ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ

“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”

Ratha Saptami is a Vedic festival celebrated in honour of Surya Dev or the Sun God. Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the Universe in the Hindu pantheon, is worshipped in the form of Surya Dev, who is also called Suryanarayan.

“Ratha” means chariot and “Saptami” means seventh day.

Ratha Saptami festival falls on the seventh day (saptami) of Shukla Paksha (waxing Moon phase), in the Hindu month of Magha (mid-January to mid-February), every year. Rathasaptami is celebrated as Surya Jayanti, the birthday of Lord Surya.

Another significance of Ratha Saptami is that Lord Surya’s Ratha, or chariot, turns towards the Northern Hemisphere and travels in the north-east direction, and it also heralds the change of season.

Surya Dev is depicted in the Puranas riding a Ratha drawn by seven brilliant horses, with Aruna as the charioteer.

The Ratha Saptami festival is celebrated throughout India, and devotees worship the Sun God as per Vedic rituals. Rathasapthami is also known as Achala Saptami.

Worshipping Surya Bhagwan has multiple benefits.

It empowers us with good health, energy, power, heals diseases and ailments, bestows wisdom, wealth, name, fame, enhances leadership qualities, intellect, protects from negative energies and much more.

Worshipping the Sun God with clear intension helps to fulfil wishes.

When is Ratha Saptami?

Ratha Saptami

Snan Muhurat on Ratha Saptami – 05:17 AM to 06:59 AM
Duration – 01 Hour 42 Mins
Civil Dawn on Ratha Saptami – 06:35 AM
Observational Sunrise time on Ratha Saptami – 06:59 AM
Saptami Tithi Begins – 10:12 AM on
Saptami Tithi Ends – 08:54 AM on

Ratha Saptami Significance

Sun or Surya Dev is the source of life, the nurturer, and is known as the soul of beings. He dispels darkness with His illumination, which symbolizes removal of the darkness of ignorance with the illumination of wisdom.

The Sun has been worshipped since ancient times by other civilizations and countries.

The Egyptians worshipped Lord Sun as Ra and the Greeks as Helios.

Just like Hinduism believes that the Sun is an eye of Lord Vishnu, in Zoroastrianism, the Sun is considered the ‘Eye of Ahura Mazda’, who is the supreme Lord of the Zoroastrians.

One of the most popular names of Surya Dev is Ravi.

Ravivaar or Sunday is dedicated to Him.

Worshipping the Sun God on any day and especially on Sunday is said to be highly meritorious.

Sun is one of the Navgraha (9 planets of Vedic Astrology), and is considered the prime deity/planet.

In the Navgraha Mandala or Solar system, planet Sun is in the centre and the other planets revolve around Him, a fact which the wise Sages had discovered in ancient time and which has later been scientifically proven.

The position of Sun in your Kundli (Natal chart) is very important.

For individuals with weak placement of planet Sun in their Birth chart worshipping the Sun God on Ratha Saptami is highly recommended.

Ratha Saptami festival is especially auspicious in our country as it marks the beginning of the harvest season.

So, the farmers in India worship the Sun God to garner His blessings for reaping bountiful crops.

On this auspicious day, Surya Dev is fervently worshipped in the different Sun temples across India, like the Konark temple in Odisha, Modhera Sun temple in Gujarat etc.

Other than Sun temples, in other temples, especially in Vaisnavite temples, special puja is performed.

Among them the Lord Srinivasa temple at Tirumala or Tirupati Balaji temple has a special Ratha Saptami celebration.

The idol of Malayappa Swamy, the presiding deity for ceremonies and processions of the temple is taken in a procession around the roads surrounding the divine temple, on different Vahanas(vehicles) starting with Surya Prabha Vahana, early in the morning.

The other vahanas are Shesha vahana, Garuda vahana, Hanuman vahana etc., and the last vahana is Chandra vahana.

It is believed that keeping a fast on Rathasapthami obliterates sins of present and past lives.

Surya Dev is known to be the benefactor of good health and vitality.

It is said that taking a bath before Sunrise or Arunodaya brings the blessings of good health and helps to heal diseases and ailments, by the grace of Surya Dev.

For this reason Ratha Saptami festival is also known as Arogya Saptami.

