On the theme of solar archetype, i pondered on the following characters from our Puranas and the following saints.
1. Lord Ram
2. Satyavan savitri
3. Gandhari
4. Vedavati
Saints
1. Bhanu Dasar
2. Samartha Ramadasar
Now let me start with the saints, Samartha Ramadasar. He was known to be a Surya upasaka of highest order. Guru of Shivaji Maharaj. Smartha ramadasar Charitra tells that he was a staunch Hanuman devotee too. Along with Ramar and sun worship.
Now, in this case he renounced, his personal life for the sake of of a cause of humanity.
A very exalted sun in a person, shines forth, dispelling darkness within and even outside.
Same is the life of Swami Vivekananda. Swami Vivekananda quotes, "If you have faith in all the three hundred and thirty millions of your mythological gods, and in all the gods which foreigners have now and again introduced into your midst, and still have no faith in yourselves, there is no salvation for you. Faith in ourselves will do everything."
Now what about Sun based remedies for women.
The Devi Bhagavatham, has devoted a few chapters, towards the charitra of Savitri.
Preceeding Savitri is also the charitra of Harishchandra.
If you look into the tye life of Harishchandra he stood for Satyam. Like Satyavan..
Looking closely at the film Karna. One can find an inference that Harishchandra was an incarnation of Karna.
How?
In the court at an instance, Karna mocks one of the Pandav brothers.
Krishna asks him to watch his words.
Karna relents.
Karna is bought to a similar situation in his incarnation as Harishchandra.
In many debates, Karna is questioned if he was any ethical in not standing up for Draupadi in the court.
Although, bestowed with qualities like magnanimity and other virtues Karna does not listen to his heart.
This is where I want to highlight, the downsideof worship of Sun based remedies.
Which has been debated in astrological circles and recently I had a very brief discussion with a devi upasaka.
If you look at the lives of women.
Savitri - Aurbindo devoted 18 years of his life on the life of Savitri. Undoubtedly, she can said ti be a very positive way the Sun's qualities are reflected.
The Gayatri sahasranamam mentions Gandhari.
If we look a little close Gandhari had 100 sons. Savitri prays for a 100 brothers I think..
A little similar.
Another archetype of solar personalities in women is Satyabhama.
Satyabhama is a fascinating figure in Indian mythology and an excellent example of the solar archetype manifesting through a woman. Her life and actions, especially her relationship with Krishna, reveal the themes of individuality, assertiveness, and devotion, all blended with the complexities of human emotions and spiritual aspirations.
Satyabhama and the Solar Archetype
Individuality and Self-Assertion:
- Satyabhama is often portrayed as a fiery, assertive, and independent woman. Unlike Krishna's other consorts, she is not hesitant to express her opinions, assert her rights, or even challenge Krishna himself.
- This mirrors the Sun's qualities of strong individuality, self-respect, and the drive to stand up for oneself.
Warrior Spirit:
- Satyabhama is associated with the incident of slaying Narakasura alongside Krishna. In this episode, her courage and active participation in battle underscore her warrior-like qualities, echoing the Sun's energy of boldness and resilience.
- She symbolizes the potential of women to channel solar energies for righteous causes and protect dharma.
Devotion with Dignity:
- While she deeply loves Krishna, Satyabhama's relationship with him is marked by her insistence on being treated with respect and equality. This balance of devotion and self-respect is a hallmark of the solar archetype.
Satyabhama's Challenges and Growth
Pride and Ego:
- Satyabhama is sometimes criticized for her pride and jealousy, especially when compared to Rukmini. This reflects the potential downside of solar energy: when not tempered with humility, it can lead to arrogance or excessive self-focus.
- However, Krishna often teaches her lessons in humility, helping her evolve spiritually. For instance, the Tulabharam (weighing scale) episode highlights the importance of unconditional love and selflessness over material pride.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Through her interactions with Krishna, Satyabhama learns the higher aspects of dharma, devotion, and surrender. Her journey is one of integrating individuality with divine love and aligning her will with a greater cosmic purpose.
Satyabhama in the Context of Solar Remedies
Satyabhama's character offers valuable insights into the application of Sun-based qualities for women:
Empowerment:
- Like Satyabhama, women can use solar remedies to cultivate self-confidence, courage, and assertiveness, enabling them to stand up for their values and fight for justice.
Balancing Ego and Devotion:
- The challenges Satyabhama faces remind us of the need to balance the Sun's assertiveness with humility and love, ensuring that individuality does not overshadow relational harmony.
Warrior Archetype:
- Her role in defeating Narakasura demonstrates the potential of solar energy to empower women as protectors of dharma. This energy can be channeled through practices like Surya Namaskar, reciting Aditya Hridayam, or meditating on warrior goddesses like Durga.
Now the issue with Sun based remedies, is develops a lots of individuality. We turn to sun based remedies, when we are at loss of options at our end.
But, however in our persuit for individuality if we are not motivated by a greater cause then we are likely to loose out on other virtues like compassion and thereby displaying better emotional intelligence.