Aditya (Vedic Period)

In the Vedic period, the term Āditya (Sanskrit: आदित्य) referred to a class of solar deities or celestial gods believed to be the offspring of Aditi, the primordial mother goddess symbolising infinity, space, and cosmic order. The Ādityas were considered guardians of righteousness (ṛta) and upholders of moral and natural law, playing a central role in Vedic cosmology and religion.
Over time, the concept of the Ādityas evolved from a group of multiple deities in the Ṛgveda to a more unified solar deity — Sūrya, the Sun god — in later Hinduism.

Etymology

• The word Āditya is derived from Aditi, meaning “boundless” or “infinite.”
• Hence, Āditya literally means “the son of Aditi.”
• The Ādityas represent aspects of the infinite, embodying virtues, light, and the cosmic order sustaining life and the universe.

Origins and Significance in the Ṛgveda

In the Ṛgveda, the Ādityas are among the most revered groups of deities. They were seen as moral gods, distinct from the elemental or warrior gods such as Indra (thunder) and Agni (fire).
The Ādityas personified universal principles such as truth, justice, and righteousness (ṛta). They were invoked for protection, prosperity, and the maintenance of social and cosmic harmony.
Ṛgveda (1.72.8) states that Aditi is the mother of the gods, particularly of the Ādityas, thus linking them directly to the cosmic origin.

Number and Names of the Ādityas

The number of Ādityas mentioned in the Vedas varies — early hymns mention six or seven, while later texts refer to twelve Ādityas, corresponding to the twelve solar months of the year.

In the Ṛgveda

Commonly mentioned Ādityas include:

1. Varuṇa – Guardian of moral and cosmic order (ṛta), god of the celestial ocean.
2. Mitra – God of friendship, harmony, and contracts.
3. Aryaman – Symbol of hospitality, chivalry, and social customs.
4. Bhaga – Giver of fortune and prosperity.
5. Dakṣa – Associated with skill, order, and creation.
6. Aṃśa – Bestower of shares or portions of wealth.
7. Sūrya – The Sun god, illuminator of the world.

Sometimes Savitar and Pūṣan are also counted among the Ādityas.

In the Later Vedic and Puranic Periods

The number of Ādityas increased to twelve, reflecting a solar calendar system. These twelve Ādityas represent the Sun’s twelve forms or aspects over the twelve months:

1. Dhātā
2. Aryamān
3. Mitra
4. Varuṇa
5. Indra
6. Vivasvān
7. Tvaṣṭā
8. Pūṣan
9. Savitṛ
10. Aṃśa
11. Bhaga
12. Viṣṇu (as the cosmic Sun in later texts)

These twelve Ādityas symbolised the cyclical nature of time and the Sun’s role in sustaining life.

Symbolism and Functions

The Ādityas represented the ethical and luminous forces of nature, embodying spiritual as well as natural principles:

Together, they were perceived as guardians of the world, ensuring that cosmic law and moral order were upheld. They rewarded truth and virtue while punishing deceit and wrongdoing.

Relationship with Aditi

Aditi, the mother of the Ādityas, represents the cosmic infinity and universal mother principle.

• She embodies freedom, boundlessness, and eternity.
• Aditi is sometimes personified as the sky or the cosmic space that contains all existence.
• Her sons, the Ādityas, thus symbolise the light and life that emerge from the infinite.

In contrast, Diti, another goddess, is described as the mother of the Daityas (demons) — establishing a moral contrast between the righteous Ādityas and the anti-divine Daityas.

Evolution in Later Hinduism

As Vedic religion evolved into later Puranic Hinduism, the Ādityas came to be closely associated with Sūrya, the Sun god.

• The twelve Ādityas became viewed as manifestations or aspects of the Sun presiding over the months of the solar year.
• The Viṣṇu Purāṇa and Bhāgavata Purāṇa identify Viṣṇu as an Āditya, born as the son of Aditi and Kaśyapa — hence the epithet Vāmana (the dwarf incarnation of Viṣṇu) is called Āditya.

The Sūrya Namaskāra (sun salutation) and solar hymns in the Atharvaveda and Upaniṣads reflect this synthesis of Vedic solar worship and Puranic devotion.

Importance in Vedic Religion

1. Moral Guardians: The Ādityas were considered enforcers of moral order and righteousness (ṛta), ensuring cosmic harmony.
2. Protectors of Humanity: Invoked in Vedic hymns for protection against evil and misfortune.
3. Regulators of Time and Seasons: The twelve Ādityas represented solar months, symbolising the Sun’s annual movement through the zodiac.
4. Intermediaries Between Gods and Humans: They acted as witnesses to vows, oaths, and human conduct.
5. Symbol of Light and Knowledge: Associated with enlightenment, truth, and the dispelling of ignorance.