Graha · The Nine Planets
☉ Sun सूर्य
The soul, the father, the king — your core identity and vitality.
The Sun is the atmakaraka of the natural zodiac — the steady fire around which the chart turns. Where the Sun sits is where you seek to be seen, respected, and authentic. A dignified Sun gives a clear sense of self, natural authority and good vitality; an afflicted Sun shows up as ego wounds, friction with bosses and fathers, or a restless hunger for recognition. Unlike the Moon it does not adapt — it simply is, and asks the same of you.
| Sanskrit name | Surya सूर्य |
|---|---|
| Glyph | ☉ |
| Significations (karaka) | Soul (atma), father, authority, government, vitality, ego, fame, bones, the heart. |
| Nature | Malefic (mild) — a hot, dry, royal benefactor whose fierce light can also scorch. |
| Element / Guna | Fire · Sattva |
| Gender | Masculine |
| Day | Sunday |
| Deity | Agni / Surya |
| Gemstone | Ruby |
| Metal | Gold / copper |
| Exaltation | Aries (Mesha) |
| Debilitation | Libra (Tula) |
| Own sign(s) | Leo (Simha) |
| Friends | Moon, Mars, Jupiter |
| Enemies | Venus, Saturn |
| Dasha length | 6 years |
What Sun signifies
Sun is the karaka (natural significator) of soul (atma), father, authority, government, vitality, ego, fame, bones, the heart. In the body it governs heart, bones, eyes (right eye in men), arteries, vitality. Professionally it favours government, leadership, medicine, administration, politics, anything where one commands.
When Sun is strong
Confidence, dignity, leadership, robust health, recognition, a strong father bond.
When Sun is weak or afflicted
Low self-worth, ego friction with authority, weak vitality, eye or heart issues, troubled father karma.
Dignity — where Sun is strong and weak
Sun is exalted in Aries (Mesha) and debilitated in Libra (Tula). It rules Leo (Simha) as its own sign, where it is comfortable and strong. It treats Moon, Mars, Jupiter as friends and Venus, Saturn as enemies, and is neutral to Mercury. We compute dignity precisely (exalted, moolatrikona, own, friend, neutral, enemy, debilitated) in your live chart using Lahiri sidereal positions.
Remedies for Sun
Strengthen or pacify Sun only when it genuinely suits your ascendant — gems in particular can backfire. General classical remedies:
- Offer water (arghya) to the rising Sun
- Surya mantra / Aditya Hridaya
- Wear ruby set in gold (only if Sun is a benefic for your lagna)
- Honour and serve your father and elders