* The Sun itself: This is the most common meaning. Vivasvaan is often used synonymously with Surya, the Sun god.
* "Shining forth": The word is derived from the root "vas" (to shine) and the prefix "vi" (forth, apart). This emphasizes the Sun's radiant quality.
* "Father of Manu": Vivasvaan is considered the father of Manu, the first human being in Hindu mythology. He is also the father of Yama, the god of death.
* "Day": Sometimes, Vivasvaan is used to refer to the day, as it is the time when the Sun is visible.
Other noteworthy points:
* Importance in the Vedas: Vivasvaan is a prominent deity in the Vedic scriptures. He is often invoked for his radiant energy, life-giving power, and his role as a cosmic regulator.
* Connection to other deities: Vivasvaan is associated with other deities like Agni (fire) and Surya (the Sun god). He is also sometimes referred to as "Suryanarayan" (Sun-Narayan).
Overall, Vivasvaan is a powerful and multifaceted deity in Hinduism, representing the Sun's radiant brilliance, life-giving power, and cosmic significance.