Book review
In the Puranas, there are distinct and different scales in the hierarchy of deities. At the highest end of the spectrum there is the Divine Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. Surya occupies a much lower position. In the Vedas, Surya holds an eminent rank. He is one of the triad of Gods – Agni, Vayu and Surya – next in importance only to Indra. Gayatri, the most sacred verse of the Rig Veda, which is repeated everyday by devout Hindus, is addressed to Surya. The verse invokes him to confer his splendour on and stimulate the intellect of the worshipper. Surya’s character as a luminary was always present in the minds of the Rigvedic poets. He is said to diffuse golden splendour. He rides in a golden chariot drawn by seven swift horses. Manu, the law-giver, Yama, the God of Death and the River Yamuna are some of his many children.The story as narrated in this book is based on the Markandeya Purana.How Surya was tricked into having two wives and how he ultimately lost his unbearably fierce effulgence, is the theme of the story.