Aruna, a significant figure in Hindu mythology, was born as the son of Kashyapa, a great sage, and Vinata, the daughter of Daksha. Vinata, who shared her life with Kashyapa alongside her sister Kadru, yearned for offspring who would surpass the thousand mighty sons of Kadru, who were all serpents. Receiving a blessing from her husband, Vinata laid two eggs with the promise of glorious progeny. However, when the eggs took an unusually long time to hatch, Vinata, growing impatient, broke open one of the eggs prematurely. Inside, she found Aruna, who, although radiating an aura of greatness, was born with an undeveloped lower body.
In his frustration over this incomplete birth, Aruna cursed his mother, binding her to years of servitude. Despite this incomplete form, Aruna rose to great glory, ultimately becoming the charioteer of Surya, the Sun God.
Aruna’s Role as Surya’s Charioteer
The story of how Aruna became the charioteer of Surya is detailed in the Mahabharata (Maha:1.24). The tale begins with Surya’s encounter with Rahu, the celestial being who had been granted temporary access to the nectar of immortality. Rahu’s deceit led to his head being severed by Vishnu, yet he continued to exist and, holding a grudge, periodically swallows the sun, causing eclipses. After Rahu regurgitated Surya following an eclipse, Surya, humiliated, felt the abandonment of the other gods keenly. Overwhelmed with wrath, he resolved to scorch the entire universe, multiplying his radiance and sending waves of unbearable heat toward the world.
Terrified, the Devas sought the intervention of Lord Brahma to quell Surya’s blazing anger. In response, Brahma declared, “I shall place Aruna, the son of Kashyapa and Vinata, in front of Surya. He is of vast body and possesses divine radiance. As the charioteer of Surya, Aruna will shield the world from Surya’s intense heat and maintain the cosmic order.” Thus, from that day forward, Aruna precedes Surya in the heavens, heralding the dawn with his presence and tempering the sun’s blazing intensity for the benefit of all creation. Because of his role in protecting the world from Surya’s fury, Aruna is worshiped alongside Surya and is considered a symbol of the morning twilight, his presence representing the first light before sunrise.
The Bond Between Aruna and Garuda
Aruna’s sibling, Garuda, was born from the second egg Vinata had laid, which she wisely allowed to mature fully over a thousand years. Unlike his brother Aruna, who had an incomplete form, Garuda emerged in all his glory, endowed with immense strength and divine brilliance. Garuda became the mighty mount of Vishnu, distinguishing himself as one of the most revered beings in the cosmos, known for his unwavering dedication to righteousness and devotion to his mother, Vinata.
The two brothers, Aruna and Garuda, although very different in their roles, represent the balance between dawn and day. Aruna, with his soft glow, ushers in the day, making way for Surya’s light, while Garuda stands as a fierce protector and symbol of strength.
Key Themes and Symbolism
The myth of Aruna reflects the theme of patience and divine timing, as seen in Vinata’s actions. Her impatience resulted in Aruna’s incomplete form and led to her servitude under Kadru. However, Aruna’s story also exemplifies resilience and purpose—though born incomplete, he attained a significant role, becoming essential to the balance of the universe as Surya’s charioteer.
Aruna’s role as the harbinger of dawn also links him symbolically with hope, new beginnings, and the idea that even perceived imperfections can fulfill a greater purpose in the cosmic order. His presence before Surya each morning embodies the calm before the brilliance of day, serving as a gentle protector and guiding light.