What Is the Surya Ashtakam?
The Surya Ashtakam is an eight-verse (ashta = eight) hymn in praise of Surya, the Sun God, found in the Samba Purana. By tradition it was given to Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, who recited it to be cured of a disease through the grace of the Sun.
It begins with the line Adidev Namastubhyam and is a favourite of those who worship Surya for health, vitality and the removal of illness. It is especially recited on Sundays, on Ratha Saptami (Surya Jayanti) and at sunrise while offering arghya (water) to the Sun.
The Opening Verse - Adidev Namastubhyam
Verse 1 (Devanagari): आदिदेव नमस्तुभ्यं प्रसीद मम भास्कर। दिवाकर नमस्तुभ्यं प्रभाकर नमोऽस्तु ते॥
Transliteration: Adidev Namastubhyam Praseeda Mama Bhaskara Divakara Namastubhyam Prabhakara Namostu Te
Meaning: O primeval God, salutations to you; be gracious to me, O Bhaskara (maker of light). O Divakara (maker of the day), salutations to you; O Prabhakara (giver of radiance), salutations be to you.
The verse greets the Sun by his great names - Bhaskara, Divakara, Prabhakara - each pointing to his power as the source of light, day and radiance. The plea praseeda ('be gracious') sets the tone of the whole hymn: a prayer for the Sun's grace, light and healing.
Themes Across the Eight Verses
Across its eight verses the Surya Ashtakam praises the Sun in his many forms and roles:
- He is hailed by his radiant names - Bhaskara, Divakara, Prabhakara, Saptashwa (drawn by seven horses) and lord of the day.
- He is the soul of the universe (jagatchakshu, the eye of the world) and the source of all light and life.
- He is honoured as Lohita (the red one of dawn) and the dispeller of darkness, sin and disease.
- The verses describe the merit of worshipping the Sun at the three sandhyas (dawn, noon, dusk) and offering him arghya.
The closing phalashruti promises that one who recites the Surya Ashtakam with devotion is freed of disease and grief, gains health, prosperity and long life, and pleases the Sun God. (Specific phala-verses vary slightly across manuscripts, so follow a trusted printed text.)
Benefits & How to Recite
Benefits believed to come from regular recitation:
- Better health, vitality and freedom from disease - the Sun is the lord of arogya (health).
- Strength, confidence and a radiant, energetic mind.
- Removal of negativity, fear and obstacles, like the Sun dispelling darkness.
- Blessings for success and good fortune; the Sun is associated with authority and reputation.
How to recite: 1. Rise early, bathe and face the rising Sun. 2. Offer arghya - pour water from a copper vessel towards the Sun while looking through the falling stream. 3. Recite the Surya Ashtakam, ideally all eight verses, with a calm and grateful mind. 4. Sundays and Ratha Saptami are especially auspicious; daily recitation at sunrise is the simplest and most rewarding practice.
Common Questions From Devotees
What is the Surya Ashtakam?+
The Surya Ashtakam is an eight-verse hymn to Surya, the Sun God, from the Samba Purana, beginning 'Adidev Namastubhyam'. It is traditionally recited for health, vitality and the removal of disease.
Who first recited the Surya Ashtakam?+
By tradition it was given to Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, who recited it to be cured of a disease through the grace of the Sun God. The hymn appears in the Samba Purana.
When should the Surya Ashtakam be recited?+
It is best recited at sunrise while offering arghya (water) to the Sun, especially on Sundays and on Ratha Saptami (Surya Jayanti). Daily recitation at dawn is the simplest practice.
What does 'Adidev Namastubhyam' mean?+
It means 'Salutations to you, O primeval God'. The opening verse greets the Sun by his great names - Bhaskara, Divakara and Prabhakara - and prays for his grace, light and blessings.
About the author
Acharya Vinaya Kapoor · M.A. Sanskrit, Mantra & Stotra Studies
Acharya Vinaya holds an M.A. in Sanskrit from Banaras Hindu University and writes the mantra and stotra commentary on Vandnaa. Her focus is on accurate pronunciation, traditional context, and helping modern readers connect with classical texts.
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