Ratha Saptami, also known as Ratha Sapthami, is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. It usually falls in January or February, on the seventh day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Magha according to the Hindu calendar. The festival is celebrated with great fervor in various parts of India, particularly in South India.
The main ritual involves taking a holy dip in rivers or other sacred water bodies, offering prayers, and performing rituals to honor the Sun God. Devotees believe that observing this festival and performing the rituals with devotion can bring health, wealth, and prosperity.
In some places, special processions are held with decorated chariots (ratha), which is why the festival is also known as "Ratha" Saptami. The day is considered auspicious for starting new ventures and for seeking the blessings of the Sun God. Ratha Saptami, also known as Magha Saptami, is a Hindu festival dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. It usually falls on the seventh day (Saptami) of the bright half of the Hindu month of Magha, which typically corresponds to January or February in the Gregorian calendar.
It is a common belief that there are seven types of sins. One of them is known as ‘knowingly done sins’ in which the person knows about the sin or he does it with purpose. Another sin is unknowingly done in which the person does the sin without his knowledge. Yet another type of sin is by mind in which the person has very bad thoughts in his minds. ‘By sin’ is one more type in which the person says bad words. The sixth type is ‘by body sins’, in which the person does the sin by doing some hard to another person. Sometimes the person is liable for the sin that was done in the last birth, is the seventh kind of sin.
Rituals
On the day of ratha saptami the person should take bath before the sun rises. The snan of Ratha Saptami is among the major rituals and it is advised that this has to be done in sun rise only. The Arunodaya time wins through the four types of ghatis. This ghati is the period of half an hour for the places in India provided that we suppose that the duration of ghati is 24 minutes before the sun rises. It is believed that if you take bath before the sun rises on this day then you can remain healthy, wealthy and you can get rid of all the illnesses. As you can get in the better health, this day of Ratha Saptami is also named as Arogya Saptami. If you take bath in the river, or canal then it will be better than you take a bath at your house.If you want to do this then you should take bath in this Arunodaya period and after this bath you should pray to the Lord Surya at the time of the sunrise and you should also provide the ardhyadan to the Lord Surya. In this ardhyadan, one should offer the water very slowly to the Lord surya with help of a small pot named Kalaash. After this you should enlighten the lamps with pure ghee and offer your prayers too. This day is also known as the Achala Saptami. The Rath means the chariot in which the Lord Surya goes.
Celebrations:
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Ratha Saptami is celebrated with various customs and rituals across India, with a strong emphasis on worshiping Lord Surya, the Sun God. Here are some common ways in which the festival is observed:
1. Holy Bath (Arghya Snan)
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Devotees start the day with a ritualistic bath at sunrise, often in rivers, seas, or lakes. This ritual is believed to purify the body and soul and bring blessings.
2. Rituals and Pujas
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After the holy bath, devotees perform special pujas (prayers) to Lord Surya. They offer water, flowers, rice, and other sacred items while reciting mantras. A key part of the ritual involves offering "Arghya" (water) to the rising Sun.
3. Rangoli
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In many households, colorful patterns called Rangoli are drawn at the entrance and in the courtyard. These designs often include depictions of the Sun, chariots, and other symbolic elements.
4. Cooking Special Dishes
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Devotees prepare and offer special dishes as Naivedya (sacred food offering) to Lord Surya. Common offerings include sweets made from rice, jaggery, and milk, such as "Sakkarai Pongal" in South India.
5. Symbolic Chariot (Ratha)
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A symbolic representation of Lord Surya riding a chariot drawn by seven horses is often created. In some temples, especially in South India, processions are held where a chariot carrying an idol of Lord Surya is taken around.
6. Chanting and Recitation
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Devotees recite hymns and slokas dedicated to Lord Surya, such as the Aditya Hridayam and Surya Ashtakam, which are believed to bestow health, wealth, and prosperity.
7. Temple Celebrations
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In many temples dedicated to Lord Surya, special rituals and festivities are organized. The famous Sun temples, like the one in Konark (Odisha) and Arasavalli (Andhra Pradesh), see large gatherings of devotees.
8. Health and Wellness
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Ratha Saptami is also considered a day for invoking health and wellness. Many believe that exposure to the Sun's rays on this day can cure ailments and bring good health.
9. Charitable Acts
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Some people observe the day by performing charitable acts, such as distributing food and clothes to the needy, believing it brings blessings.
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Significance:
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Ratha Saptami holds significant cultural, spiritual, and astronomical importance in Hindu tradition. Here are the key aspects of its significance:
1. Astronomical Importance
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Ratha Saptami marks the transition of the Sun into the northern hemisphere, known as Uttarayana. This is an auspicious time in Hindu astronomy, symbolizing the change of season from winter to spring and the onset of the harvest season. It represents the Sun's movement towards its peak in the northern hemisphere, leading to longer days and shorter nights.
2. Symbolism of Lord Surya's Chariot
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The festival is symbolically associated with Lord Surya riding his chariot, drawn by seven horses, representing the seven colors of light or the seven days of the week. The Sun God is believed to traverse the sky on this day, spreading light and warmth, which are essential for life and growth on Earth. The chariot's movement signifies the Sun's journey and the passage of time.
3. Spiritual Cleansing and Renewal
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Ratha Saptami is considered a day of spiritual cleansing and renewal. The ritual bath (Arghya Snan) taken at dawn is believed to purify the body and soul, washing away past sins and bestowing blessings for good health and prosperity. It is a day to honor the Sun, a vital force in nature, as the giver of life and energy.
4. Health and Well-being
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The Sun is revered as a symbol of health and vitality in many cultures, and on Ratha Saptami, special prayers and rituals are performed to invoke good health. The belief is that the Sun's rays on this day have healing properties, and devotees seek the blessings of Lord Surya for physical and mental well-being.
5. Agricultural Significance
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As the festival marks the beginning of the harvest season, it holds special importance for farmers. It is a time to thank the Sun for a good harvest and pray for a prosperous agricultural cycle. The increasing sunlight and warmer temperatures are crucial for the growth of crops.
6. Cultural and Regional Variations
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Ratha Saptami is celebrated across India with regional variations in customs and rituals. It highlights the rich diversity of Indian culture and the universal reverence for natural elements like the Sun. The festival fosters a sense of unity and shared cultural heritage.
7. Connection with Hindu Epics and Legends
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The day is also associated with various Hindu legends and scriptures. For instance, it is believed that the Pandavas in the Mahabharata celebrated Ratha Saptami, and the Sun God is often invoked in Hindu mythology as a symbol of righteousness and justice.
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