One among the numerous names of Surya, the Sun God, in Hinduism is Martanda or Martandan. He got this name as he was born from a dead egg (Anda or Andam).

A pious couple once found a still egg – it had golden color. Not knowing what to do with the couple prayed to Brahma. Brhama asked them to place it at a sacred place known as Satisar and pray to Shiva for a solution to revive the still golden egg.

Shiva directed the couple to Vishnu, who broke the egg with his Sudarshana Chakra and it Surya appeared in the form of Martanda – wearing yellow garments, with four arms bearing a lotus, a book, a rosary and a raised open palm.

Satisar is a holy place located in Jammu and Kashmir. There is a famous Martanda temple here.