मार्ताण्ड
Martanda: The Sun God Surya, Known as Vivasvant
Martanda is an ancient name for the Sun God, more commonly known as Surya or Vivasvant in Hindu mythology. Surya is one of the Adityas, the twelve sons of Aditi and Kashyapa, who are collectively known as the protectors of the world and embodiments of cosmic order. The name Martanda translates to “dead-egg” or “the one born dead”, a reference to his unusual birth and abandonment.
According to the Rigveda ([R.V. 10.72]), Martanda was the eighth son of Aditi. Unlike his other siblings, who were vibrant embodiments of cosmic functions, Martanda was cast away by Aditi, presumably because he was born lifeless. However, Aditi later brought Martanda back to life, only to see him die again—a cycle that symbolizes the sun’s daily setting and rising, embodying the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
| Name | Meaning | Relation in Mythology |
|---|---|---|
| Martanda | “Dead-egg” | Represents the sun’s daily cycle of setting and rising. |
| Surya | “The Sun” | Known for radiance, warmth, and vitality. |
| Vivasvant | “Bringer of life” | Father of Manu, the progenitor of humanity. |
The Sons of Aditi: The Adityas
As the eighth son of Aditi, Martanda occupies a unique place among the Adityas. Aditi’s sons were powerful deities who represented various cosmic forces and upheld righteousness (dharma). The Adityas include well-known gods such as Varuna (god of cosmic law and waters), Mitra (god of friendship and harmony), Aryaman (god of social order and companionship), and Bhaga (god of prosperity).
Each of the Adityas had specific roles, but as the sun god, Martanda (Surya) was considered central to life on earth. His light and warmth were essential for the sustenance of life, making him an integral force in the cosmic balance. The twelve Adityas are also associated with the twelve months of the year, emphasizing their connection to the cosmic cycles that govern creation and sustain life.
| Aditya | Role in Mythology | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| Varuna | God of cosmic law and waters | Represents justice, truth, and the cosmic order. |
| Mitra | God of friendship and harmony | Symbol of unity and alliance among people. |
| Aryaman | God of social order | Represents companionship and nobility. |
| Bhaga | God of prosperity | Symbol of fortune and well-being. |
| Martanda (Surya) | Sun god, source of life | Represents vitality, enlightenment, and renewal. |
The Cycle of Birth, Death, and Rebirth: Martanda’s Abandonment and Resurrection
The story of Aditi casting away Martanda because he was born lifeless, only to later revive him, symbolizes the cyclical nature of the sun—it “dies” every night only to be “reborn” each morning. This motif of death and rebirth is central to Hindu philosophy, representing not only the sun’s journey but also the soul’s journey through samsara (the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth).
This theme of resurrection and rebirth can be seen in other figures within Hindu mythology. For instance, Sati, the consort of Shiva, sacrificed herself at her father Daksha’s yajna but was reborn as Parvati to reunite with Shiva. Similarly, King Yayati, after facing curses and rebirth, teaches the lesson of overcoming desires. Like them, Martanda’s cycle of abandonment and revival emphasizes the transitory nature of life and the eternal continuity of the soul.
| Character | Cycle of Life and Death | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Martanda (Surya) | Abandoned and revived | Sun’s cycle of setting and rising, continuity of life. |
| Sati/Parvati | Death and rebirth | Symbolizes the eternal bond between soulmates. |
| Yayati | Rebirth through penance | Represents the path of renunciation and wisdom. |
Martanda’s Later Identification with Surya and Vivasvant
In later texts, Martanda becomes exclusively identified with Surya and Vivasvant, merging these aspects of the sun god into one divine figure. The Mahabharata ([Maha: 1.75]) and the Bhagavata Purana refer to Martanda as Surya, emphasizing his role as the bringer of light and life. As Vivasvant, he is also recognized as the father of Manu, the progenitor of humanity, and Yama, the god of death.