The image of Lord Surya on His Ratha usually portrays Him gloriously sitting on the throne of the Ratha, with Aruna holding the reigns of the seven horses sitting at a lower level of the chariot.

The Sun God has four arms, adorned in gorgeous ornaments, a crown to match His handsome personality. In His upper two arms He holds a Lotus in each,

His right lower hand is always raised in Abhaya mudra, denoting His blessings and protection.

In His lower left hand He holds the Gada(mace). Both the Lotus and Gada are symbols of Lord Vishnu.

On the forehead of the Lord is the Urdhava Pundra (tilak) and He wears a Janeu across His bare body.

A red flag is seen fluttering on His chariot.

As Surya Dev is a form of Lord Vishnu, He is also sometimes depicted holding the Shankh and Sudarshan Chakra in His upper arms, in images.

Sun with Seven Horses – The seven horses that draw the Ratha of Surya Dev have profound meaning.

The seven horses denote the seven rays of the Sun, seven colours of the rainbow, and the seven days of the week, starting from Sunday or Ravivaar.

The seven rays are also connected to the seven main chakras of the body.

Most importantly, the seven horses of Surya Dev’s Ratha (chariot) represents the mind.

Aruna, the charioteer, holds the reins of the seven horses ensuring that everything is nurtured equally.

Philosophically, it represents control on one’s own mind and thoughts and to hold the reigns of one’s own mind.

There are several symbolic meanings about the Surya Dev with seven horses in the ancient texts of India.

The Ratha of Surya Dev is said to have twelve wheels which symbolize the 12 Zodiac signs and the 12 months in a year.

Legend Of Surya Dev / Ratha Saptami History

The day of Ratha Saptami is considered Surya Jayanti as Surya Dev was born to Rishi Kashyap and His wife Aditi on this day.

When Kashyap offered His gratitude to Lord Vishnu for the gift of a son, Lord Vishnu graciously told the holy sage that His son was an incarnation of Surya Dev.

Vishnuji informed Rishi Kashyap that His son belonged to everyone and was meant to shine His light on the living and non-living.

The Lord also said that sage Kashyap’s son would travel through each of the twelve Zodiac signs, dwelling one month in each of them, to complete an earth-year.

Therefore the Sun or Sun God is worshipped on Ratha Saptami to receive His blessings of good health, wealth and to shine in life.

Ratha Saptami Story/ Ratha Saptami Katha

The significance of Ratha Saptami is highlighted by the story of Ratha Saptami. Devotees observe fast/vrat on this day for 24 hours or from sunrise to sunset and have only one satvik meal.

The Ratha Saptami Katha is recited or heard during the Rathasapthami day, which show the importance of Ratha Saptami vrat and the significance of worshipping Lord Surya on this day.

Ratha Saptami Story I

Long ago there was a noble King named Yashovarma of Kamboj empire, who did not have a son to inherit his throne.

After praying and performing Yajnas, the king’s prayers were heard and he was blessed with a son.

But the child had a terminal illness.

King Yashovarma and his wife, the Queen were extremely sad and did not know what to do.

Once a wise sage came to visit the king and on seeing his dilemma advised that his son should perform the Ratha Saptami Puja, with the sankalpa (intention) of healing his disease.

On the following Ratha Saptami, the son of King Yashovarma did exactly as was advised by the holy sage and was miraculously healed of the fatal disease.

He grew up to be a good king and excellent ruler and lived a happy life.

Ratha Saptami Story II

Once Durvasa Muni visited Lord Krishna.

Shambh, Lord Krishna’s son was physically very powerful and had a fit body.

Durvasa Muni was physically frail at that time as He was practicing rigorous penance. The story narrates that Shambh laughed at the weak body of Durvasa Muni which angered the sage immensely and He cursed Shambh to develop leprosy.

Durvasa was famous for His anger and curses and His curse manifested.

Shambh suffered from leprosy which did not heal with any treatment.

Seeing Shambh’s condition, Lord Krishna advised him to worship Surya Dev.

The vrat katha specifies that Shambh worshipped the Sun God with sincerity and dedication each day and observed vrat on Rath Saptami.

His devotion pleased Surya Dev and Shambh was healed of leprosy.

Ratha Saptami Pooja Vidhanam/ Rathasaptami Pooja

Traditionally on Rathasapthami Surya Dev is worshipped by taking bath in river or canal and offering Arghya to Surya Dev.

