Who Are the Dwadasa Aditya?
The Dwadasa Aditya (dwadasa = twelve, aditya = son of Aditi) are the twelve forms of Surya, the Sun God. They are the sons of the sage Kashyapa and Aditi, the boundless mother of the gods - which is why the Sun is called Aditya.
The Puranas describe that the one Sun shines through twelve forms, one presiding over each of the twelve months of the year. Together they express the changing power of the Sun through the seasons - gentle in some months, blazing in others - while remaining the single source of light, time and life.
The First Six Adityas
The twelve names appear with small regional variations; one widely accepted list is:
1. Dhata (धाता) - the creator and sustainer, who establishes and supports the worlds. 2. Aryama (अर्यमा) - the noble one, lord of ancestors (pitris) and of nobility. 3. Mitra (मित्र) - the friend of all, who inspires friendship and harmony. 4. Varuna (वरुण) - lord of the cosmic waters and order, the all-embracing. 5. Indra (इन्द्र) - the powerful king of the devas, slayer of demons. 6. Vivasvan (विवस्वान्) - the radiant one, father of Manu and lord of brilliance.
Each of these forms reflects a different power of the one Sun - creation, nobility, friendship, cosmic order, strength and radiance.
The Last Six Adityas
7. Tvashta (त्वष्टा) - the divine craftsman, who shapes and fashions all forms. 8. Vishnu (विष्णु) - the all-pervading preserver, in his solar aspect (often linked with the Vamana form). 9. Anshuman / Anshu (अंशुमान्) - the one of fine rays, radiating gentle light. 10. Bhaga (भग) - the bestower of fortune, prosperity and dignity. 11. Pushan / Pusha (पूषा) - the nourisher, protector of travellers and herds. 12. Parjanya (पर्जन्य) - the lord of rain-clouds, who showers life-giving rain.
From Dhata the sustainer to Parjanya the rain-giver, the twelve Adityas span the whole cycle of creation, nourishment, fortune and renewal - the one Sun working through the twelve months to keep the world alive.
Significance & Worship
The Dwadasa Aditya teach a beautiful truth: the divine is one, yet shines through many forms. The single Sun, through twelve names, governs the twelve months, the seasons and the rhythm of all life.
In worship:
- The twelve names are remembered while offering arghya (water) to the Sun at dawn, especially on Sundays and Ratha Saptami.
- They are linked with the twelve months and with the twelve positions of the Sun through the year, so each form is honoured as the Sun's seasonal mood.
- Reciting the names of the twelve Adityas is believed to bring health, energy, clarity of mind and the steady grace of Surya.
They remind the devotee that whether the Sun is gentle or fierce, near or distant, it is the same light - and so is the one Divine behind all the gods.
Common Questions From Devotees
What are the Dwadasa Aditya?+
The Dwadasa Aditya are the twelve forms of Surya, the Sun God, the sons of Aditi and Kashyapa. One Aditya presides over each of the twelve months, expressing the changing power of the one Sun.
What are the names of the twelve Adityas?+
A widely accepted list is Dhata, Aryama, Mitra, Varuna, Indra, Vivasvan, Tvashta, Vishnu, Anshuman, Bhaga, Pushan and Parjanya. There are small regional variations in the names.
Why is Surya called Aditya?+
Surya is called Aditya because he is a son of Aditi, the boundless mother of the gods. The twelve forms are therefore the twelve Adityas, the twelve sons of Aditi who shine as the Sun.
What is the deeper meaning of the twelve Adityas?+
They teach that the divine is one yet shines through many forms. The single Sun, through twelve names, governs the twelve months and seasons - a reminder that one light, one Divine, lies behind all forms.
About the author
Anjali Mehta · Editor, M.A. Religious Studies
Anjali is the managing editor for Vandnaa and oversees the festival and vrat coverage. She holds an M.A. in Religious Studies and reviews every published article for accuracy, accessibility, and tradition-fidelity.
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