Savitr (Sanskrit: सवितृ, IAST: Savitṛ, nominative Savitā), meaning "rouser, stimulator" or "impeller, vivifier," is a Vedic Hindu sun god, sometimes identified with Surya, the solar deity proper. In the Rig Veda, the oldest Vedic text, Savitr is worshipped as the divine power that impels and enlivens the world, distinct from the physical sun: the sun before sunrise is called Savitr, while after sunrise it is called Sūrya.Etymology and OriginThe name derives from the Sanskrit root √sū, meaning "to urge, impel, or bring forth," with the suffix -tṛ forming an agent noun. In Vedic tradition, Savitr is one of the Ādityas—the offspring of the primordial goddess Aditi—and is the divine vivifying force behind life and motion. The word later came to denote "sun" itself, though classical usage differentiates Savitr as a pre-sunrise form.Mythological SignificanceSavitr is celebrated in the Rig Veda, notably in hymn 3.62.10, which constitutes the Gāyatrī Mantra (also called Sāvitrī), one of the most sacred hymns in Hinduism, addressed to Savitr:Om bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥTat savitur (form of Savitr) vareṇyaṃBhargo devasya dhīmahiDhiyo yo naḥ pracodayātThis mantra implores Savitr to stimulate and enlighten the intellect. Hymn 35 (the “Hymn of Savitr”) describes him as golden-eyed, golden-tongued, and a giver of long life, bodily strength, and progeny. Savitr is invoked at the start of each Soma sacrifice and is considered the Regent of the Nakṣatra (lunar mansion) Citrā.Notable ReferencessAs a theophoric name, Savitr appears rarely in modern usage, but its feminine form Savitrī is the name of the Goddess Sāvitrī, wife of Brahmā; a famous narrative; and an epic heroine from the Mahābhārata (Sāvitrī and Satyavāna).Meaning: "rouser, stimulator"Origin: SanskritType: Theophoric; Vedic deityUsage Regions: Hinduism