RATHA SAPTAMI SPECIAL! Beyond Borders: Global Pantheon of Sun - Worshipping Cultures

The worship of the sun has been a central aspect of various ancient cultures across the world, with civilizations recognizing its life-giving and symbolic significance.

NewsBharati    16-Feb-2024 14:44:32 PM
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According to Hindu Dharma, Ratha Saptami is celebrated as the birth of Surya, the Sun God. Historically speaking, the Indian civilization has not only been the one worshipping the sun god. All the earliest religions and cultures across the world are based on the most fundamental human belief of thanking all the natural sources of energy present in the surrounding, which eventually lead to the five elements of life being worshipped in various forms.
 
 
Sun worship
 
 
The worship of the sun has been a central aspect of various ancient cultures across the world, with civilizations recognizing its life-giving and symbolic significance. Here's a glimpse into a few of these cultures:
 
 
1. Ancient Egypt:
In ancient Egypt, the sun god Ra was revered as a powerful deity. The pharaohs often associated themselves with Ra, emphasizing the divine connection between the ruler and the sun.
 
 
 
2. Mesopotamia:
In Mesopotamia, the sun was a prominent element in Babylonian and Sumerian religions. The god Shamash, associated with the sun, was worshipped for his justice and wisdom.
 
 
 
3. Aztec Civilization:
The Aztecs of Mesoamerica worshipped Huitzilopochtli, the sun god and god of war. Human sacrifices were made to ensure the sun's continuous journey across the sky.
 
 
 
 
 
4. Inca Empire:
The Inca civilization in South America revered Inti, the sun god, as their supreme deity. Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, was a major celebration in their calendar.
 
 
 
5. Hindu Dharma:
In Hinduism, Surya, the sun god, is worshipped as a symbol of life and vitality. The Rigveda contains hymns dedicated to Surya, and festivals like Chhath Puja celebrate the sun's energy.
 
 
 
6. Japanese:
Amaterasu, the sun goddess, holds a significant place in Japanese mythology. According to legend, she withdrew to a cave, leading to darkness, until she was lured out, bringing light back to the world.
 
 
 
7. Celtic Culture:
In Celtic cultures, the sun was associated with several deities, and festivals like Beltane marked the changing seasons, acknowledging the sun's role in agricultural cycles.
 
 
 
 
 
8. Greek Culture:
Helios, the personification of the sun, was a vital figure in Greek Culture. His chariot was said to carry the sun across the sky each day.
 
 
 
9. Norse Culture:
The Norse god Sol, who guided the sun's chariot, and her brother Mani, who guided the moon, were central to Norse cosmology.
 
 
 
10. Native American Cultures:
Various Native American tribes, such as the Hopi and Navajo, had sun deities and conducted ceremonies to honor the sun's life-giving energy.
 
 
 
The sun's worship was a common thread connecting the earliest cultures of humanity, emphasizing its vital role in sustaining life and its embodiment of divine power. These ancient practices continue to influence modern spiritual and cultural beliefs worldwide.
 
 
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Sun Sun god Surya Hindu Ancient Egypt Ancient India Mesopotamia Aztec Civilization Inca Empire Japanese Celtic Greek Mythology Native American Cultures Native Americans Norse Culture