Explore the fascinating world of Suryadev’s family, including his wives Sangya and Chhaya, and their illustrious children. Discover the cosmic roles of Yamraj, Yamuna, and more . A dive into Hindu mythology and learn about Shani Dev’s rise to power as the enigmatic son of Suryadev. Uncover the stories of Suryadev’s divine family in this insightful article
Suryadev’s Children and Their Cosmic Roles
The Sun God, Suryadev, is a prominent figure. We often worship Surya on Sundays, but have you ever wondered about the intricate details of his divine family? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Suryadev’s wives and children, a family as radiant as the sun itself.
Surya’s Two Wives: Sangya and Chhaya
Suryadev’s family begins with his two devoted wives, Sangya and Chhaya. Sangya, unable to bear the immense brightness of her husband, embarked on a journey of penance. To facilitate this, she transformed her shadow into a semblance of herself, which became her stand-in as Surya’s wife. For an extended period, Surya lived with Chhaya, believing her to be his primary consort. This secret reveals that Chhaya was not a noun but a shadow, cleverly concealing Sangya’s true identity.
From Sangya, Surya had six children, including the twin Ashwini Kumars. These celestial beings are known as the physicians of the gods and have a fascinating origin. Surya, in the form of a horse, united with Sangya when she was in the form of a mare, resulting in the birth of the Ashwini Kumars. These handsome siblings are also referred to as Nasatya and Dastra.
Chhaya, on the other hand, blessed Surya with four children. Among them, the notable figure is Shani Dev, who holds the esteemed position of the giver of results and judge among the nine planets. Shani’s relationship with his father was fraught with hostility from birth. However, with Lord Shankar’s blessing, Shani rose to become one of the most influential celestial entities, feared not only by humans but also by gods.
Yamraj – The Eldest Son of Suryadev
Yamraj, also known as Dharamraj, stands as the eldest son of Surya and Sangya. He is the cosmic deity responsible for the judgement of souls after death. His role is pivotal in the Hindu belief system, where he ensures that individuals are appropriately rewarded or punished for their deeds in life.
Yamuna – The Radiant River
Yamuna, the eldest daughter of Surya and Sangya, is celebrated as the Yamuna River on Earth. Her fame stems from the blessings received from her mother Sangya, granted to her by the Sun God himself. The sacred Yamuna River holds a special place in Hindu spirituality and is revered by millions.
Vaivaswat Manu – The Author of Manu Smriti
Vaivaswat Manu, the third child of Surya and Sangya, plays a significant role in Hindu cosmology. He is regarded as the ruler of the present Manvantara, which is the seventh in the cycle of creation and destruction. Vaivaswat Manu is credited with composing the Manu Smriti, a foundational text in Hindu law and ethics.
Shani Dev – The Enigmatic Judge
Shani Dev, the first child of Surya and Chhaya, is a complex deity. His tumultuous relationship with his father was eventually overshadowed by his rise to prominence. Shani is known for his strict judgment and impartiality in meting out rewards and punishments, making him a formidable presence among the planets.
Tapti and Bhadra – Surya and Chhaya’s Daughters
Surya and Chhaya had two daughters, Tapti and Bhadra. Tapti’s union with the virtuous king Samvaran resulted in the birth of Rajarshi Kuru, the founder of the Kuru dynasty from which the legendary Kauravas emerged.
Bhadra, in contrast, possessed a unique appearance with dark complexion, long hair, big teeth, and a fierce demeanor. She was born with the face of a donkey, a long tail, and three legs, symbolizing her strict nature. Like Saturn, Bhadra’s influence is described as rigorous, and Lord Brahma placed her in Vishti Karan, a significant aspect of the calendar system, to manage her temperament.
Savarni Manu – The Future Ruler
Surya and Chhaya’s fourth child, Savarni Manu, holds the key to the future. After this Manvantara, he will assume the role of ruler in the eighth Manvantara. His significance lies in the continuity and reconstruction of the world after its periodic destruction.
Revanth – The Ever-serving Son
Lastly, Revanth, born after the reunion of Surya and Sangya, remains in perpetual service to Lord Surya. His unwavering devotion and commitment to his father make him a cherished member of the divine family.
In conclusion, the family of Suryadev is a tapestry of divine beings, each with their unique attributes and roles in the cosmic order. From Yamraj’s judgement to Yamuna’s sacred waters, and from Vaivaswat Manu’s wisdom to Shani Dev’s impartiality, their stories enrich the tapestry of Hindu mythology. These celestial beings continue to inspire reverence and devotion, their radiance shining as brightly as their illustrious father, the Sun God, Suryadev.
