Hinduism....Why does spiritual organizations like Iskcon say that Shiva is a Demi-God?

In Hindu religious literature, Surya is notably mentioned as the visible form of God that one can see every day. Furthermore, Shaivites and Vaishnavas often regard Surya as an aspect of Shiva and Vishnu, respectively. For example, the sun is called Surya Narayana by Vaishnavas.

In Shaivite theology, Surya is said to be one of eight forms of Shiva, named the Astamurti. The Supreme Cosmic Consciousness manifesting through the Divine Showered of light and life has been fully realized by the ancient bards and savants of the East and the West. They propounded the theory of the Sun worship in many ways, among all to be within everybody’s reach.

Thus, the worship of the Sun in daily life came into Life and Existence ages ago but became part and parcel of our being even today. May Surya showers Life Force on one and all-from Eskimo to Negro! May the humanity see Him everyday!

The following twelve sacred names of the Sun and seven ‘Bijaaksharaas’ are playing vital role while in doing Surya Namaskaars. MITRA : The Supreme Friend of all RAVI : Praised by all SURYA : The Director BHANU : Giving Luster. KHAGA : Stimulator of the senses POOSHA : The nourisher of all beings.

HEAVENLY LIGHT Search for Light and Truth has been the guiding principle of Vedic Seers of hoary antiquity in their earnest endeavors to solve the eternal problems of creation. “Jyotiranveshayamaha” - ‘Let us search for Light, heavenly Light’ was their motto. It is interesting to note that the Royal Astronomical Society of Britain has the same motto, “quick quid nitil notundum” - means, “whatever shines must be observed”.

A Russian sentence goes on, “Rays of light are the emissaries of their master, the source of light, the Sun. Devotees of every age testify to the appearance of God as light. And throughout the world, Light is considered the symbol for all splendor and glory of the Spirit.

It stands for Truth, Order, Reality, Goodness, Beauty, Intelligence, Wisdom, Bliss and Immortality or “Amritattwa”. Therefore, the Sun is Light and Life, Love and Law. “Let there be Light!

And there was Light”, the Bible saith. The soul of the universe or “Hiranya Garbha” sustains and upholds the entire universe; all animate and inanimate beings live through the Sun.

The sun god is great. Without it there would be no life on earth. It has great qualities like regularity(always rising and setting), brightness and many others which we should bring into our lifes.

He can be worshipped by performing surya namaskar in the morning (below is a link on how to do it) older people or those with mobility problems can do pranam in the morning and offer him water whilst chanting 'aum suryay naham'. The facts and benifits about surya namaskar as understood by baba ramdev is on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OA2oErAO...

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