In one of the most resplendent and symbolical forms, Surya Dev, the radiant Sun God, is seen in the skies with his chariot sauntering around the most revered Chaar Dham in Vrindavan, where spiritualism merges with wisdom, which is ageless. So much more than just a mythological image, this divine vehicle (drawn by seven magnificent, radiantly beautiful horses) is a very illuminating allegory, a visual scripture, full of valuable lessons that can shed light on our journey through life and help us get to a place where we can see deeper, understand ourselves and the cosmos.

The seven horses are powerful; they do not just represent power; they represent potent symbols, each giving a sizable dimension of presence and orientation on existence and consciousness. Together, they softly speak of ancient truths, which remind us to look at time, energy and our own inner landscape.

The Spectrum of Experience: The Seven Colors of the Rainbow (VIBGYOR)

The seven horses represent the seven colours of the rainbow (the rainbow being the spectrum of light). Like the white colour light breaks up into myriad hues, our lives are made of thousands of experiences, emotions and challenges. Red stands for a different aspect in the life of a human, blue for serene depth, green for hopeful vibrancy and the uplifting joy of yellow can as well. The symbolism of this asks us to recognise the whole of our lives for what they are, not all euphoric exhilaration but also periods of unimaginable grief. And it reminds us that real comprehension isn’t predicated, not at all, on refusing to engage some experiences in favour of others but on accepting, on embracing each and every flavour, learning to see its beauty and its wisdom. It reminds us that we cannot be one without the other, that diversity is not just beautiful but necessary to completeness, and we are to marvel at what makes a life and a heart lush and rich and full.

The Rhythm of Existence: The Seven Days of the Week

Secondly, the seven horses represent the seven days of the week, which symbolise the unceasing, cyclical march of time. The carving of Saturn’s rings represents a very specific symbolism that has a very specific message about it – consistency, about discipline and how precious each and every moment is. New day, new dawn and a fresh opportunity to grow and to learn, to make a contribution to our world. Surya’s chariot moved without relent, day after day, year after year and in teaching us that, shares with us such an important lesson: the power of persistence and what sustained effort can do. It reminds us to mindfully live but we also have to understand that time is scarce and the 24-hour cycle has to be cherished. In a spiritual context, it promotes the regularity of daily practices (meditation, prayer or other acts of kindness), which keeps us moving on the path of spiritual evolution.

The Inner Harmony: The Seven Chakras

The seven horses can perhaps be considered one of the most profound connections for people who are on a spiritual pursuit; the horses also denote the seven primary chakras of the human body. The Muladhara (Root) and Sahasrara (Crown) and all the energy centres in between are necessary for our physical, emotional and spiritual being. If these chakras are balanced or aligned it seems like the energy can flow freely, which causes holistic health, mental clarity and even spiritual awakening. Here, the horses symbolise the kinetic balance which is continually activated of these energy centres. Always a reminder that we are an inner-world complex energetic system and just as Surya’s horses pull his chariot together for our good, we too need inner harmony and inner alignment to identify with life in a good way and close the gaps to our highest potential. From this teaching, we are taught to look inside, begin to be aware of ourselves and work toward the energetic balance which unlocks our own potential.

The Chariot: The Soul's Journey Towards Enlightenment

Surya's chariot, however, is finally the ultimate metaphor for the journey of the soul towards enlightenment and the ideas of the individual meaning of the horses committed to the task are lost. It represents our never-ending march through life from darkness to light, from ignorance to wisdom, the latter being our destination. The way of the chariot’s unswerving course despite the many obstacles or turbulences that it might meet on its way symbolises the unswerving resolve needed on the spiritual path. What it teaches us is to keep moving forward and to always be learning from every experience and striving to reach higher consciousness. The journey of this chariot is not easy, but the chariot moves at a steady pace that gives hope and teaches us to be determined and resilient, to know that every step it takes takes us closer to our endpoint.

Surya Dev: Spiritual Growth and Illumination

Finally, Surya Dev himself symbolises the spiritual growth and illumination. He is the dispeller of all darkness; he is the source of all life, all energy. The bright appearance of him is the mark of the light of truth and learning, which chases off the dark shades of illusion and ignorance out of us. Surya’s symbolism is to bring clarity, wisdom and inner illuminance into our lives. It allows us to grow our own inner light and to shine brightly in the world and to light the way for others. Just as the sun supports life on this planet, spiritual enlightenment supports the existence of the soul; we become whole, have a clear sense of purpose and feel connected to everything and everyone.

The Chariot of Surya, the most spiritual place in Chaar Dham Vrindavan, is a timeless image which gives us a map to purposeful and enlightened living. It calls us to live the full range of what we experience, to live life with the beat of time, in the balance of the inner and also to be on the constant edge of growth in the spiritual. Symbolism of this sort, as we are considering, reminds us that life is after all a divine journey, drifted and drawn by forces tangible and intangible, pointing towards the ultimate light of truth and wisdom.