In the weekday system of Hindu worship, Sunday (Ravivar) belongs to Surya, the Sun. Devotees traditionally begin the day by greeting the rising sun, and many keep a simple Sunday routine of arghya, a few mantras and a light meal.
Why Sunday is Surya's day
Each weekday is linked to a graha and a presiding deity: Sunday to Surya, Monday to Chandra and Shiva, Tuesday to Mangala and Hanuman, and so on. Surya is worshipped as the visible deity, the one everyone can see every morning, and the Rig Veda and Gayatri Mantra both address the sun's light.
A simple Sunday routine
- Rise early and bathe. Wear clean clothes; red or saffron is commonly chosen for Surya.
- Offer arghya at sunrise. Stand facing east and pour water from a copper vessel in a thin stream, ideally with a little red flower or rice in it, while looking at the sun's reflection in the falling water rather than directly at the sun.
- Chant. Om Suryaya Namah or Om Ghrini Suryaya Namah are widely used; the Gayatri Mantra is also traditionally recited at sunrise.
- Recite the Aditya Hridayam if you can. It is a hymn to Surya from the Yuddha Kanda of the Valmiki Ramayana, taught by the sage Agastya to Rama before his battle with Ravana. Reading it with the meaning in front of you is as valid as chanting from memory.
- Close with a short aarti and a moment of quiet.
Sunday vrat
Many families observe a Ravivar vrat: one meal before sunset, commonly without salt, and a few hours of japa or reading. Whether to fast fully, partly or not at all depends on health and family custom. Anyone with a medical condition, who is pregnant, or elderly should not fast without medical advice.
Surya Namaskar
The twelve-step Surya Namaskar, with twelve names of Surya, is a physical practice many devotees add on Sundays. It is an exercise as well as an offering; practise at your own pace.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a pandit for Sunday Surya worship? No. The arghya and mantra routine above is a household practice. A priest is usually engaged for formal ceremonies.
What if I cannot see the sun on a cloudy morning? The tradition allows offering arghya facing the direction of the sun even when it is hidden.
Is there a specific time? Sunrise is preferred; check today's sunrise time on the panchang for your city.
Related on Darshya
This guide describes common tradition. Practices differ by region, sampradaya and family; if your family follows a different custom, follow that, and ask your family priest when in doubt.