desk
Share
News Topical, Digital Desk : Every year on January 14, 2026, Makar Sankranti (Makar Sankranti 2026) is celebrated across the country, and worshipping the Sun God is considered to be of special significance on this day. On this day, the Sun God leaves Sagittarius and enters Capricorn, marking the beginning of Uttarayan. In Indian culture, the Sun is considered the basis of life, energy, and time. In religious texts and paintings, the Sun God is depicted riding a chariot drawn by seven horses.
People often wonder why the Sun God's chariot has only seven horses, and what special meaning they hold. This is believed to have profound significance on all three levels: religious, astrological, and scientific.
The meaning of the seven horses in religious beliefs
Religious texts state that the chariot of the Sun God was built by Vishwakarma and is pulled by seven horses. These seven horses symbolize the seven fundamental forces of life. Some beliefs associate them with seven verses, of which the Gayatri verse is considered special. It is said that the energy of the Sun God spreads throughout the solar system through these seven horses. One wheel of the chariot represents the year, and the other represents the cycle of time. Thus, the seven horses represent the continuous movement of time and the flow of life.
Astrological view and scientific perspective
Astrologically, the seven horses of the Sun God are associated with the seven days of the week. According to the Indian calendar, the first day of the week, Sunday, is dedicated to the Sun. The Sun is considered the basis for calculating time. The seven horses indicate that the Sun's movement creates days, weeks, and years. For this reason, the Sun is also known as Kaal Purusha. The movement of the seven horses together signifies that time never stops and continues to move forward.
Scientifically, the seven horses of the Sun are associated with the seven colors of sunlight. When sunlight passes through a prism, it splits into seven colors. These colors are considered the source of energy necessary for life. For this reason, Indian sages symbolically imagined the Sun's chariot drawn by seven horses. This signifies that sunlight makes life possible on Earth, and each color has its own significance.
Life, Balance and Message
The seven horses in the chariot of the Sun God also convey the message of balance and discipline in life. According to some beliefs, these seven horses symbolize the seven major powers of the body (protection, creativity, strength, love, expression, intuition, and consciousness). If these powers are balanced, life runs smoothly. Worshiping the Sun on festivals like Makar Sankranti reminds us of this balance. This festival teaches that only the proper use of energy, time, and discipline moves life forward.
Overall, the seven horses in the chariot of the Sun God are not merely a religious symbol. They hold profound messages about time, energy, science, and life philosophy. This is why sun worship holds a special place in Indian tradition.
--Advertisement--