The Ark plant has special significance in worship of Sun God as per Vedic rituals, as the Arka flower represents Surya Dev.

Donating to the needy on Ratha Saptami festival holds prime importance as it liberates devotees from sins and leads to Moksha.

Rathasapthami Pooja Vidhanam(Vidhi)

Wake up before sunrise and pray or meditate.
Take bath in river/sea/canal before sunrise. Holding Arka plant leaves on the head while taking bath in the water body is considered highly rewarding as it pleases Surya Dev. If this is not possible, then later after taking bath keep the Ark leaves on head and meditate on Surya Dev.
At Arunodaya, just at Sunrise, offer Arghya to Surya Dev in a standing posture. Arghya is offering water to Surya Dev along with chanting of Surya Mantras or Ratha Spatami Stotra. Devotees can stand in the water of the river and offer water to Sun God by collecting water in their cupped hands and then letting it flow out from the front of the Namaskar posture of hands. It is important to look directly at the Sun through the water while offering it. The other way is to offer Arghya from a copper pot. Copper metal is associated with Surya Dev.
After this, light a Ghee lamp, offer red flower, Kumkum and Turmeric powder, Gud(jaggery), Janeu(sacred thread of Brahmans) along with other Puja samagri, to the Sun God while chanting mantras of Surya Dev.
Doing Surya Namaskar ( 11 Yoga postures) on Ratha Saptami has its significance.
Bow down to Sun God with devotion and faith and pray from your heart.
Donate liberally to the needy with pure intentions.

Ratha Saptami Pooja at Home

Surya Dev is worshipped regularly in most Hindu homes, every morning by offering water and chanting the Gayatri Mantra or any of the Surya mantras. The blessings of the powerful Sun God is essential in every individual’s life. Ratha Saptami gives us the opportunity to show our gratitude to the nurturing Surya Dev with seven horses. As taking a bath in the river, sea, canal is not possible for most devotees, Ratha Saptami pujan can be done at home. Ratha Saptami rituals at home are different in the various states and regions of India, with the common factor of offering Arghya to Surya Dev. The offerings of fruit or food should be done on a copper plate or bowl.
Wake up in the Brahma Muhurta on the day of Rathasaptami and meditate or pray.
Take bath before sunrise to be free of ailments and diseases on this day. You can add a few drops of the holy Gangajal to your bucket of water. Place leaves of Arka/ Ekka plant on top your head and hold it with one hand while pouring water on yourself with the other hand. You can chant this mantra while taking bath;

Gangge Ca Yamune Cai[a-E]va Godaavari Sarasvati |
Narmade Sindhu Kaaveri Jale-[A]smin Sannidhim Kuru ||

After this wear fresh clothes and start the puja by first invoking Lord Ganesh. Recite the Adityahridaya Stotra, Suryasahasranamam or listen to it.
At Sunrise offer Arghya to Surya Dev. Fill a copper pot with water and place a red flower in it. Now, face the rising Sun and look directly at it. Hold the pot with your hands clasping it in the Namaskar mudra. Stretch your hand in such a way that when you pour the water from the pot, you can see the Sun through the water. Chant Surya Mantra while performing Arghya.
Surya Mantras – “Om Suryaye Namah” or “Om Ghrini Surya Aditya”
Doing the Surya Namaskar (11 Yoga postures) on this day is especially beneficial.
In front of Surya Dev’s idol or picture in your puja alter, arrange all the required Puja samagri and perform the Puja with devotion. Light a Ghee diya, first worship Lord Ganesh. Then offer Kumkum or Lal Chandan and Turmeric powder to the seven horses of the Surya Ratha, red flower, like Hisbiscus (Jaswanti, Gudhal) and Lotus to the Lord. Akshat mixed with turmeric, Betel nut and leaves, Coconut, Gud(Jaggery), sugar cane, five seasonal fruit, sweets, red cloth, red flag etc. are also offered to Lord Aditya to appease Him. Perform the puja while chanting any of the Surya mantras or Gayatri Mantra.
Perform Aarti along with other family members by singing Surya Dev’s hymns.
Bow down with gratitude.
Donate to the needy with a happy heart.

In the southern states of India Kolam, comprising of the seven colours of rainbow, are drawn at homes on Rathasapthami.

