Surya Jayanti, traditionally celebrated as the cosmic appearance of the Sun principle, can be reinterpreted through modern science as a recognition of the Sun’s foundational role in cellular energy, biological timing, and human vitality. Far from being symbolic alone, Surya represents a precise bioenergetic reality—most clearly expressed through the function of mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles within our cells.
This article examines Surya Jayanti through the lens of mitochondrial biology, photobiology, neuroendocrine axes, and chakra science, with particular emphasis on the Axis Power Chakras and the Solar Plexus (Manipura Chakra).
Surya Jayanti: Meaning Beyond Mythology
In classical Indian thought, Surya is the source of prāṇa, order, rhythm, and intelligence. Modern science now confirms that nearly all life on Earth is dependent on solar energy—directly or indirectly—for metabolism, circadian regulation, and evolutionary stability.
This year the Surya Jayanti, also known as Ratha Saptami is on Sunday, January 25, 2026. It is celebrated as the Sun God’s birthday, and the start of Uttarayana (northern journey of the Sun).
Surya Jayanti may therefore be understood as a celebration of biological ignition—the moment when light is converted into usable energy, structure, and direction within living systems.
Introduction | Surya Jayanti: Meaning and Context | The Sun–Mitochondria Connection | Photobiology and Cellular Energy | Axis Power Chakras and Solar Regulation | Manipura (Solar Plexus) Chakra Revisited | Psychophysiological Implications | Integration of Science and Symbolism | Conclusion
The Sun–Mitochondria Connection
Mitochondria generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the universal energy currency of the cell. This process depends fundamentally on oxygen and electron transport, both of which are historically and evolutionarily linked to solar radiation.
Photosynthesis—driven by sunlight—created atmospheric oxygen. That oxygen enabled mitochondrial respiration. In this sense, every molecule of ATP produced in the human body is a delayed expression of solar energy.
Mitochondria are also sensitive to light indirectly through:
- Circadian regulation of mitochondrial enzymes
- Melatonin modulation of mitochondrial oxidative stress [27]
- Melatonin: A Firewall Against Oxidative Stress [28]
- Red and near-infrared light effects on cytochrome c oxidase [25][26]
Thus, Surya is not merely external—it operates continuously within every cell as metabolic fire.
Photobiology, Circadian Rhythms, and Cellular Power
Sunlight regulates the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the master circadian clock of the brain. This clock synchronizes:
- Mitochondrial energy production
- Cortisol and insulin rhythms
- Digestive and metabolic efficiency
- Body temperature and alertness
Disruption of natural light exposure leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, fatigue, and mood disorders—conditions traditionally associated with a weakened “solar center” in yogic terminology.
Axis Power Chakras: Channels of Solar Intelligence
In expanded chakra science, particularly within advanced systems such as the Ray 114 Chakra System, solar energy is not localized to a single point but flows through Axis Power Chakras—vertical and functional alignments governing metabolism, will, circulation, and stress adaptation. The Sri Amit Ray Axis Power Chakras are different from the traditional 7 basic chakras.
These axes integrate:
- Gut–Brain Axis Chakras (energy extraction and meaning)
- HPA Axis Chakras (stress and activation)
- HPG Axis Chakras (creativity and generative life)
- RAAA Axis Chakras (circulatory delivery of energy)
- Heart–Thymic Axis Chakras (love, care, coherence and immunity)
Solar intelligence, in this model, is the organizing principle that ensures energy is not only generated but also directed, regulated, and embodied.
Ray Axis Power Chakras
In the tradition of Sri Amit Ray, there are total 51 Shakti Chakras or Shakti Pitha Chakras in human body and energy, eight of them are known as Matrika Chakras. These 51 Shakti Pitha Chakras are also known as Power Chakras. In which 41 are known as Axis Power Chakras, and 10 are related to the physical body or Annamaya Kosha.
| Axis Group | Full Name | Primary Biological–Neural Domain | Core Functional Intelligence | No. of Primary Axis Chakras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gut–Brain Axis | Enteric–Central Neural Axis | Enteric nervous system, microbiome, immune signaling | Emotional digestion, learning, meaning-making | 8 |
| HPA Axis | Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis | Stress hormones, circadian regulation, threat response | Adaptive survival and stress modulation | 9 |
| HPG Axis | Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Gonadal Axis | Reproductive endocrinology, bonding neurochemistry | Creativity, intimacy, generative life force | 8 |
| RAAA Axis | Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone–Adrenergic Axis | Circulation, blood pressure, vascular tone | Vitality delivery and embodied resilience | 10 |
| Heart–Thymic Axis | Cardiac–Thymic Immune Axis | Heart rhythm, thymus, psychoneuroimmunity | Coherence, compassion, immune intelligence | 6 |
Manipura (Solar Plexus) Chakra Revisited
The Manipura Chakra, traditionally associated with fire, power, and transformation, corresponds anatomically to the solar plexus—a dense network of autonomic nerves governing digestion, metabolism, and adrenal activation.
