God Surya Introduction:

Lord Surya is the god of the Sun. He is the ruler of the planets and one of the Adityas (son of Aditi).

Sculpture Information:

The sculpture of standing Lord Surya is currently placed at the Indian Museum of Kolkata (West Bengal, India). The statue belongs to Bihar and is probably from the Pala Dynasty period i.e. circa 10th century.

This 10th-century statue is made out of basalt.

Surya sculpture follows the Brihat Samhita of Varaha Mihira (c. 505–587), a Hindu text that describes architecture, iconography and design guidelines, which states that Surya should be shown with two hands and wearing a crown. he is holding Padma (lotus) in both hands.

His wives Sanjana and Chhaya shoot arrows, symbolising their initiative to challenge darkness.

At the bottom of the sculpture, Aruna, the chariot driver of Surya, is seated and controlling seven horses.

Surya’s attendants Pingala (with pen & ink pot) and Danda (with a staff or rod) are shown on both sides.