Ratha Saptami, also known as Magha Saptami, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Surya, the Sun God. It falls on the seventh day (Saptami) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Magha. In 2025, Ratha Saptami will be observed on Tuesday, February.
Significance and Rituals
Ratha Saptami symbolizes the beginning of spring and marks the northern movement of the Sun (Uttarayana), which is considered an auspicious time for farmers as it heralds the start of the harvesting season. The festival is also celebrated as Surya Jayanti, signifying the birthday of Lord Surya. Devotees believe that worshipping Surya on this day brings health, wealth, and prosperity.
Key Rituals
Early Morning Worship: Devotees wake up before sunrise to take a holy bath and offer prayers to Lord Surya. It is customary to perform rituals facing the rising sun.
Use of Erukkam Leaves: Women often bathe with seven Erukkam leaves placed on their bodies, symbolizing purification and health.
Special Offerings: Traditional offerings include sweet rice (Chakkara Pongal), fruits, and other delicacies.
Observations
The day is marked by various rituals in temples dedicated to Surya, with special processions and pujas. For instance, at prominent temples like Tirupati, elaborate celebrations take place involving processions with deities carried on different vehicles (vahanas) throughout the temple premises.
Significance of the chariot (Ratha) in the Ratha Saptami celebrations
The chariot, or Ratha, holds significant symbolic meaning in the celebrations of Ratha Saptami, reflecting both spiritual and cultural dimensions of the festival. Here are the key aspects of its significance:
Symbolism of the Chariot in Ratha Saptami
Representation of Lord Surya:
The chariot symbolizes Lord Surya (the Sun God) himself, who is depicted as riding a radiant chariot drawn by seven horses. These horses represent the seven colors of light and the seven days of the week, emphasizing the Sun’s vital role in daily life and timekeeping.
Journey Towards the Northern Hemisphere:
Ratha Saptami marks the beginning of Surya’s journey towards the northern hemisphere, known as Uttarayana. This transition is associated with the arrival of spring and signifies renewal and growth, which are crucial for agricultural communities.
Celestial Movement:
The chariot’s movement is seen as a representation of the Sun’s path across the sky, with its 12 wheels symbolizing the 12 zodiac signs, each representing a month in the lunar calendar. This connection highlights the cyclical nature of time and seasons in Hindu cosmology.
What are the key rituals performed during Ratha Saptami?
Ratha Saptami involves several key rituals that are performed by devotees to honor Lord Surya, the Sun God. Here are the primary rituals associated with this auspicious day:
Key Rituals of Ratha Saptami
Early Morning Bath:
Devotees wake up before sunrise to take a ritual bath during the auspicious period known as Arunodaya. This bath is believed to purify the body and ward off diseases for the upcoming year. In some traditions, seven Arka leaves are placed on different parts of the body during the bath to symbolize purification.
Surya Puja (Worship of the Sun):
After bathing, devotees perform Surya Puja by placing an idol or image of Lord Surya on a clean altar. They offer water (known as Arghya) to the rising sun while chanting mantras such as the Aditya Hridayam. This act is performed while standing in a respectful posture, facing the sun.
Lighting Lamps and Offering Prayers:
Lighting a diya (oil lamp) using pure ghee is customary during the worship. Other offerings include flowers, incense sticks, and camphor, along with chanting specific prayers to seek blessings for health and prosperity.
Rangoli and Decorations:
Devotees often create colorful rangolis or kolams, especially designs depicting Lord Surya in his chariot with seven horses. This artistic expression adds vibrancy to the celebrations.
Fasting:
Many devotees observe a fast throughout the day, consuming only fruits or simple vegetarian meals until sunset. This fasting is seen as an act of devotion and discipline.
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