Significance and rituals of Ratha Saptami

Ratha Saptami ​is also known as Surya Jayanti or Magha Saptami. This year, it falls on Friday, February 19, 2021. Here is all you need to know about the festival.

On the day of Ratha Saptami, devotees get up before sunrise and take a holy bath. It is believed that taking a sacred bath during this time, will free a person from all illnesses and ailments and bestow good health. Therefore, the festival is also popularly known as 'Arogya Saptami'. Ratha Saptami is symbolic of the change of season to spring and the start of the harvesting season. For most Indian farmers, it is an auspicious beginning of the New Year. The festival is observed by all Hindus in their houses and in innumerable temples dedicated to Surya, across India

It is believed that on the day of Ratha Saptami, Lord Surya started enlightening the world and is also considered to be the birth day of the Sun God. The day is also known as Surya Jayanti at many places.

According to Hindu religion, the Sun God was born to Sage Kashyapa and Aditi on the Saptami Tithi of Magha, Shukla Paksha. Devotees worship the Sun God on this day and rise early to take a bath at sunrise. This ritual is one of the most crucial aspects of the holy day. They believe that one can get rid of all the sins they may have committed intentionally or unintentionally.

After the ritualistic holy dip, devotees offer water to the Sun God. They hold a kalasam (small pot) filled with water and gently tilt it towards him. After this, they light a lamp and offer incense and ignited camphor to the Sun God while chanting mantras dedicated to him. Devotees also chant Gayatri Mantra during this prayer.

There are legends that suggest that Lord Surya not only bestows wealth upon his devotees but also bestows upon them the boon of having a child or heir. It may be remembered that Karna of Mahabharatha was a boon to Kunti by Lord Surya.

May this festival bestow prosperity upon all readers!