Saptami Tithi is dedicated Lord Surya. Shukla Paksha Saptami in the Vedic lunar month of Magha is known as Ratha Saptami or Magha Saptami. According to legend, Lord Surya Dev began enlightening the entire world on Ratha Saptami Day.
It is believed that it is on this day that Lord Surya, the Sun God was born to Sage Kashyap and mata Aditi and because of this, it is considered as Lord Surya’s birthday and called as Surya Jayanti. This day of Ratha Saptami or Surya Jayanti is considered especially auspicious for offering donations and other rites that help our progress and wellbeing.
Sun is considered as one of the most auspicious and important Vedic Gods. This is the reason why Surya Jayanti was traditionally celebrated as a very important Hindu festival. Over the years, i.e., since the Vedic times, the Divine energy interpretation has shifted and along with that the true importance given to this auspicious day has unfortunately reduced!
It is believed that it is on this day that Lord Surya, the Sun God was born to Sage Kashyap and mata Aditi and because of this, it is considered as Lord Surya’s birthday and called as Surya Jayanti. This day of Ratha Saptami or Surya Jayanti is considered especially auspicious for offering donations and other rites that help our progress and wellbeing.
Sun is considered as one of the most auspicious and important Vedic Gods. This is the reason why Surya Jayanti was traditionally celebrated as a very important Hindu festival. Over the years, i.e., since the Vedic times, the Divine energy interpretation has shifted and along with that the true importance given to this auspicious day has unfortunately reduced!
Ratha Saptami is made up of two words- Ratha, which means Chariot and Saptami, which indicates the 7th tithi (day of the Vedic Lunar Calendar). After Makar Sankranti, which is on Jan 14/15 of each day, Sun starts on its northward trek through the skies and this day of Ratha Saptami specifically indicates this journey. As this day comes couple of days after Vasant Panchami, which marks the start of spring, Ratha Saptami specifically indicates the journey Lord Surya will be taking in the coming months.
For those who may not be familiar with the Sun God- he is believed to be riding a chariot drawn by seven horses, symbolically representing the seven days of the week as well as the seven colors of the rainbow. This chariot is pulled by Arun, indicative of Dawn/Sunrise.
This chariot has 12 wheels which represent the 12 zodiac signs. Because of which, it is believed that the Sun traversing through the twelve zodiac signs make up a year and also marks a special personal return of the soul-principle for a person, which they celebrate as their own birthday.
Sun who is indicative of the soul (Jivatma) and governs our overall health and wellbeing. Because of this it is especially powerful to pray to Sun God, early in the morning on this day (preferably starting just before sunrise) and seek Lord Surya’s blessings for vitality and good health. Because of this Ratha Saptami is also called as Arogya Saptami.
In addition, it needs to be noted that Sun being at the center of the Navagraha-s (nine planets in Jyotish), his qualities are most revered as those of a true leader or a King. So, those who are seeking a leadership role in any walk of life, should definitely pray to Sun God and seek his blessings on this day of Surya Jayanti.
For those who may not be familiar with the Sun God- he is believed to be riding a chariot drawn by seven horses, symbolically representing the seven days of the week as well as the seven colors of the rainbow. This chariot is pulled by Arun, indicative of Dawn/Sunrise.
This chariot has 12 wheels which represent the 12 zodiac signs. Because of which, it is believed that the Sun traversing through the twelve zodiac signs make up a year and also marks a special personal return of the soul-principle for a person, which they celebrate as their own birthday.
Sun who is indicative of the soul (Jivatma) and governs our overall health and wellbeing. Because of this it is especially powerful to pray to Sun God, early in the morning on this day (preferably starting just before sunrise) and seek Lord Surya’s blessings for vitality and good health. Because of this Ratha Saptami is also called as Arogya Saptami.
In addition, it needs to be noted that Sun being at the center of the Navagraha-s (nine planets in Jyotish), his qualities are most revered as those of a true leader or a King. So, those who are seeking a leadership role in any walk of life, should definitely pray to Sun God and seek his blessings on this day of Surya Jayanti.
If one is able to do arghydaan, i.e. offering water to Lord Surya with a specific mudra, then that is very beneficial. But even simple prayers where we offer greetings and respect to the Sun God, thank him for the light, goodness, and bounty he brings each day to earth and to each one of us along with lighting a simple diya, incense and offering flowers will do wonders in bringing positive energy and light-filled blessings into your life.
In addition, there are many other special auspicious attributes to this day. It is believed that seven types of sins, whether they were committed knowingly or unknowingly, in this birth or previous births, and irrespective of if the sins were committed in words, mind or body, they can all be cleared and expunged by fasting and worshipping Lord Surya on this day. This day is especially very auspicious for doing all kinds of charity and donations.
So, each year, on this auspicious day of Ratha Saptami, do remember to pay special obeisance to the one who makes life possible on earth… Lord Surya, the Sun God.
In addition, there are many other special auspicious attributes to this day. It is believed that seven types of sins, whether they were committed knowingly or unknowingly, in this birth or previous births, and irrespective of if the sins were committed in words, mind or body, they can all be cleared and expunged by fasting and worshipping Lord Surya on this day. This day is especially very auspicious for doing all kinds of charity and donations.
So, each year, on this auspicious day of Ratha Saptami, do remember to pay special obeisance to the one who makes life possible on earth… Lord Surya, the Sun God.
Continue reading...
- We are an individual soul, a Jivatma- what does this mean? Who are we and how are we connected with the Divine?
- Our Numerous "Bodies" (Understanding Karma & Karmic Clearing series)
- How can we benefit from utilizing Muhurta (auspicious time) when doing important activities?
- What is a Panchang and how it can help us?
- What is Panchak Yoga and why is it inauspicious to start worldly activities during the Panchak kaal (period or phase)?
| |
