The sun symbolises the supreme light of the divine and the power of universal consciousness. It is the source of energy for life and in the Vedas, 'Surya Arghya' – offering at sunrise – was given importance: offering water to the sun is practiced during sunrise and in this process the clouds in our mind dissolve. We purify ourselves through the light and wisdom of the sun which helps us perceive our inner light.
// Asavadityo brahma, Brahmai vaham asmi // This Sun is Brahman. I too am Brahman.
Early morning at sunrise we are most receptive to be infused with cosmic solar energy. In fact, in ancient India the Rishis (wise seers) were able to live without food since they absorbed energy directly from the sun's rays.
While offering water to the sun, the light splits into rainbow rays like a prism that fragments the light into seven colours. While the water is poured, the dispersed light enters the body of the worshipper and charges it positively from head to toe.
Water represents the "non-manifested substratum from which all manifestations derive" [Dr. Uma Mysorekar, Hindu Temple Society of North America] and is considered to be a purifier, life-giver and destroyer of evil.
Offering 'Ganga Jal' (water from the sacred river Ganges) to the sun god Sūrya is particularly auspicious and beneficial.