Kanniyakumari: As part of his meditation exercise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday morning performed 'Surya Arghya' during sunrise at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

He offered prayers with folded hands and carried out 'Surya Arghya,' a ritual associated with a spiritual practice involving salutations to the Almighty, manifested in the form of sun. 

The video clip of 'Surya Arghya' posted by the BJP on X showed the PM pouring a little water from a traditional, beaker-like small vessel into the sea as an offering (Arghya) and praying using his prayer beads (Japa mala).

The BJP also posted photographs of the Prime Minister, clad in a saffron shirt, shawl and dhoti, engrossed in meditation at the Dhyan Mandapam, where incense sticks, in front of him, could be spotted burning slowly. PM Modi also walked around the mandapam with his japa mala in his hands.

Kanyakumari is famous for its sunrise and sunset and the memorial is located on a tiny islet near the shoreline. At the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the PM embarked on meditation on the evening of May 30 and he is scheduled to complete it on the evening of June 1. 

Surya Arghya: Know Its Significance 

Surya Arghya is one of the main rituals in Hindu religion which is about offering water to Lord Surya especially in the morning time or at the time of the rising Sun. It holds a significant religious and spiritual importance in the Hindu religion. 

As the proper method is written in Hindu scriptures, the Surya Arghya is an ancient practice which people used to do daily and used to offer water to Lord Surya with folded hands. In the Hindu culture, worshipping Lord Surya is an integral part as he is considered as the creator of all materials in the world.

It could also be said that offering water to Lord Surya means that the devotee is expressing gratitude for whatever the earth is getting from him in the form of light, energy and power.