Pt Sri Pranesh Achar (Ananda Rangan)
General
In the Valmiki Ramayana, in the Aditya Hridaya, it is said that the Sun (Surya) should be specially worshipped and offered salutations:
“Rashmimantam samudyantam devasura namaskritam,
Poojayaswa vivaswantam bhaskaram bhuvaneshwaram.”
This means Surya, who rises with radiant rays and is worshipped by devas and asuras, should be revered.
It is said, “Arogyam Bhaskaradicchet” — good health is obtained from the Sun.
Health is the foundation of the four purusharthas: Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.
The scriptures say:
“Dharmartha kama mokshanam arogyam moolamuttamam” — health is the most important root of all four.
Since Surya is the giver of health, we should offer salutations to Him. Therefore, performing Surya Namaskara is very important.
