“Yathaa Pinde, Tathaa Brahmaande.”
Just as the outer macrocosm, so is the inner microcosmic world.
So posits the philosophy of Sanatan Dharma, directing man towards the miniature universe within himself. As such, the solar system with all the planets, the oceans, mountains, all can be perceived within, including Shakti, the source of all energy or power. From this infinite store-house twelve representations of light are personified which serve as sovereign principles of life. These empirical laws, referred to as Aadityas, are constituents of the primordial vastness; embodiments of the laws that rule the universe, which provide guidance to human society. They suggest the connectivity of man and man, man and his environment and man and God.
Through the worship of Soorya Bhagavan, one becomes enlightened and acquires these gems of Divine wisdom in the form of mastery of the sovereign world. Just as the Aadityas are upholders of dharma or righteousness, dispelling darkness from the world, nourishing life, regulating relationships and exuding brilliance to all around, so too, the sincere Sun-worshipper becomes an embodiment of these empirical laws and is able to achieve mastery of his world.
The twelve sovereign principles are:
1. Mitrataa – friendship, respect, solidarity
2. Varuna – fate, destiny
3. Aryamaan – chivalry, honour, generosity, nobility
4. Daksha – ritual skill
5. Bhaaga – inherited share; sharing of possessions
6. Ansa – luck; God’s given share
7. Twastra – craftsmanship
8. Savitra – magical power of words
9. Pooshan – prosperity, progress
10. Sakra – courage, heroism, confiden
11. Vivaswat – social laws, morals
12. Vishnu – perception of cosmos
One of the best exemplars of these Aadityas is Shri Raam who belonged to the Suryavansh or the Soorya dynasty. As the embodiment of mitrataa, He forgot His own problems and extended solidarity to His friends through their own sorrows. He championed the cause of Sugreev and Jataayu, even in the midst of His search for the kidnapped Sita.
Faced with forest life for fourteen years, Shri Raam willingly accepted his fate and used every situation to his advantage. On breaking the news to his mother of his imminent exile, he said, “Father has given me the kingdom of the forest where great works await me.”
The chivalrous, heroic roles He played in destroying the countless demons and bringing an end to the distress of the sages and others earned Him the title of Aryaamaa putra – the noble one. Through it all, he continued to impart his wealth, kindness, knowledge to all without distinction. Indeed, His life was worship. His every leela constituted Divine offerings.
Just as the sun is known for its power, strength and glory, so too is the name of Shri Raam extolled through the ages for the radiance with which it is synonymous. In like manner, every individual who offers sincere salutations to Soorya Bhagavan radiates effulgence of the Aadityas and assumes domination of his environment while directing his steps to heightened spiritual awareness.
