In this painting, the sun takes the form of a bodhisattva. ☀️ In the traditional Vikram Samvat calendar used in India and Nepal, the seventh day of each lunar month is known as Saptami Tithi and is associated with the worship of Surya, the sun deity. On July 21, communities across the Himalayas will honor the sun through an observance known as Surya Puja. On this day, devotees offer flowers, water, incense, and prayers to the rising sun, expressing gratitude for its life-giving energy and seeking blessings for health, well-being, and prosperity. These rituals reflect a deep appreciation for the natural forces upon which all living beings depend. This painting from our collection depicts the sun personified as a bodhisattva, a future Buddha who works for the benefit of all sentient beings. He is known as Suryabhaskara, meaning "Sun-Illuminator," and his right hand holds a white flower blossoming with a solar disk atop it. His resplendent silks and jewels mirror the radiance of the su...