Cowdung cake is burnt in the centre of the Kolam design and boiled milk is offered to Surya Dev.

Ratha Saptami Puja Benefits

Worshipping Surya Dev on Ratha Saptami by meticulously following the Vedic rituals is meritorious and brings significant benefits on physical, mental and emotional levels.
Rathasaptami Pooja heals diseases and ailments, especially skin diseases, eyesight or any problems of the eye. It boosts immunity and blood circulation and grants good health.
Ratha Saptami Puja dissolves sins of this life time and past life times. It paves the path to liberating the soul from the cycle of birth and death.
Worshipping Surya Dev on Ratha Saptami is said to be favourable for those who desire to have a son.
It bestows energy, vitality, power, confidence, and a radiant personality.
Surya Dev blesses with wealth, success, name, fame, sharpens intellect, enhances wisdom, will power, leadership qualities. It provides victory in challenges.
Ratha Saptami Pujan helps to progress in one’s spiritual journey, brings peace, harmony, protects from negative energies and keeps one charged with hope, joy and positivity.
Worshipping Surya Dev blesses with mental clarity, brilliance, reduces tension and anxiety and ensures overall wellbeing of devotees.
Performing the Rathasapthami Puja vidhanam properly and chanting the Ratha Saptami Stotram clearly while worshipping Surya Dev helps to manifest desires.

Ratha Saptami Mantra

Surya Beej Mantra

।। ॐ ह्रां ह्रीं ह्रौं सः सूर्याय नमः ।।
Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sahh Suryay Namah
Surya Mantra for good health:

Namah Suryaya Shantaya Sarvaroga Nivaarine,
Ayurarogya Maisvairyam Dehi Devah Jagatpate

ओम नम: सूर्याय शान्ताय सर्वरोग निवारिणे।
आयुररोग्य मैस्वैर्यं देहि देव: जगत्पते।।

Surya Mantras

Om Suryaye Namah
ॐ सूर्याय नमः।।

Om Ghrini Surya Aditya
ऊँ घृणि: सूर्य आदित्य

Om Japa Kusuma Sankaasham
Kaashya Peyam Mahaa Dyutim |
Tamorim Sarva Papaghnam
Pranathosmi Divakaram ||
ॐ जपाकुसुमसंकाशं काश्यपेयं महाद्युतिम्
तमोरिं सर्वपापघ्नं प्रणतोस्मि दिवाकरम्

Adityahridhayam Mantra

।। आदित्यहृदयं पुण्यं सर्वशत्रुविनाशनम्
जयावहं जपं नित्यमक्षयं परमं शिवम् ।।

Aditya Hridhaya Punyam Sarva Shatru Vinashanam
Jayaavaham Japenithyam Akshayam Paramam Shivam

The Adityahridaya Stotra is a hymn in praise of the Sun God and comprises of 31 verses.

It is said that chanting or repeatedly listening to the Adityahridaya Stotra in the morning on Ratha Saptami can charge you with energy,

enthusiasm and will power to accomplish any work you want to complete.

Vedic Rituals and Significance of Ratha Saptami

What is Ratha Saptami and why is it celebrated?

Ratha Saptami or Rathasapthami (Sanskrit: रथसप्तमी or Magha Saptami) is a Hindu festival that falls on the seventh day (Saptami) in the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month Magha.

The Sun God Surya turns his Ratha (Chariot) drawn by seven horses (representing seven colours) towards the northern hemisphere, in a north-easterly direction on this day.

It also marks the birth of Surya and hence celebrated as Surya Jayanti (the Sun-god’s birthday).

God Vishnu in his form as Surya (the Sun-God) is usually worshipped on this day

Spiritual Significance of Ratha Saptami

Lord Surya is seen riding a chariot pulled by 7 horses.

Ratha is nothing but our mind, and the horses are nothing but thoughts.

We have all noticed how our thoughts pull our mind in various directions.

Ratha Saptami is all about having pure and righteous thoughts (horses) that pulls the mind (chariot) towards divinity.

Surya (Sun) is currently on his uttarayan transit which is the path towards divinity and this is the time when he gains momentum towards the divine.

Ratha Saptami Rituals

It is said that taking a ritualistic bath on this day before Sunrise during Brahma Muhurta (1.5 one hours before sunrise) can help eliminate illness in our lives.

