Grand Celebrations of Ratha Saptami

The Sun’s Birthday

Hindus in India love grand celebrations. And if the occasion happens to be the birthday of a god or goddess, it becomes all the more grand. Ratha Saptami is one such occasion. It is the birthday of Suryadev or the Sun God. It is also called Surya Jayanthi or Magha Saptami as it occurs in Magha month (Jan-Feb).

The Sun has the status of a deity in many cultures as it is the source of light, heat, and energy. Life cannot thrive on earth without the Sun. So people, especially in agricultural societies, worshipped the Sun since ancient times. Even the Rig Veda talks of the importance of the Sun.

Surya was born to Sage Kashyapa and his wife, Aditi. Legends say that he was born to destroy the demons who were tormenting the gods in heaven. They also say that he illuminated the entire earth on the day he was born.

Significance of Surya

In images, Surya stands on a Rath or chariot drawn by seven steeds and driven by his charioteer, Aruna. The seven days represent the7 days of the week and also the 7 colors of the rainbow. His chariot has 12 wheels representing the 12 zodiac signs. In Vedic Astrology, the Sun is the king of the planets. He signifies power, fame, authority, father, soul, and leadership.

Draupadi in the Mahabharata and Lord Rama in the Ramayana worshipped the Sun. Rama worshipped the Sun for victory in his war against the demon king, Ravana.

When the Sun is well-positioned in the horoscope, the native will attain great heights in life. If not, he will face many struggles, have problems with the government and higher authorities, and also suffer poor health. Hence, people worship the Sun for his blessings and favors.

Ratha Saptami marks the beginning of the spring season. Ratha denotes chariot, and Saptami means the seventh. The festival falls on the 7th day of Shukla paksha (bright half) in Magha month. During this time, the Sun God turns his chariot towards the northern direction. This marks the Sun’s journey towards the northern hemisphere. This is supposedly the dawn of the gods and also the beginning of the harvesting season.

Interesting facts about the Sun

Supposedly, ‘Lord Yama and Shani as well as the female deities, Tapi and Yami, were created from the Sun. The Planets and ‘Nakshatra-loka’, Shani-loka, and Graha-loka were created from the Sun. The Sudarshan-chakra, Suryastra, etc., were also created from him. He has imparted his radiance to these divine weapons. Apart from emitting light and energy, the Sun is also believed to emit huge amounts of Chaitanya/Divine Consciousness. This gives power to many souls for practicing sadhana or spirituality.

Ratha Saptami Rituals

On this day, Hindus worship the Sun God early in the morning and also recite Mantras and Slokas like the Surya Ashtakam, Surya Shatakam, Gayatri Mantra, Adityahridayam, and Surya Sahasranama. Good deeds done on this day can yield manifold results. Women draw a Rangoli depicting the Sun God on his chariot in front of their houses. People also do Arghyadan, the ritual of offering water to the Sun. When they take a bath, they perform a ritual using erukkam or arka leaves on their body. People boil milk in clay pots kept in the courtyard. It is then used to make prasad and offered to the Sun God.

Many also perform Suryanamaskaram comprising 12 sun salutation postures on this day in the morning to gain Surya’s blessings.

Many special rituals like Surya Homa and Ratha Saptami Pooja are performed at temples on this day. Nava Graha Homa and Mahamrityunjaya Homa are also performed. The chariot of Lord Surya is taken out in procession as well.

On the day of Ratha Sapthami, there is a one-day Brahmotsavam in Tirumala. On this occasion, the presiding deity, Lord Malayappa Swamy, and his divine consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi, are taken in a procession in Thiru Mada streets. The deities encircle the shrine of Balaji on seven different vahanams/vehicles. Hence, this day is called Mini-Brahmotsavam in Tirumala. Grand celebrations are also held at the Mallikarjun Temple, Sri Manguz temple, etc.

Benefits of celebrating Ratha Saptami

It is said that 7 types of sins committed knowingly or unknowingly in our past and present births can be eradicated by worshipping the Sun on this day. Also, one will be blessed with long life, good health, wisdom, prosperity, and salvation/Moksha. Taking a sacred bath on Ratha Saptami is said to cure one of diseases. Lord Surya is the giver of Aarogyam/Health) and Aishwaryam/Wealth. In fact, Ratha Saptami is also known as Aarogya Saptami. Worshipping Him in the early morning can energize and purify our minds and bodies. Exposure to the early morning sun, as per science, has many health benefits.