Adityas

Adityas are a group of solar deities in Hinduism and Vedic literature. The name Aditya means “son of Aditi,” the mother of the gods, and the Adityas personify various aspects of the sun and cosmic order. The concept emphasizes the sun’s powers and its role in sustaining life, truth, and social harmony.

In the Vedas, the Adityas are described as a broad pantheon, with the number of members varying by text. The most prominent Aditya is Mitra, often paired with Varuna, who together embody covenant, truth, and the maintenance of cosmic and social order. Other names that appear in different passages include Aryaman, Bhaga, and Pushan, as well as Dhata (or Dhatri) and Vidhata in some lists. Surya is sometimes included as a member of the Adityas, and Vivasvat is associated with solar aspects as well. The exact enumeration differs across hymns and schools of interpretation.

In Hindu tradition, the Adityas are recognized as a class of solar deities rather than a strictly fixed lineage. They are invoked in Vedic rituals and appear in various Puranic and epic texts, where they symbolize order, justice, and the life-sustaining influence of the sun. In modern Hindu practice, Surya is the best-known solar deity, while the Adityas as a group highlight the sun’s multifaceted divine aspects.

The term Aditya is also used as a given name in India.