Ratha Saptami Festival of Worshiping Lord Sun : Date time and Significance

Ratha Saptami, also known as Surya Jayanti, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated across India with devotion and enthusiasm. It marks the symbolic birth of the Sun God, Surya, and is considered an auspicious day to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Let’s explore this festival in detail, covering its history, traditions, and ways to celebrate.

What is Ratha Saptami?

Ratha Saptami is observed on the seventh day (Saptami) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Magha, typically falling in January or February. The term “Ratha” means chariot, and the festival signifies Lord Surya’s journey on his seven-horse chariot, symbolizing the seven colors of light and days of the week. This day is believed to herald the beginning of the harvest season and is a significant occasion in agricultural communities.

History Behind the Celebration of Ratha Saptami

According to Hindu scriptures, Ratha Saptami commemorates the day Lord Surya, the Sun God, started enlightening the world. Mythological stories also associate this day with King Yashovarma, who was cured of a severe ailment by performing Ratha Saptami rituals dedicated to Lord Surya. This story underscores the festival’s connection to health and well-being.

The festival is also tied to the Rig Veda, where hymns praise Surya as the giver of life and remover of darkness. The day emphasizes the Sun’s role as a vital force sustaining life on Earth.

Ratha Saptami 2025 Date and Time

In 2025, Ratha Saptami falls on Tuesday, February 4. The specific time to perform rituals and pujas begins at sunrise and extends throughout the day. As per the Hindu calendar, observing rituals during the early morning hours is particularly auspicious. The auspicious time for the ritual bath (Snan Muhurat) is from 5:23 AM to 7:08 AM. The Saptami Tithi begins at 4:37 AM on February 4, 2025, and ends at 2:30 AM on February 5, 2025.

How to Celebrate Ratha Saptami

Celebrating Ratha Saptami involves devotion, rituals, and connecting with nature. Here’s a step-by-step guide to observing the festival:

1. Early Morning Bath

  • Devotees wake up before sunrise and take a ritualistic bath, often with water infused with bilva (bael) leaves or neem leaves.
  • In some regions, bathing with seven Arka leaves placed on the body is customary, symbolizing purification.

2. Surya Puja

  • Place a Surya idol or photo on a clean altar, adorn it with flowers, and light a diya (oil lamp).
  • Offer water (Arghya) to the rising sun while chanting Surya mantras like the “Aditya Hridayam”.

3. Rangoli and Decorations

  • Create vibrant rangolis, especially depicting a chariot with seven horses, symbolizing Surya’s vehicle.

4. Charity and Offering

  • Donating food, clothes, or money to the needy is considered virtuous.

5. Community Celebrations

  • In temples, special events and processions depict Surya’s chariot. Devotees participate in singing bhajans and reciting hymns.

What Do We Do on Ratha Saptami?

  1. Perform Surya Namaskar: Practicing the 12 postures of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) on this day is believed to energize the body and mind.
  2. Offer Special Prayers: Prayers to Surya Dev seek blessings for health, longevity, and prosperity.
  3. Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast, consuming only fruits or simple vegetarian meals.
  4. Lighting Lamps: Light lamps using ghee or sesame oil to symbolize enlightenment and dispelling ignorance.

Ratha Saptami Festival Celebrated in Which State?

Ratha Saptami is widely celebrated across India, but it holds particular importance in states like:

  1. Andhra Pradesh: Known for grand temple processions and elaborate rituals in Surya temples.
  2. Tamil Nadu: Devotees flock to temples like the Suryanar Kovil for special prayers.
  3. Karnataka: Homes and temples are adorned with intricate decorations and devotees perform Surya Namaskar.
  4. Maharashtra: Celebrated with Surya Arghya and charity.
  5. Odisha and West Bengal: Communities emphasize Surya worship and rituals.

What to Eat on Ratha Saptami?

Traditional dishes are an integral part of Ratha Saptami celebrations. Some popular foods include:

  • Sweet Pongal: A rice-based dessert made with jaggery, ghee, and cardamom.
  • Payasam (Kheer): Prepared with rice or millets, milk, and jaggery.
  • Rice Varieties: Lemon rice, tamarind rice, and curd rice are commonly made.
  • Fruits: Offerings include seasonal fruits like bananas and sugarcane.

These dishes are first offered to the deity as Naivedyam and then shared with family and friends.

read aalso : Pongal 2025: Dates, History, And Traditions You Should Know

Why is Ratha Saptami Important?

Ratha Saptami is not just a spiritual festival; it emphasizes the Sun’s scientific and symbolic significance:

  • Agricultural Significance: Marks the onset of the harvest season.
  • Health Benefits: Associated with sunlight’s role in promoting vitality and immunity.
  • Philosophical Aspect: Represents the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

User-Friendly Tips for Celebrating Ratha Saptami

  1. Plan Ahead: Prepare ingredients for puja and Naivedyam a day before.
  2. Eco-Friendly Celebrations: Use biodegradable decorations and natural dyes for rangoli.
  3. Engage Children: Involve younger family members in rituals and share stories about Surya Dev.
  4. Share Knowledge: Discuss the festival’s significance with friends and colleagues to spread awareness.

Conclusion

Ratha Saptami is a celebration of life, energy, and gratitude towards the Sun God, Surya. By observing this festival with devotion and understanding its deeper significance, we can align ourselves with the rhythms of nature and foster spiritual growth. Whether through rituals, food, or community participation, Ratha Saptami offers an opportunity to connect with our cultural roots and embrace positivity.

Celebrate Ratha Saptami this year with enthusiasm and reverence, and may the blessings of Surya Dev shine brightly on you and your family!

To Read this article in Hindi click here : रथ सप्तमी: सूर्य देव की आराधना का पावन पर्व, दिन, समय और महत्व

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