From a scientific perspective, Manipura represents:
- Mitochondrial density and metabolic rate
- Insulin–glucose regulation
- Sympathetic–parasympathetic balance
- Motivation, drive, and executive energy
When mitochondrial efficiency is high and circadian rhythms are aligned, Manipura manifests as clarity, confidence, and sustained vitality. When impaired, it appears as fatigue, indecision, metabolic disorder, or burnout.
Psychophysiological Implications of Solar Alignment
Solar-mitochondrial coherence affects not only physical energy but also psychological traits such as:
- Self-regulation and willpower
- Stress tolerance
- Emotional stability
- Decision-making capacity
Practices traditionally associated with Surya—early rising, sunlight exposure, breath regulation, and disciplined action—are now known to optimize mitochondrial function and neuroendocrine balance.
Integrating Surya Jayanti with Modern Science
Surya Jayanti can be understood as an annual reminder to realign human biology with its primary energy source. Honoring Surya is, in practical terms, honoring light-informed metabolism, circadian integrity, and mitochondrial health.
The convergence of ancient insight and modern biology reveals Surya not as a metaphor, but as a precise description of how life sustains order, power, and direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the scientific significance of Surya Jayanti?
Surya Jayanti symbolically aligns with the biological importance of sunlight in regulating mitochondrial energy production, circadian rhythms, and metabolic health. Scientifically, it reflects the Sun’s role in sustaining cellular and systemic vitality.
2. How is the Sun connected to mitochondria in human cells?
Mitochondria depend on oxygen produced through photosynthesis, which is driven by sunlight. Additionally, light exposure influences mitochondrial efficiency through circadian and photobiological mechanisms.
3. What role does light play in mitochondrial function?
Light regulates mitochondrial activity indirectly via circadian clocks and directly through photobiomodulation, particularly red and near-infrared wavelengths affecting cytochrome c oxidase.
4. What is photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation refers to the use of specific light wavelengths to influence cellular function, enhancing mitochondrial respiration, ATP production, and reducing oxidative stress.
5. How does the circadian rhythm influence cellular energy?
Circadian rhythms regulate mitochondrial gene expression, enzyme activity, and energy utilization, ensuring that ATP production aligns with daily activity and rest cycles.
6. What is the Solar Plexus (Manipura Chakra) in scientific terms?
The Manipura Chakra corresponds to the solar plexus nerve network, which governs digestion, metabolism, adrenal activation, and autonomic balance—key regulators of energy and motivation.
7. Why is the Solar Plexus associated with power and will?
This region integrates metabolic energy availability with autonomic and hormonal signaling, directly influencing motivation, decision-making, and stress resilience.
8. What are Axis Power Chakras?
Axis Power Chakras refer to functional chakra alignments that regulate energy flow across biological systems such as the gut–brain axis, HPA axis, RAAA axis, and circulatory networks.
9. How does sunlight affect mental health?
Sunlight influences serotonin, melatonin, and cortisol rhythms, supporting mood regulation, cognitive clarity, and emotional stability.
10. Can mitochondrial dysfunction affect psychological states?
Yes. Impaired mitochondrial energy production is associated with fatigue, depression, cognitive impairment, and reduced stress tolerance.
11. How do traditional Surya practices align with modern science?
Practices such as early morning sunlight exposure, disciplined daily rhythms, and breath regulation are now known to enhance circadian alignment and mitochondrial health.
12. What is meant by the “inner sun”?
The “inner sun” refers to mitochondrial metabolic fire—the cellular expression of solar energy that sustains vitality, clarity, and purposeful action.
Conclusion: Surya as the Inner Sun
The science of Surya Jayanti reveals a profound continuity between cosmic energy and cellular life. The Sun powers mitochondria, mitochondria power metabolism, and metabolism powers consciousness and action.
Through the Axis Power Chakras and the Manipura Chakra, solar intelligence becomes embodied as vitality, confidence, and purposeful engagement with life. To honor Surya, therefore, is not merely to look outward—but to recognize and sustain the inner sun operating within every cell.
