Children Sampati and Jatayu | ||
 | ||
In Hindu mythology and scriptures, Aruṇá or Aru is a personification of the reddish glow of the rising Sun, which is believed to have spiritual powers. The presence of Aruṇá, the coming of day, is invoked in Hindu prayers to Surya.
Contents
Mythology
Vinata was one of the wives of rishi Kashyapa, and she bore him two sons, Aruṇá and Garuda, bringing them out as eggs. Vinata was promised that her sons would be powerful if she waited for them to hatch from their eggs. However, her impatience to hatch them took root, and she broke one of them. From the broken egg a flash of light, Aruṇá, sprang forth. He was as radiant and reddish as the morning sun. But, due to the premature breaking of the egg, Aruṇá was not as bright as the noon sun as he was promised to be. Aruṇá's brother, Garuda, was born regularly, and eventually became the main vehicle of Vishnu. Aruṇá is sometimes considered a part of Surya, as he is the vision and driving force behind its path through the sky. In some stories, Aruṇá drives the chariot of Surya, while in others, he is a manifestation of Surya, serving as a sign of the coming of the Sun. Aruṇa is also believed to be the father of Jatayu and Sampati (King of the Vultures), who are both mentioned in the Ramayana. Aruna and Garuda were born in Thirumeeyachur, Tamil Nadu at the Lord Meganathaswami Temple.
Wat Arun
Wat Arun ("Temple of Dawn") is a Buddhist temple (wat) in Yai district of Bangkok, Thailand, on the Thonburi west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna and is among the best known of Thailand's landmarks. The first light of the morning reflects off the surface of the temple with pearly iridescence.
Etymology
Derived words:
Khmer: អរុណសួស្តី (pronunciation: "Arun Suesdey") - meaning: Good Morning
Thai: อรุณสวัสดิ์ (pronunciation: "Arun Swat") - meaning: Good Morning