Pujyapad Puri Shankaracharyaji was studying in Delhi, as a young boy. On one occasion, his elder brother asked him if he offers water to Suryadeva, on a daily basis, as should be done.
Maharajaji wished to get a scolding from his brother since that never happened normally.
In order to agitate him, he questioned him back like a nastika, “If I do not offer water to Surya Bhagavan he will remain thirsty?”
On hearing the above statement, his brother expressed his anger and explained, as follows:
We do not offer water to Suryadeva to help him. He is the giver of water to us all. Through his rays, the sun takes in the water from the all the water bodies – the seas, oceans and rivers. He purifies this water and gives it back to us in the form of rain in a much larger volume. Our offering of water to Suryadeva is an act of gratitude. It is a way of receiving more water from him.
Making an offering to Bhagavan – is an expression of gratitude.