnights 4. Seasons 5. Years 6. Days 7. Nights.

He has Seven Indriyas (organs) they are 1. Two eyes 2. Two Nostrils 3. Two ears 4. One face. Surya
Bhagavan is the person that activates the functions of these organs.

6. He has a Horse by name Sapta. Having a Chariot with this name he is called as Sapta Sapti. This name is
denoted at the end of Kalki Avatara riding this horse.

The seven colours of Surya

These seven colours, viz. 1. Red 2. Orange 3. Yellow 4. Green 5. Blue 6. Indigo 7. Violet, are the seven
horses of Surya. We also see the same colours in the Rainbow.