It can cleanse us from any sins or wrong doings we may have committed knowingly or unknowingly, not just from this lifetime but from all our lifetimes put together!

Wake up before Brahma Muhurta.
Before you put your foot down chant the Bhumi Devi mantra 3 times. समुद्रवसने देवि पर्वतस्तनमण्डले । विष्णुपत्नि नमस्तुभ्यं पादस्पर्शं क्षमस्वमे ॥ Samudra-Vasane Devi Parvata-Stana-Mannddale | Vissnnu-Patni Namas-Tubhyam Paada-Sparsham Kssamasva-Me || meaning – (Oh Mother Earth) O Devi, You Who have the Ocean as Your Garments, and Mountains as Your Bosom, O Consort of Lord Vishnu, Salutations to You; Please Forgive my Touch of the Feet (on Earth, which is Your Holy Body). – Translation Credit – GreenMesg
While begining your shower chant this mantra – गङ्गे च यमुने चैव गोदावरि सरस्वति । नर्मदे सिन्धु कावेरि जलेऽस्मिन् संनिधिं कुरु ॥ Gangge Ca Yamune Cai[a-E]va Godaavari Sarasvati | Narmade Sindhu Kaaveri Jale-[A]smin Sannidhim Kuru ||
While taking shower please continue to chant the following mantra – “Sapta Sapta Maha Sapta | Sapta Dweepa Vasundhara | Sapta Arka Parna Madaya | Saptamyam Snanam Achareth ||” Note – If you have access to Arka leaves, then you can place 7 leaves on your head while you take your bath.
Meditate and chant your morning prayers.
Just during exact sunrise time listen to or chant the Aditya Hrudayam and perform Arghya to the Sun God. See below on how to perform Arghya.
Perform Sun Salutations
Meditate on the Suryashtakam chant.
Donate money to people who need it and to people with whom you do not have any connections. It has to be someone who you do not know and who may not repay you in any form. Good deeds done today gives multifold results.
Chant your personalized Surya Mantra based on the position of Sun in your natal chart.

How to perform Arghya to the Sun God

Take a copper vessel filled with water.
Add some red-colored flowers inside the water.
Stretch your hands with the copper vessel and gaze directly at the Sun.
Let the water flow out of the vessel and gaze at the sun through the flowing water.
Do it slowly and empty the water from the copper vessel.
While performing this arghya you can chant the Aditya Hrudayam stotram or simply chant – “Aum Suryaya Namah” or “Aum Ghrini Surya Aditya”.

The 12 Dwaadasa Adityas

Kasyapa the father of Surya bowed before the Supreme God, saying, “Bhagavan, our son is the precious gift of your grace to Aditi and me.

Bless him with a name of your choosing.”

Lord Vishnu said, “Kasyapa, my gift belongs not only to you and your wife, but to all animate and inanimate creation.

Your son is the incarnation of Surya, the foremost of the Navagrahas.

He will rule the planets as he moves through the twelve signs of the zodiac.

Your son, Surya, will move through these dozen signs of the zodiac over a period of twelve months, or one human year.

He will reside for one month in every sign, or raasi. In each raasi, he will be known by a different name – these twelve names will be collectively called the Dwaadasa Aadityas.”

Visnu pronounced the first name as Dhaata, followed by Aryama, Mitra and Sakra. Brahma continued Varuna, Amsumanta, Bhaga, Vivasvan.

Lord Shiva continued Pusha, Savitru, Twashta, Vishnu.

Navagraha Purana

Navagraha Mantra for Surya by Veda Vyasa

Japaakusuma Sankaasam kaasyapeyam mahaadyutim Tamorim sarva paapaghnam pranatosmi Divaakaram!

I offer my salutations to Divaakara (Surya), who shines like the japa flower, who is the son of Kasyapa, who is resplendent, who is the enemy of darkness, and who is the destroyer of all sins.

About Ratha Saptami

Ratha Saptmi is a very auspicious day for Hindus which is observed every year.

“Ratha” means chariot and “Saptami” means “the seventh day“

Ratha Saptami is a Hindu festival.

The day falls on the seventh day in the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month Maagha.

Therefore, this day is also known as Magha Saptami.

It represents the seventh day following the Sun’s northerly movement (Uttarayana) of vernal equinox starting from Capricorn (Makara).

