Aditya Hridayam
ఆదిత్య హృదయం
31 verses praising Surya (the Sun) · Composed by Sage Agastya (taught to Rama before his battle with Ravana) · Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 105
Sanskrit (Devanagari)
आदित्यहृदयं पुण्यं सर्वशत्रुविनाशनम् । जयावहं जपेन्नित्यम् अक्षयं परमं शिवम् ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
Āditya-hṛdayaṃ puṇyaṃ sarva-śatru-vināśanam / Jayāvahaṃ japen-nityam akṣayaṃ paramaṃ śivam
English Translation
The sacred Aditya Hridayam — destroyer of all enemies, bringer of victory — should be recited daily; it is imperishable and supremely auspicious.
About the Aditya Hridayam
When Lord Rama faced Ravana in the final battle of the Yuddha Kanda, he was exhausted, sleep-deprived, and uncertain of victory. Sage Agastya appeared and taught him the Aditya Hridayam — the 31-verse hymn invoking Surya, the cosmic Sun. After three recitations, Rama gained the strength to defeat Ravana. This story makes the Aditya Hridayam the singular victory mantra in Hindu tradition. It is recited before exams, competitions, court cases, surgery, and any major undertaking. Its 31 verses praise Surya in his many forms — Aditya (son of Aditi), Bhaskara (light-maker), Savitri (vivifier), Pushan (nourisher), Hiranyagarbha (golden womb of creation). Beyond competitive success, the Aditya Hridayam is the prescribed prayer for those with a weakened Sun in their birth chart — manifesting as low confidence, eye trouble, heart issues, or paternal conflicts. Recite at sunrise facing east; offer water (Arghya) to the Sun before beginning.
Recitation Guide
Benefits
Victory in competition, war, court cases, and exams; physical vitality; eye health; courage and resolve; relief from depression and lethargy; auspicious for Sundays and those with weak Sun in birth chart.
Pronunciation Notes
Recite at sunrise facing east. The compound "sarva-śatru-vināśanam" should be chanted as one breath unit.
How to Practice
- Preparation: Take a bath or wash face/hands/feet. Wear clean clothes (saffron, white, or yellow preferred).
- Seat: Sit on a wool blanket or grass mat (asana). Face east or north. Keep spine straight.
- Mala: Use a 108-bead mala (rudraksha for Shiva mantras, tulsi for Vishnu mantras, sphatika/quartz for universal).
- Sankalpa: Take a vow stating today's date, your name, and the purpose of the practice.
- Recite: 3 full recitations at sunrise for general practice. Maintain steady rhythm — neither rushed nor too slow.
- End: Bow with folded hands. Dedicate the merit to all beings ("Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah").
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Aditya Hridayam?
When Lord Rama faced Ravana in the final battle of the Yuddha Kanda, he was exhausted, sleep-deprived, and uncertain of victory. Sage Agastya appeared and taught him the Aditya Hridayam — the 31-verse hymn invoking Surya, the cosmic Sun. After three recitations, Rama gained the strength to defeat Ra...
How many times should I recite Aditya Hridayam daily?
3 full recitations at sunrise for general practice; 11 for important events; 108 during Ratha Saptami
When is the best time to recite Aditya Hridayam?
Sunrise; Ratha Saptami; before any major undertaking or competition
Who composed the Aditya Hridayam?
Sage Agastya (taught to Rama before his battle with Ravana), from Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 105.
What are the benefits of reciting Aditya Hridayam?
Victory in competition, war, court cases, and exams; physical vitality; eye health; courage and resolve; relief from depression and lethargy; auspicious for Sundays and those with weak Sun in birth chart.
Other Vedic Mantras
Sanskrit text and translation cross-verified with classical sources. Editorial methodology reviewed by Pandit Ramachandra Sharma. For initiation (deeksha) into specific mantras, please consult a qualified Sanskrit-speaking guru in person.