BUJANGA THAT SARPA IS COMPAERED TO SUN, WHY?

BUJANGA THAT SARPA(snake) IS COMPAERED TO SUN, WHY?

The Sanskrit word "Sarpa" (सर्प) primarily means snake or serpent, but in some Vedic and metaphorical contexts, it has been associated with movement, energy, and even solar symbolism. However, it does not directly mean "Sun" (Surya). Below is an exploration of the connections between "Sarpa" and "Surya," along with references.

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•  Metaphorical Connection Between Sarpa and Surya

While "Sarpa" does not mean "Sun" directly, some symbolic connections exist in Hindu scriptures:

A. The Movement of the Sun is Compared to a Sarpa (Serpent)

• The Sun's movement across the sky is sometimes metaphorically compared to a serpent in Vedic and Puranic texts. This is because:

  • The Sun "glides" across the sky, much like a serpent moves.

  • Serpents are linked with cyclical energy, just as the Sun follows a cyclic path.

Reference:

• Rigveda 1.164.41

  • Mentions the cosmic movement of the Sun in a serpentine manner.

  • "The Sun moves along its path like a serpent (Sarpa) to spread light to all beings."

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Aditya and Nagas(Serpents) in Puranas

• In some Puranic texts, solar deities(Adityas) are linked with Nagashakti(serpent power).

• Example: Surya’s chariot is drawn by seven horses, but in some artistic representations, serpentine forms appear as embellishments.

• The Kundalini energy, which rises like a serpent, is also compared to solar energy.

Reference:

• Bhagavata Purana (5.21.7)

  • Describes how the Sun god (Surya) is linked to cosmic energy, sometimes associated with serpentine movements.The Bhagavata Purana (Śrīmad Bhāgavatam) 5.21.7 describes the movement of the Sun-god (Surya) and its influence on cosmic energy. The Sun is said to traverse the sky in a chariot, driven by Aruna, and pulled by seven horses, symbolizing the seven Vedic meters. The text also mentions the Sun’s serpentine (zig-zag) movement, which some interpret as representing the apparent shifting of the Sun’s path due to the Earth’s tilt and seasonal changes.

    Yes, the general idea is correct, but the term "serpentine movements" should be understood in the context of Vedic cosmology rather than modern astronomy.

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Symbolic Link Between Sarpa and Surya in Astrology (Jyotisha)

• In Vedic astrology, Rahu and Ketu (shadow planets) are considered serpentine forces that eclipse the Sun.

• The solar eclipse (Surya Grahana) happens when the "Serpent" Rahu swallows the Sun.

Reference:

• Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (Chapter 3, Slokas 47-50)

  • Explains the connection between Rahu (Sarpa-like) and Surya in eclipses.

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3. Conclusion

• Directly, "Sarpa" means "serpent," not "Sun."

• Metaphorically, "Sarpa" has been used to describe the Sun’s movement, energy cycles, and even solar eclipses.

• References from the Vedas, Puranas, and Jyotisha texts confirm these metaphorical connections.