Aruna – The Charioteer of Surya – Indian Mythology

Aruna: The Charioteer of Surya and Son of Kashyapa – Father of the Devas and Asuras

Aruna, the son of the great sage Kashyapa and Vinata – A Daughter of Daksha, a daughter of Daksha, was born with a unique destiny. His mother, Vinata, had obtained a boon from her husband that she would have two offspring who would surpass the thousand sons of her sister, Kadru, in glory. However, the birth of Aruna was not without controversy. Vinata, in her impatience, broke open one of the two eggs that contained her unborn children, only to find Aruna inside, but with an undeveloped lower body. Aruna cursed his mother to bondage for her impatience, and then took to the skies, achieving great glory by becoming the charioteer of Surya, the sun.

The Story of Aruna’s Birth and Destiny

The story of Aruna’s birth and destiny is deeply connected to the mythology of the Hindu pantheon. According to the Mahabharata – The Great Epic (Maha:1.24), Aruna was born from one of the two eggs that Vinata had laid. The other egg, which contained Garuda, the mount of Lord Vishnu – The Protector, was left undisturbed for a thousand years. The story of the birth of Garuda and Aruna is a testament to the complex and intricate web of relationships between the gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon.

Aruna as the Charioteer of Surya

Aruna’s role as the charioteer of Surya is a crucial one in Hindu mythology. When Surya, the sun, was swallowed and then regurgitated by Rahu, he grew exceedingly angry with the other immortals, who had suffered him to undergo this indignity. Surya thought, “Since no one came to my aid, what is the use of their existence? Let me destroy all creation with my great heat.” The Devas, fearing the destruction of the world, beseeched Lord Brahma – The Creator to save the world. Lord Brahma, in his wisdom, placed Aruna, the son of Kashyapa and Vinata, in front of Surya, to shield the world from his anger.

Aruna’s Role in the Heavens

From that day on, Aruna precedes Surya in the heavens, and is worshiped along with the sun. His role as the charioteer of Surya is a testament to his divine radiance and his ability to shield the world from the sun’s intense heat. Aruna’s story is a reminder of the complex and intricate relationships between the gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon, and the important roles that they play in maintaining the balance of the universe.

Relationship with Garuda

Aruna’s relationship with Garuda, the mount of Lord Vishnu, is an interesting one. Garuda, who emerged from the other egg that Vinata had left undisturbed for a thousand years, is considered to be Aruna’s brother. The story of the birth of Garuda and Aruna is a testament to the complex and intricate web of relationships between the gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon.

Worship and Significance

Aruna is worshiped along with the sun, and his role as the charioteer of Surya is a testament to his divine radiance and his ability to shield the world from the sun’s intense heat. His story is a reminder of the complex and intricate relationships between the gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon, and the important roles that they play in maintaining the balance of the universe.