Through Vivasvant’s lineage, the Solar dynasty (Suryavansha) was born, which included legendary figures like Ikshvaku, Harishchandra, Bhagiratha, and Rama. The Suryavansha lineage holds great significance in Hindu mythology as it embodies ideals of virtue, kingship, and devotion to dharma. Surya as Martanda and Vivasvant thus stands at the beginning of this illustrious line, symbolizing the light of wisdom and duty that each descendant strives to uphold.
| Name | Role | Descendants and Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Martanda (Surya) | Sun god, source of life | Upholder of cosmic order, associated with dharma. |
| Vivasvant | Father of Manu and Yama | Progenitor of the Solar dynasty (Suryavansha). |
| Manu | First human, progenitor of humanity | Symbolizes righteousness and dharma. |
Surya’s Role and Connections in Hindu Mythology
Surya, as Martanda, is deeply embedded in Hindu mythology and interacts with many key figures and deities. As the god of the sun, Surya is revered not only for his life-giving rays but also for his wisdom and insight. He taught the Gayatri Mantra to the sage Vishwamitra, a powerful mantra that honors the Sun God and is recited for spiritual awakening.
Surya also plays an important role in the Mahabharata. He is the father of Karna, born to Kunti before her marriage. Karna inherited Surya’s radiant armor and earrings, symbols of protection and divine strength. Karna’s connection to Surya is a testament to his resilience, generosity, and loyalty, qualities that reflect the sun god’s attributes.
| Figure | Connection to Surya | Significance in Mythology |
|---|---|---|
| Vishwamitra | Received the Gayatri Mantra | Honors Surya as a symbol of spiritual awakening. |
| Karna | Son of Surya, born with divine armor | Embodies valor, resilience, and selflessness. |
| Yama | Son of Surya (Vivasvant) | God of death, upholds cosmic balance. |
Themes of Light, Enlightenment, and the Cycle of Time in Martanda’s Story
Martanda, as an embodiment of the Sun, represents light, enlightenment, and the passage of time. In Hindu philosophy, Surya is not just a physical entity but a symbol of Atman (the inner self) and Brahman (the ultimate reality). The sun’s daily journey across the sky symbolizes the cycle of time and the illusion of maya, where every day is born anew yet bound to end, only to begin again.
This concept resonates with the Upanishadic philosophy that the self is eternal, experiencing various states of existence but ultimately transcending them. Just as the sun “dies” each evening only to “reappear” in the morning, the soul transitions through various states and lifetimes, constantly reborn until it attains liberation (moksha).
| Theme | Symbol in Martanda’s Story | Parallel Concepts in Hindu Philosophy |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle of Time | Daily setting and rising of the sun | Samsara, the cycle of birth and rebirth. |
| Enlightenment | Surya as the giver of light and life | Sun as symbol of Atman (soul) and Brahman (universal spirit). |
| Transcendence | Martanda’s death and resurrection | Represents the journey towards moksha (liberation). |
The Worship of Surya and His Significance in Daily Life
The worship of Surya as Martanda is widespread in Hindu culture. Devotees offer daily prayers to the Sun God, acknowledging his role as the sustainer of life and seeking his blessings for health, wisdom, and spiritual insight. The Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) is a yogic practice dedicated to the Sun, symbolizing gratitude and devotion to the life-giving force.
Surya is celebrated in festivals such as Makar Sankranti, which marks the sun’s transition into Capricorn, symbolizing the start of longer days and renewed energy. The festival highlights Surya’s role in sustaining agricultural life, as longer days signify the beginning of the harvest season. The reverence for Surya extends across Indian culture, emphasizing his role as Martanda—the ever-renewing and eternal source of light.
| Practice/Festival | Significance in Worship of Surya | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| Surya Namaskar | Daily practice honoring the Sun | Expression of gratitude, physical and spiritual discipline. |
| Makar Sankranti | Celebrates sun’s northward journey | Marks the beginning of harvest season and new beginnings. |
| Gayatri Mantra | Recited in honor of Surya | Invocation of divine light and wisdom. |
Conclusion
The story of Martanda, as Surya or Vivasvant, is a profound narrative embodying the cyclic nature of life and death, the pursuit of enlightenment, and the sustaining power of the Sun. His unique birth, abandonment, and revival reflect the transient yet eternal nature of life, while his association with key figures like Manu and Karna underscores his influence on both divine and human realms. As the source of light, Martanda inspires devotion and reverence, bridging the cosmic cycles with daily life, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the ultimate journey of the soul.