The planets are very powerful in nature and we all are under their influence. If these planets are weak or imbalanced they can make life miserable. In order to strengthen weak planets havan is performed. These Ark sticks are offered during fire ceremony (Havan), to pacify the ill effects of Surya or to strengthen the good effect of the planet.
Surya is the chief, the solar deity, one of the Adityas, son of Kasyapa and one of his wives Aditi. He has hair and arms of gold. His chariot is pulled by seven horses, which represent the seven chakras. He presides as "Ravi" over "Ravi-var" or Sunday.
In Hindu religious literature, Surya is notably mentioned as the visible form of God that one can see every day. Furthermore, Shaivites and Vaishnavas often regard Surya as an aspect of Shiva and Vishnu, respectively.The sun is called Surya Narayana by Vaishnavas. In Shaivite theology, Surya is said to be one of eight forms of Shiva, named the Astamurti.
He is said to be of Sattva Guna and represents the Soul, the King, highly placed persons or fathers. Invoking Gayatri Mantra or Aditya Hrudaya Mantra (Adityahridayam) are known to please the Sun God.
The grain associated with the Sun is whole wheat and the number associated to the Surya is 1.