Surya

Surya is the sun god, the source of light and life for the world. He is depicted riding a chariot drawn by seven horses, driven by Aruna; the Puranas name his consorts as Usha and Chhaya. He was among the chief deities of the Vedic age — the Gayatri Mantra is addressed to the sun. In the Ramayana the Aditya Hridaya hymn gives Rama strength in battle. The temples at Konark (Odisha) and Modhera (Gujarat) are famous centres of solar worship, and Surya Namaskar is a well-known daily practice.