Importance of Surya (also known as Aditya, Bhanu and Ravi) in Hinduism

Sun is considered as the most significant element in the Hindu mythology and astrology. Surya represents will power, fame, courage, authority and bravery.

He is the lord of three nakshatras : Krittika, Uttara Phalguni and Uttara Ashadha.

He is at the centre of all nine planets and all the planets revolve around him.

Story behind Ratha Saptami

There was a king who had a son. King used to be very tensed and worried because his son used to be ill most of the time.

Then, the king decided to get advice from someone so that the health of son could be cured.

A very learned man told the king that the reason behind his son’s illness is the Karma i.e. his past deeds.

Learned man suggested him to perform prayers to Lord Sun and to perform rituals on the day of Ratha Saptami.

This will help him in curing his son’s health.

His son followed the advice and offered praying to Lord Sun.

He got free from all the sins and negativities

What do to on Ratha Saptami

One should to Lord Surya after taking bath during Arunodaya.

Offer prayers to Lord Sun by reciting or chanting Aditya Hridayam, Surya Ashtakam, Surya Shathakam, Aruna Parayanam, Vedam.

One should offer flowers and water to Lord Sun.

By observing fast on this day when can free him from sins and can eliminate negativities from life.

Worshipping Lord Sun on Sunday is recommended as a good source of attaining wealth, good health and eliminating obstacles.

Ratha Saptami

Ratha Saptami the Indian festival is dedicated to Lord Surya, is one of the major festivals of India.

Ratha Saptami is one of the intrinsic festivals which remain to be dedicated to Lord Surya.

Shukla Paksha Saptami which is celebrated in the Magha month is known as Ratha Saptami or Magha saptami.

Myth has it that, Lord Surya Dev started enlightening the whole world on Ratha Saptami day which was considered as birthday of God Surya as well as Surya Jayanti.

Belief and Rituals associated with Ratha Saptami
Ratha Saptami is a highly auspicious day which is ruefully considered as holy and divine and blessed for the act of Surya Grahan and Dan-Punya activities.

The worshipping of Surya and keeping fast on this day landmark day ensures the abolishing of all sins.

Mortal world proclaims that seven types of sins are done, knowingly, unknowingly, by words, by body, by mind, in current birth and in previous births which is collectively and unanimously purged by worshipping Lord Surya on this day.

On Ratha Saptami one should take bath during Arunodaya.

Ratha Saptami Snan is one of the important rituals and is suggested during Arunodaya only.

Arunodaya period prevails for four Ghatis before sunrise.

Indulging in the holy bath before sunrise during Arunodaya keeps one healthy and free from all types of ailments and diseases.

Because of this belief, Ratha Saptami is also known as Arogya Saptami.

Taking bath in water body like river, canal is preferred over taking bath at home.

After taking bath one should worship Lord Surya during sunrise by offering Ardhyadan to Him.

Ardhyadan is performed by slowly offering water to Lord Surya from small Kalash with folded hand in Namaskar Mudra while facing Lord Sun in standing position.

After this one should light Deepak of pure Ghee and worship Sun God with Kapoor, Dhup, and red flowers.

By doing morning Snan, Dan-Punya and Ardhyadan to Suryadev one is bestowed with long life, good health and prosperity.

For the “munj” (thread) ceremony the boy is made to stand facing the sun, and the priest makes the following prayer, “Oh Sun, this is your student.

Protect him, and give him a long life.” After the “munj” ceremony every day in the evening the Gayatri mantra must be recited.

This mantra is given great importance:
“God is the mover of this world.

The shining brilliance of God is the most exalted and the most difficult to describe.

This brilliance is liked by everybody. We meditate upon such brilliance.

We bring it to our mind. May this God, who is the sun, inspire our intellect and our devotional meditation and may the recitation of this Gayatri illumine our intellect.”

The sun is imagined to be a chariot drawn by seven horses, which represent the seven colours of the rainbow.

The charioteer, Arun, has his feet deformed.

Arunoday means the dawn.

On this day some people go to take bath in the river before dawn carrying a lamp on their head.

Then in the courtyard in front of the house the sun is worshipped.

A picture of the chariot and the seven horses is drawn on the ground.

On the four sides “rangoli” is made (designs made with powders) and in the centre cow dung is burnt.

