Varāha Mahā Purana
26 - The Origin of Sun
Prajäpäla said:
l. O Brahmin, how did light attain embodiment? Please clear my doubt in this matter.
Mahätapas said:
2. When this eternal soul, the power of knowledge, desired to form a second, there arose light.
3. This was known as Sürya (Sun) and Bhäsvän and all the radiance contained in it, illumined the three worlds.
4. In it were seen all gods, Siddhas and sages. Since it was self-born, the appellation Sürya came into vogue.
5. From it the latent lustre assumed a body. This is called Ravi by the Vedic seers.
6. Since it illumines all the worlds from the high sky, it is called Bhäskara (from bhäs to illumine).
7. Since it produces the day (divasa), it is known as Divakara. Since it is the beginning (adi) of the universe, it is called Aditya.
8. From its lustre arose twelve suns, and the principal one among these now revolves round the world.
9. Seeing it pervade the entire universe, the gods came out and praised it.
The gods said:
10. “You are the first-born in the world. You protect the world and also destroy it at the time of deluge. When you rise, you enliven the whole universe. We always bow to you.
11. You spread light everywhere. You are the heat in sacrifices. You ride in a chariot pulled by seven steeds, fast and never tardy.
12. You are Prabhakara, Ravi and Adideva, and the soul of all that is moving and stationary. You are Brahma, and Yama. You are also the past and the future, so say the Siddhas.
13. You are the Veda, you are effulgence, you destroy all enemies. Protect us all who have sought refuge in you. You are to be known through Vedanta. In sacrifices you are known as Vishnu.
14. Be pleased at our prayer, and protect us all, O God.
15. When thus extolled by Devas, the Sun assumed a gentle form and shed lustre on them.
16. The fierceness thus became reduced for Devas. It was in the tithi Saptami that the sun became embodied.
17. He who worships Surya on that day, gets all desires fulfilled.
18. This ancient story of the sun has been thus narrated to you, O king. Now, hear the story of Mothers in the first manvantara.
Summary of chapter 26 of the Varāha Mahā Purana is as follows:
Arriving at the holy shore of the ocean of milk, Maharshi Kaśyapa pours forth his soul in a magnificent eulogy extolling Bhagavān Nārāyaṇa as the transcendental source, preserver, and ultimate refuge of all existence. The hymn praises Vishṇu's infinite divine attributes, his cosmic forms, and his eternal commitment to protecting Dharma whenever unrighteousness prevails. Touched by the heartfelt devotion and selfless prayers of Maharshi Kaśyapa and Mother Aditi, the ocean of milk begins to churn with divine light, signaling the impending arrival of the Supreme Being.