Vishnupurana 2.10.19

2.10.19

māseṣveteṣu maitreya vasantyete tu saptakāḥ /
saviturmaṇḍale brahmanviṣṇusaktyupabṛṃhitāḥ //

In this manner, Maitreya, a troop of seven celestial beings, supported by the energy of Vishńu, occupies during the several months the orb of the sun. The sage celebrates his praise, and the Gandharba sings, and the nymph dances before him: the Rákshas attends upon his steps, the serpent harnesses his steeds, and the Yaksha trims the reins: the numerous pigmy sages, the Bálakhilyas, ever surround his chariot. The whole troop of seven, attached to the sun's car, are the agents in the distribution of cold, heat, and rain, at their respective seasons.