BhaktiLoopRatha Saptami Puja for Lord Surya
Ratha Saptami, also known as Magha Saptami, Surya Jayanti, or Achala Saptami, is an important Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Surya. It falls on the seventh day (Saptami) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu calendar month of Magha. It is believed that Lord Surya was born on this day, and it marks the metaphorical change of direction of Surya's chariot, driven by Aruna, towards the Northern Hemisphere. This day symbolizes the onset of spring, increased sunlight, and renewed energy. Devotees observe specific rituals to honor the Sun God and receive his divine grace.
Purpose
To seek blessings for good health, prosperity, dispelling diseases, gaining vitality, spiritual enlightenment, and new beginnings. It marks the shift of the Sun's chariot towards the northern hemisphere, signifying the onset of spring and longer days.
Key Rituals
Arunodaya Snan (Holy Bath): Devotees wake up before sunrise and take a purifying bath, preferably in a river or sacred water body. It's common to place seven Arka (Madar) leaves, or sometimes also Jujube (Ber) leaves, on the head during the bath.
Arghyam (Water Offering): After bathing, devotees offer water (Arghyam) to the rising Sun. The offering is done by holding water in a copper vessel, adding red flowers (like hibiscus), red sandalwood (chandan), and rice, and offering it with folded hands while chanting Surya Mantras.
Lighting Lamps: Oil lamps (diyas) are lit, particularly facing the East direction.
Drawing Rangoli/Kolam: Auspicious patterns, especially depicting Lord Surya's chariot with seven horses, are drawn at the entrance of homes.
Surya Namaskaram: Performing the Surya Namaskaram (Sun Salutations) is an integral part of the Ratha Saptami puja, done facing the rising sun.
Recitation of Mantras and Stotrams: Chanting specific mantras for Lord Surya and reciting the 'Aditya Hrudayam Stotram' or 'Surya Ashtakam' is highly recommended.
Offerings: Traditional offerings include 'Payasam' (rice pudding made with jaggery and milk), wheat, rice, red flowers, coconut, and fruits.
Fasting: Many devotees observe a partial or full fast on this day, breaking it after the sunrise rituals.
Charity and Donations: Giving alms, clothes, or food to the needy, especially Brahmins, is considered highly meritorious.
Worship of other deities: Some also worship Lord Shiva and Vishnu on this day, as Lord Surya is considered an embodiment of these deities.
Common Offerings
Water (in a copper vessel)
Red Flowers (especially Hibiscus)
Red Sandalwood paste (Chandan)
Akshata (unbroken rice grains)
Jaggery (Gud)
Milk
Sesame Seeds (Til)
Fruits
Sweets (especially Payasam/Kheer)
Ghee lamps
Associated Mantras
Mantra 1
Mantra Text
Om Hram Hrim Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah
Meaning
Salutations to Lord Surya, the dispeller of darkness.
Benefits
This is the Surya Beej Mantra, chanted for health, vitality, success, and removal of obstacles.
Mantra 2
Mantra Text
Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah, Tat Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
Meaning
We meditate on the adorable glory of the Divine Light of the Vivifier, Savitri. May he enlighten our intellects.
Benefits
This is the Gayatri Mantra, a universal prayer for wisdom, enlightenment, protection, and purification.
Mantra 3
Mantra Text
Aditya Hrudayam Stotram (Recitation)
Meaning
A powerful hymn in praise of Lord Surya, narrated by Sage Agastya to Lord Rama.
Benefits
Recitation bestows victory over enemies, dispels fear, provides protection, boosts confidence, and improves health and vitality.
Auspicious Days
Ratha Saptami (Seventh day of the bright half of Magha month - Magha Shukla Saptami)
Regional Variations
Ratha Saptami is celebrated across India with regional nuances: - **Andhra Pradesh & Telangana:** Celebrated with great fervor, especially at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, where Lord Venkateswara is taken out in a procession on seven different vahanas (vehicles) throughout the day. - **Odisha:** Celebrated as 'Magha Saptami' or 'Chandrabhaga Mela' at Konark Sun Temple, where devotees take a holy dip in the Chandrabhaga River. - **Karnataka:** Known as 'Surya Jayanti' or 'Ratha Saptami'. - **Tamil Nadu:** Celebrated as 'Surya Pongal' (though distinct from the main Pongal festival, it often involves special reverence for Surya on this day, or certain harvest rituals are tied to it).
Related Pujas
Surya Namaskaram (daily practice)
Aditya Hrudayam Stotram (daily recitation)
Gayatri Mantra Japa (daily recitation)
Chhath Puja (another significant festival dedicated to Lord Surya, primarily in Bihar and Eastern UP)
Makar Sankranti / Pongal (harvest festivals that also honor Lord Surya for abundant crops)