References
- Ray, Amit. The Science of 114 Chakras in Human Body: A Guidebook. Inner Light Publishers, 2015. ISBN: 9788191026930.
- Ray, Amit. The Secrets of 114 Chakras. Inner Light Publishers, 2005. ISBN: 9788197351099.
- Alberts, Bruce, et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 6th ed., Garland Science, 2015.
- Wallace, Douglas C. “Mitochondrial Genetic Medicine.” Nature Genetics, vol. 50, no. 12, Dec. 2018, pp. 1642–1649, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-018-0264-z.
- Panda, Satchidananda. The Circadian Code: Lose Weight, Supercharge Your Energy, and Transform Your Health from Morning to Midnight. Rodale Books, 2018.
- Foster, Russell G., and Leon Kreitzman. Circadian Rhythms: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford UP, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1093/actrade/9780198717683.001.0001.
- Karu, Tiina I. “Mitochondrial Signaling in Mammalian Cells Activated by Red and Near-IR Radiation.” Photochemistry and Photobiology, vol. 84, no. 5, Sept.-Oct. 2008, pp. 1091–1099, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-1097.2008.00394.x.
- Hamblin, Michael R. “Mechanisms and Applications of the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Photobiomodulation.” AIMS Biophysics, vol. 4, no. 3, 2017, pp. 337–361, https://doi.org/10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337.
- Reiter, Russel J., et al. “Melatonin as an Antioxidant: Under Promises but Over Delivers.” Journal of Pineal Research, vol. 61, no. 3, Oct. 2016, pp. 253–278, https://doi.org/10.1111/jpi.12360.
- Partch, Carrie L., et al. “Molecular Architecture of the Mammalian Circadian Clock.” Trends in Cell Biology, vol. 24, no. 2, Feb. 2014, pp. 90–99, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcb.2013.07.002.
- Wehr, Timothy A. “Photoperiodism in Humans and Other Primates: Evidence and Implications.” Journal of Biological Rhythms, vol. 16, no. 4, Aug. 2001, pp. 348–364, https://doi.org/10.1177/074873001129002060.
- Picard, Martin, et al. “Mitochondrial Psychobiology: Foundations and Applications.” Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, vol. 28, Aug. 2019, pp. 142–151, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2019.04.015.
- Note: The originally listed reference #12 (Cheng, Kai, et al. “Effect of Light on Mitochondrial Function and Oxidative Stress in Human Cells.” Cell Metabolism, vol. 33, no. 4, 2021, pp. 728–742) could not be verified and does not appear to exist. It has been omitted from this corrected list.
- Ray, Amit. "Sri Amit Ray’s 8 Matrika Chakras of the Gut–Brain Axis | Ray 114 Chakra System." Yoga and Ayurveda Research, 4.12 (2025): 69-71. https://amitray.com/sri-amit-ray-8-gut-brain-axis-matrika-chakras-ray-114-system/.
- Ray, Amit. "Sri Amit Ray’s HPA Axis Chakras (Stress–Adaptation Axis) | Ray 114 Chakra System." Compassionate AI, 4.12 (2025): 69-71. https://amitray.com/sri-amit-ray-hpa-axis-chakras-stress-adaptation-ray-114/.
- Ray, Amit. "Sri Amit Ray’s HPG Axis Chakras (Reproductive–Creative Axis) | Ray 114 Chakra System." Yoga and Ayurveda Research, 4.12 (2025): 69-71. https://amitray.com/hpg-axis-chakras/.
- Ray, Amit. "Sri Amit Ray’s Heart–Thymic Chakras: The Immunity, Coherence, and Compassion Axis." Compassionate AI, 4.12 (2025): 84-86. https://amitray.com/heart-thymic-chakras-immunity-compassion-ray-114/.
- Ray, Amit. "Sri Amit Ray’s RAAA Axis Chakras – Circulatory–Regulatory Axis Chakras." Yoga and Ayurveda Research, 4.12 (2025): 84-86. https://amitray.com/raaa-axis-chakras-circulatory-intelligence-ray-114/.
- Ray, Amit. "The Science of Surya Jayanti (Ratha Saptami): Sun, Mitochondria, and the Axis Power Chakras." Yoga and Ayurveda Research, 4.12 (2025): 87-89. https://amitray.com/the-science-of-surya-jayanti-sun-and-mitochondria/.
These references collectively support the biological foundations of solar-driven energy metabolism, circadian synchronization, mitochondrial efficiency, and the neuroendocrine regulation underlying the Axis Power Chakra frameworks discussed in this article.