Surya Raksha Ashtakam - Complete meaning and benefits of chanting

The Surya Raksha Ashtakam is a sacred hymn dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God, composed to invoke his blessings and protection. Comprising eight verses, it praises the divine attributes and significance of Surya, the source of light, warmth, and energy. The stotram describes Surya as the dispeller of darkness and the bestower of health, vitality, and prosperity.

Table of Contents 

1. Stotra

2. Meaning

3. Benefits of chanting Surya Raksha Ashtakam 

4. Who can chant Surya Ashtakam & When to chant?

5. How to chant the stotram?

Stotra

Ādidev namastubhyan prasīd mam bhāskar ।
Divākar namastubhyan prabhākar namoSstu te ॥1॥

Saptāshvarathamārūḍhan prachaṇḍan kashyapātmajam ।
Shvetapadmadharan devan tan sūryan praṇamāmyaham ॥2॥

Lohitan rathamārūḍhan sarvalokapitāmaham ।
Mahāpāpaharan devan tan sūryan praṇamāmyaham ॥3॥

Traiguṇyan ch mahāshūran brahmaviṣhṇumaheshvaram ।
Mahāpāpaharan devan tan sūryan praṇamāmyaham ॥4॥

Bṛuanhitan teja:pu़nyjan ch vāyumākāshamev ch ।
Prabhuan ch sarvalokānāan tan sūryan praṇamāmyaham ॥5॥

Bandhūkapuṣhpasankāshan hārakuṇḍalabhūṣhitam ।
Ekachakradharan devan tan sūryan praṇamāmyaham ॥6॥

Tan sūryan jagatkartāran mahāteja:pradīpanam ।
Mahāpāpaharan devan tan sūryan praṇamāmyaham ॥7॥

Tan sūryan jagatāan nāthan jnyānavijnyānamokṣhadam ।
Mahāpāpaharan devan tan sūryan praṇamāmyaham ॥8॥

Stotra with meaning

Adidev namastubhyam prasid mam bhaskar.
Divākār namastubhyan prabhābhākar namosastu ॥1॥
Meaning - O Adidev Bhaskar! (Surya's name is also Bhaskar) I salute you, may you be pleased with me, O Diwakar! Greetings to you, O Prabhakar! I bow before you.

Saptashvarathamarudham prachandham kashyapatmajam.
Shvetapadmadhāran devan tan suryām praṇamāmyaham ॥2॥
Meaning - I pay my respects to the fiercely brilliant Kashyap Kumar Surya, riding on a chariot with seven horses and holding a white lotus in his hand.

Lohitam Rathmarudham Sarvlokpitamaham.
Mahapaapaharam devam tan surya pranamamyaham ॥3॥
Meaning - I pay my respects to the red-coloured charioteer, the great father of all the worlds, the great sinful Sun God.

Traigunayam Cha Mahashuram Brahmavishnumaheshwaram.
Mahapaapaharam devan tan surya pranamamyaham ॥4॥
Meaning - I salute the great and brave Sun God, who is in the form of threefold Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

Brianhitan teja:puanjan ch vāyumakāshamev cha.
Prabhum cha sarvalokanaam tan surya pranamamyaham ॥5॥
Meaning - I bow to the Sun, the ruler of all the worlds who is a bundle of increased brightness and is in the form of air and sky.

Bandhookapushpasankashan Harkundalbhushitam.
Ekachakradharam devam tan surya pranamamyaham ॥6॥
Meaning - I pay my respects to the Sun God, who has a discus and is adorned with necklaces and earrings, which are as bloody as the flowers of Bandhuka (Duphariya).

Tan Surya Jagatkartaram Mahatej: Pradeepanam.
Mahapaapaharam devam tan surya pranamamyaham ॥7॥
Meaning - I pay my obeisances to the Sun God, the illuminator of great light, the creator of the world, the remover of great sins.

Tan suryam jagatan nathan gyanvigyanmokshadam.
Mahapaapaharam devan tan surya pranamamyaham ॥8॥
Meaning - I bow to the Sun God, who is the hero of the world, who gives knowledge, science and salvation, and who also takes away even the biggest sins.

Benefits of chanting Surya Raksha Ashtakam

Worshipping Lord Surya is believed to bestow good health and vitality. Devotees believe that chanting Surya Ashtakam can remove obstacles and hurdles from one's life. It is said to provide clarity of thought and action. Seeking the blessings of Lord Surya through this hymn is believed to attract success and prosperity in various endeavours. Surya Ashtakam is not just about material benefits; it is also a means to attain spiritual enlightenment. Regular recitation is believed to purify the mind and lead one towards spiritual awakening. Chanting Surya Ashtakam is thought to instil inner strength and confidence. It helps in overcoming fear and anxiety. Regular recitation of Surya Ashtakam is believed to enhance concentration and focus, which is beneficial for academic and professional pursuits.

In Vedic astrology, Lord Surya is considered a significant planet (graha). Chanting Surya Ashtakam is believed to mitigate the adverse effects of Surya dosha (afflictions related to the Sun) in one's birth chart.

Who can chant Surya Ashtakam & When to chant?

Surya Ashtakam can be chanted by anyone who wishes to seek the blessings of Lord Surya, regardless of gender, age, or background. There are no strict restrictions on who can recite this hymn. However, it's important to approach the chanting with respect, devotion, and sincerity.

How to chant the stotram?

Before chanting the Surya Ashtakam, here are some traditional practices that devotees may follow to prepare for a more focused and meaningful experience:

1. Take a bath or wash your hands and face to feel physically clean. This can symbolize inner purification as well.
2. Find a quiet, clean space free from distractions where you can focus on the chanting.
3. Wear comfortable and clean clothes that allow you to sit comfortably.
4. Approach the chanting with reverence and devotion to Lord Surya. Set an intention for your chanting, whether it's seeking protection, peace, or spiritual growth.
5. You can offer a short prayer to Lord Surya before chanting, expressing your gratitude and seeking his blessings.