Then on the stove milk is boiled in earthen vessels while facing the sun.

When the milk boils it is believed it reaches the sun.

Then an offering of “khir” made of wheat is shown to the sun.

In the “sup” (basket for sifting corn) twelve heaps of grain is offered to the sun, the number corresponding to the twelve constellations through which the sun goes.

Grain is offered to the brahmins.

Some people show their respect to the sun by bowing twelve times every day to the sun, repeating every time one of the twelve names of the sun.

These twelve names are: Mitra, Ravi, Surya, Ahanu, Khag, Pushan, Hirnyagarbha, Marichi, Aditya, Savita, Arka, and Bhaskar.

On this day a new season begins, the sun sitting on his chariot sets out on his journey.

Myth Related to Ratha Saptami
It is from ancient times that men have attributed divinity to the sun.

Histories of ancient India reveal such dichotomy.

Time changed and men have chosen the mediums to portray such.

It was in the country of Kamboj where a king named Yashovarma resided.

Tainted by religiosity he was the example of a mighty ruler in whose kingdom arid happiness prevailed.

But time showcased his paramount influence on him and the reflections of grey overshadowed his mighty spirit.

As he was without an offspring the country was without an heir to the throne.

Finally God heard his prayer and the king got a son. But the son was very sickly.

All remedies were tried but the boy would not be cured.

One day a Muni named Vinit came to the palace.

He was a very learned Muni and knew the three times (“tricalgnani“), which means that he knew the past, the present, and the future.

So the king asked the Muni when his son would get alright.

Muni Vinit remained with his eyes closed for a while.

Then he said to the king, “Your son is sick because in his previous life he was very rich, but never gave any alms and used his wealth for himself only.”
King Yashovarma asked, “If he was a sinner, how is it that he was born the son of a king?”
Muni Vinit replied, “Yes, he was a sinner in his previous life.

But once with his eyes he saw the “puja” (worship) of Rath Saptami.

With this he acquired the merit needed to be born of a royal family.”
“So, will not his sickness disappear by a similar act of merit?” King Yashovarma eagerly asked.
“Yes, make him observe the vow of ‘Rath Saptami’ and his sickness will completely disappear.”

Then Mimi Vinit gave the king information about Rath Saptami and by the merit of this vow the King’s son was liberated from his disease.

Importance of Radhasapthami
Radhasapthami is an auspicious festival celebrated by Hindus and it is dedicated to Lord Suryanarayana.

It is during this time that Surya/Sun moves from the southeast to the northeast.

We worship Lord Suryanarayana for better health and well-being.

Radhasapthami is symbolic of the change of season to spring and the start of the harvesting season.

For most Indian farmers, it is an auspicious beginning of the New harvest Year.

The festival is observed by all Hindus in their houses and in innumerable temples dedicated to Surya, across India.

In, this day falls on Feb 6th.

These are called Uttarayanam(the first half of the year) and Dakshinayanam(the second half of the year).

The first half is considered most auspicious than the second half of the year.

This is the day that Surya was born to sage Kashyapa and his wife Adithi.

Significance
Surya is considered as an important god because he is the source of life.

That’s why he is placed in the center of navagrahas (nine planets).

Scientists found out that sun is the center of all nine planets and all of them orbit around the sun.

Our sages found out this truth thousands of years ago and mentioned at several places in the Hindu scriptures.

In fact, the characteristics of the sun and all the nine planets have been clearly described in the Vedas.

One can identify these characteristics in the “navagraha manthra”, and are similar to what the NASA scientist described in their research findings.

This is a great testimony to state that many aspects of Hindu faith are scientifically important.

What should we do
As the lord is the Sun god himself we should wake up early in the morning before sunrise, bathe and offer abolitions to the Lord.

Women put rangoli with a representation of Sun God with 7 horses in a chariot in front of their homes.

Eurkkam Leaf (Arka Leaf) is another important aspect in this day.

Married women will take holy bath by placing 7 erukkam leaves on their body along with a pinch of turmeric and pacharisi (Raw rice) on top of the leaf.

One leaf is kept on the head, two on the shoulders, two on the knees and two on the foot while having a bath.

Men will take bath with only erukkam leaves and rice without turmeric.

Importance of Worshipping Suryanarayana in the Scriptures
Many people worship Surya because he is called as “Aarogya and Aishwarya Datha” (provider of health and wealth).

