The deity worshipped here represents the Sun, a figure that has been revered since ancient times, much like in many other ancient religions. In this context, God, who transcends all attributes, is honoured as the Sun. Just as the existence of Earth depends on the Sun, so too does it depend on God. The powerful Gayathri mantra is recited to invoke the blessings of Suriyanarayanan, and it is so widely chanted in India that it is often referred to as the national mantra.
