What does Sun (Surya / Sūrya) represent in Vedic astrology?

Sun is the karaka (significator) of soul, father, authority, ego. Classically considered a malefic graha of Sattva guna and Fire element. Its mahadasha runs for 6 years in the Vimshottari cycle. The soul and self. Sun governs identity, authority, father, vitality, and the dharmic purpose of life.

What are the effects of a strong Sun?

When Sun is well-placed — in own sign (Leo (Simha)), in exaltation (Aries 10°), or aspected by benefics — typical results are: Natural leadership and visible authority; Good health, strong vitality, long life; Paternal success, government favour; Clarity of purpose and dharmic focus.

What are the effects of a weak or afflicted Sun?

A debilitated (Libra 10°), combust, or badly aspected Sun can produce: Low self-esteem, identity struggles; Father-related sorrow or distance; Eye, heart or bone issues; Conflicts with authority figures. The severity depends on house placement and the running dasha/antardasha.

What are the remedies for Sun?

Offer water (Arghya) to the Sun at sunrise. Chant Aditya Hridayam Stotram daily. Wear ruby (after testing) on Sunday. Mantra: Om Sūryāya Namah · Om Hrām Hrīm Hrauṁ Saḥ Sūryāya Namah. Gemstone: Ruby (Manikya) (always test for 15 days before permanent wear). Weekday: Sunday.

Which gemstone and mantra are associated with Sun?

Gemstone: Ruby (Manikya), worn in Gold / Copper. Primary mantra: Om Sūryāya Namah · Om Hrām Hrīm Hrauṁ Saḥ Sūryāya Namah. Deity: Surya Bhagavan. Wear or worship on Sunday.

Who are the friends and enemies of Sun in classical Jyotish?

Friends: Moon, Mars, Jupiter. Enemies: Venus, Saturn. Neutral: Mercury. These friendships govern mutual aspects and conjunctions in chart interpretation.

Navagraha · 6y dasha · malefic

Sun — Surya / Sūrya

Also known as: Surya, Ravi, Aditya, Bhaskara.

Quick answer

Sun (Surya / Sūrya) is the malefic graha that signifies soul, father, authority. It rules Leo (Simha), reaches exaltation in Aries 10°, and becomes debilitated in Libra 10°. In the Vimshottari dasha system, Sun’s mahadasha lasts 6 years. Its presiding deity is Surya Bhagavan, its weekday is Sunday, its primary gemstone is Ruby (Manikya), and its bija mantra is Om Sūryāya Namah. When strong in a kundali, it produces natural leadership and visible authority; when weak, it can bring low self-esteem, identity struggles.

Own signs

Leo (Simha)

Exalts in

Aries 10°

Debilitates

Libra 10°

Mulatrikona

Leo 0°–20°

Dasha

6 years

Deity

Surya Bhagavan

Weekday

Sunday

Direction

East

Element

Fire

Guna

Sattva

Gemstone

Ruby (Manikya)

Metal

Gold / Copper

What Sun signifies (karakatva)

In classical Jyotish, every graha is the karaka (significator) of specific life areas and body parts. Sun rules the following karakatva in a birth chart:

SoulFatherAuthorityEgoGovernmentHealthSelf-esteemLeadershipBones

Body parts: Heart, Eyes (right), Bones, Head.

When Sun is strong

(In own sign, exalted, aspected by benefics, or well-placed in kendra/trikona)

✦Natural leadership and visible authority
✦Good health, strong vitality, long life
✦Paternal success, government favour
✦Clarity of purpose and dharmic focus

When Sun is weak

(Debilitated, combust, in dusthana 6/8/12, or aspected by malefics)

✦Low self-esteem, identity struggles
✦Father-related sorrow or distance
✦Eye, heart or bone issues
✦Conflicts with authority figures

Planetary friendships (graha maitri)

Friends

Moon, Mars, Jupiter

Enemies

Venus, Saturn

Neutral

Mercury

Classical remedies (upaya)

1Offer water (Arghya) to the Sun at sunrise
2Chant Aditya Hridayam Stotram daily
3Wear ruby (after testing) on Sunday
4Donate wheat, jaggery or copper on Sundays
5Honour and care for one's father

⚠ Gemstones are powerful. Always wear on trial for 15 days before committing. Consult a qualified Jyotish before wearing blue sapphire (Neelam), hessonite (Gomed) or cat’s eye (Lehsunia).

Frequently asked about Sun

What does Sun (Surya / Sūrya) represent in Vedic astrology?: Sun is the karaka (significator) of soul, father, authority, ego. Classically considered a malefic graha of Sattva guna and Fire element. Its mahadasha runs for 6 years in the Vimshottari cycle. The soul and self. Sun governs identity, authority, father, vitality, and the dharmic purpose of life.
What are the effects of a strong Sun?: When Sun is well-placed — in own sign (Leo (Simha)), in exaltation (Aries 10°), or aspected by benefics — typical results are: Natural leadership and visible authority; Good health, strong vitality, long life; Paternal success, government favour; Clarity of purpose and dharmic focus.
What are the effects of a weak or afflicted Sun?: A debilitated (Libra 10°), combust, or badly aspected Sun can produce: Low self-esteem, identity struggles; Father-related sorrow or distance; Eye, heart or bone issues; Conflicts with authority figures. The severity depends on house placement and the running dasha/antardasha.
What are the remedies for Sun?: Offer water (Arghya) to the Sun at sunrise. Chant Aditya Hridayam Stotram daily. Wear ruby (after testing) on Sunday. Mantra: Om Sūryāya Namah · Om Hrām Hrīm Hrauṁ Saḥ Sūryāya Namah. Gemstone: Ruby (Manikya) (always test for 15 days before permanent wear). Weekday: Sunday.
Which gemstone and mantra are associated with Sun?: Gemstone: Ruby (Manikya), worn in Gold / Copper. Primary mantra: Om Sūryāya Namah · Om Hrām Hrīm Hrauṁ Saḥ Sūryāya Namah. Deity: Surya Bhagavan. Wear or worship on Sunday.
Who are the friends and enemies of Sun in classical Jyotish?: Friends: Moon, Mars, Jupiter. Enemies: Venus, Saturn. Neutral: Mercury. These friendships govern mutual aspects and conjunctions in chart interpretation.

Explore other grahas

Moon · Chandra Mars · Mangal / Maṅgala Mercury · Budha Jupiter · Guru / Bṛhaspati Venus · Shukra / Śukra Saturn · Shani / Śani Rahu · Rahu / Rāhu Ketu · Ketu

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