Surya is worshipped early in the morning while fresh sunrays emerge.

It is believed and proven that exposure to fresh sunrays rejuvenate energy, and purify the mind and body.

That’s why many Hindus do suryanamaskaras (12 postures of prostrating to Surya) early morning when sunrays are fresh. Scientifically also it is recommended that there are many benefits of getting exposed to early morning sun.

Sthotras and prayers
Vedas provided us with sthothras like Aditya Hridayam, Surya Ashtakam, Surya Shathakam, etc. and reciting them will bring lot of benefits to people in terms health, wealth and success.

In Taittareeya Aaranyakam there is Aruna Prashna which is one of the powerful chanting’s associated with praying to Surya.

In fact, sage Agasthya advised Lord Rama to worship Surya to win the war against Ravana.

Sage Agasthya gives Lord Rama Aditya Hridayam upadesha(teaching) before the war began.
Naivedyam or offerings
After the prayers people worship to Lord Surya and prepare Chakkara Pongal ( sweet rice) and Vadas for naivedyam along with coconuts, beetle leaves and banana and fruits.
Suryashtakam Pattennithyam Graha Peeda Pranashanam
Aputhro Labhathe Puthram Daridro Dhanavaan Bhaveth

Ratha Saptami, Festival of Hindus

Ratha Saptami is a hindu festival that comes on the seventh day of the bright half of the Magh month. The Sun is worshipped on this day.

The sun is imagined to be a chariot drawn by seven horses, which represent the seven colours of the rainbow.

The charioteer, Arun, has his feet deformed.

Arun means the dawn.

On this day some people go to take bath in the river before dawn carrying a lamp on their head.

Then in the courtyard in front of the house the sun is worshipped.

A picture of the chariot and the seven horses is drawn on the ground.

On the four sides ‘rangoli’ is made (designs made with powders) and in the centre cow dung is burnt.

Then on the stove milk is boiled in earthen vessels while facing the sun.

When the milk boils it is believed it reaches the sun.

Then an offering of ‘khir’ made of wheat is shown to the Sun.

In the ‘sup’ (basket for sifting corn) twelve heaps of grain are offered to the sun, the number corresponding to the twelve constellations through which the sun goes.

Grain is offered to the brahmins.

Some people show their respect to the sun by bowing twelve times every day to the sun, repeating every time one of the twelve names of the sun.

These twelve names are: Mitra, Ravi, Surya, Ahanu, Khag, Pushan, Hirnyagarbha, Marichi, Aditya, Savita, Arka, and Bhaskar.

On this day a new season begins, the sun sitting on his chariot sets out on his journey.

Legends

In the country of Kamboj there was a king named Yashovarma.

He was a religious minded ruler, arid happiness prevailed in his kingdom.

But the king had become old and had no children.

He prayed to God to give him a son.

Finally God heard his prayer and the king got a son.

But the son was very sickly.

All remedies were tried but the boy would not be cured.

One day a Muni named Vinit came to the palace.

He was a very learned Muni and knew the three times (‘tricalgnani’), which means that he knew the past, the present, and the future.

So the king asked the Muni when his son would get alright.

Muni Vinit remained with his eyes closed for a while.

Then he said to the king, ‘Your son is sick because in his previous life he was very rich, but never gave any alms and used his wealth for himself only.’

King Yashovarma asked, ‘If he was a sinner, how is it that he was born the son of a king?’

Muni Vinit replied, Yes, he was a sinner in his previous life.

But once with his eyes he saw the ‘puja’ (worship) of Rath Saptami.

With this he acquired the merit needed to be born of a royal family.

So, will not his sickness disappear by a similar act of merit?

King Yashovarma eagerly asked.
Yes, make him observe the vow of Rath Saptami and his sickness will completely disappear.

Then Mimi Vinit gave the king information about Rath Saptami and by the merit of this vow the King’s son was liberated from his disease.

The Gayatri Mantra

From ancient times men have attributed divinity to the sun.

For the munj (thread) ceremony the boy is made to stand facing the sun, and the priest makes the following prayer, Oh Sun, this is your student. Protect him, and give him a long life.

After the munj ceremony every day in the evening the Gayatri mantra must be recited.

This mantra is given great importance:

God is the mover of this world.