Ratha Saptami

 

Saptami Tithi is dedicated to Lord Surya. Shukla Paksha Saptami in Magha month is known as Ratha Saptami or Magha Saptami. It is believed that Lord Surya Dev started enlightening the whole world on Ratha Saptami day which was considered as birth day of God Surya. Hence this day is also known as Surya Jayanti. 
Ratha Saptami is highly auspicious day and it is considered as auspicious as Surya Grahan for Dan-Punya activities. By worshipping Lord Surya and observing fast on this day one can get rid of all type of sins. It is believed that seven types of sins done, knowingly, unknowingly, by words, by body, by mind, in current birth and in previous births are 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 (approx. one and half hour for Indian locations if we consider one Ghati duration as 24 minutes) before sunrise. Taking 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. DrikPanchang.com lists Arunodaya period and sunrise time for most cities across the globe. 
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. 
This day is also known as Achala Saptami. 

The Saptami Tithi (seventh lunar day) is dedicated to Lord Surya or the Sun God as it is believed that Lord Surya enlightened the world on Ratha Saptami which is His birth day. Hence this day is sometimes also known as Surya Jayanti. Ratha Saptami is a highly auspicious day good activities. Worship and fasting on this day gets rid of all sins. It is believed that seven types of sins committed knowingly, unknowingly, by words, by body, by mind, in this and previous births are expunged by worship on this day. This day is also known as Achala Saptami. 

On Ratha Saptami devotees bathe before sunrise during the time known as Arunodaya which is about an hour and a half before sunrise. It is believed to keep one healthy and free from all types of ailments. After the bath the ritual of offering water facing the Sun which is called Ardhyadan is performed followed by lighting a ghee lamp and worshipping the Sun  camphor, incense and red flowers. Performing this bestows the devotee with longivity, good health and prosperity. 

 

Temples for Lord Surya

Suryanar Temple



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