Aditya 3 of 12 · Presides over Chaitra (Mar-Apr)

Pushan

पूषन्

Nourishment, safe travel, cattle protection, soul-guide

Mantras

Beej mantra

ॐ ह्रौं पूष्णे नमः

Primary mantra

ॐ पूष्णे नमः

Om Pushne Namah

Quality of light

Soft path-lighting glow — guides travelers and souls

Ratna (gem)

Pearl (Moti) — but ruby for solar primary

Vahana

Chariot drawn by goats (not horses — unique among adityas)

Presiding month

Chaitra (Mar-Apr)

Benefit of worship

Safe travel especially long journeys, finds lost objects, blessing for departed souls (cited in Isha Upanishad 16)

Story / Origin

Lost his teeth when Veerabhadra (Shiva's wrath) destroyed Daksha's yajna — for he laughed at Shiva. Hence depicted toothless, eats only soft food (gruel). Despite this, given charge of guiding souls between worlds — Isha Upanishad mantra 16 invokes him: "Pushan, sole seer, withdraw your rays so I may see the true form."

Vrata practice

Chaitra Navratri Saptami — recite Isha Upanishad mantra 16 before any journey; offer black sesame + jaggery

Associated temple

Surya Pahar (Assam) — Pushan worship dating to 6th century

See 12 sacred tirthas and Nava Graha for full graha-grid.

Plan a Surya puja

Cannot travel? Book a remote Pushan puja with video proof. For Ratha Saptami + Makar Sankranti dates see Hindu festival calendar 2026.