New Delhi witnessed a significant literary event on 27th January 2026 as the prestigious Triveni Kala Sangam hosted the official launch of The Eternal Sun: The Legacy of Surya Dev by renowned author Shalini Modi. Published by Rupa Publications and presented in collaboration with Oxford Bookstores, this work is being celebrated as a comprehensive narrative that masterfully blends ancient wisdom with mythological grandeur.
A Definitive Exploration of Solar Deity
Shalini Modi's The Eternal Sun distinguishes itself by seamlessly integrating narratives from the Vedas, Puranas, Ramayana, and Mahabharata to provide profound insights into the extraordinary life of Surya Dev, along with his wives and progeny. The author continues her mission to bring the rich depths of Indian mythology to contemporary audiences, ensuring these divine legacies remain vibrant and accessible to modern readers.
Evening of Intellectual Engagement
The launch event featured the ceremonial unveiling of the book followed by an engaging panel discussion. Author Shalini Modi engaged in a deep-dive conversation with Sunita Pant Bansal, exploring nuanced aspects of Surya Dev's legacy. The session was expertly moderated by Richa Tiwari, Senior Development Editor at Rupa Publications India, who guided discussions about various phases of the Sun God's life and the relevance of solar symbolism in contemporary times.
During the discussion, Shalini Modi shared her perspective on Surya Dev: "We see Surya Dev as a luminary who drives away darkness, the guru who imparts knowledge, and the divine being who through his warmth ensures life. Through his presence in countless hymns, legends, and rituals, Surya has remained a steady figure of hope and aspiration, representing ideals that have influenced generations of seekers and believers."
Personal Connection and Spiritual Journey
The author revealed her personal connection to the subject matter: "The Eternal Sun is a book very close to my heart as I began my Surya Sadhna 12 years ago and it has helped me establish a relationship with the luminary." She emphasized the symbolic significance of the solar deity: "Such is the power of the Sun-god that even Lord Vishnu in his human incarnation invoked him for strength and victory. Symbolically, he is the icon of true knowledge as he is light which dispels the darkness of ignorance. This true knowledge has the power to remove all doubts, thus strengthening one to take on all challenges placed in front of them."
About the Book
The Eternal Sun: The Legacy of Surya Dev seeks to illuminate the role of Surya in Hindu philosophy and culture through an exploration of stories associated with him, his relationships with consorts, his lineage, other deities, and his influence on human life. As the book journeys through the myths, mantras, and mysteries surrounding this divine luminary, it invites readers to connect with the timeless energy of Surya—the god who watches over us, shines upon us, and inspires us to rise above and reach for the light within. The book is priced at ₹295.
Historical and Spiritual Context
The book delves into Surya Dev's evolution from Vedic times, where he appears as one of the primary devatas in texts like the Rigveda, praised as the soul of all that moves and does not move. Later Puranic texts present him as a family man with wives and children while maintaining his prominence among deities. The narrative explores how ancient sages understood solar phenomena long before scientific rediscovery, as evidenced in texts like Aitareya Brahmana which describes the sun's role in creating day and night through revolution.
One compelling excerpt from the book describes Lord Rama's worship of Surya Dev: "Acting on the sage Agastya's advice, Lord Rama began the worship of Surya dev by first sipping the water thrice as he chanted the Lord's name to purify himself. He then focussed on the orb of the Sun and chanted the Aditya Hridhyam as instructed. Infused with an unexplainable energy, Lord Rama was now experiencing supreme felicity."
About the Author
Shalini Modi is an accomplished astrologer, author, and avid follower of ancient Indian scriptures including the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and epics. She believes these texts remain profoundly relevant to contemporary life, with parallels that can be drawn to any modern situation. Her knowledge of Vedic astrology, mantra chanting, and ancient scriptures enriches her writing, giving it multiple dimensions. Modi's engaging style, unconventional approach, and effort to find symbolism in traditional texts make her books compelling reads for diverse audiences.
Her work emphasizes Surya Dev's multifaceted nature: "Surya dev is referred to as the pratyaksha devata, one who is visible. He is the soul, Atmakarak of a horoscope in Vedic astrology. He is the life giver as without him, universe cannot exist." Through this publication, Modi aims to reconnect readers with the symbolic depth often forgotten beneath mythological narratives, encouraging a renewed appreciation for this celestial deity's enduring spiritual significance.
