Sun’s Healing and Vedic Philosophy

The sun is hailed as the giver and sustainer of life in Vedic literature—and rightly so. However, what’s fascinating is the fact the rays of the sun have been attributed to several healing powers in the Vedas. The Vedas are texts with their origins in ancient India. Within Hindu tradition the Vedas, a composition of individual verses, were revealed and not of human decent or wisdom. These verses are known as mantras, and some of them are still recited in prayers or at religious functions.

According to the Rig Veda (one of the four Vedas), the rays of the rising sun have the power to heal heart diseases as well as anemia and jaundice. For this reason the Vedas recommend praying to the rising sun (Surya namaskar). In fact, the exercise is even recommended by yogic experts since it is believed that allowing the rays of the rising sun to fall on your chest is beneficial for one’s overall health and well-being.

The Atharva Veda (another Veda composition) goes a step further to suggest that sun rays can cure several diseases, including the following:

• Headache
• Earache
• Anemia
• All kinds of aches and pains
• Fevers
• Jaundice
• Lung diseases
• Weak bones
• Cartilage
• Tuberculosis
• Leprosy

The belief in the healing potential of the sun is one of the reasons most experts suggest that yoga asanas be practiced outdoors early in the morning.

In fact, there are many references to the power of the sun in Hindu mythology as well. For instance, it is said the sun marches across the sky from east to west in a chariot pulled by seven horses. Several experts believe the seven horses are actually metaphors for the seven types of rays. The sun is also referred to as a powerful deity in almost all Hindu mythological texts.

While science agrees with the fact that sunlight (a natural source of Vitamin D) is necessary for the health of our bones and our general well-being, all claims made in the Vedas do not have scientific validity. Remember, embracing a holistic approach to health and wellness also means embracing all focuses to support our own healing. Following your current doctor’s advice is always recommended, and seeking out sources to complement their approach is a great first step toward embracing alternative healing practices.