Ratha Saptami 2025: Why This Festival Marks a New Beginning in Hindu Tradition

Ratha Saptami honors Surya Dev, the Sun God, who is also worshipped as Suryanarayan, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, the protector of the Universe. Celebrated on the seventh day (Saptami) of Shukla Paksha during the Hindu month of Magha (mid-January to mid-February), it marks Surya Jayanti, the Sun God's divine birthday. This auspicious day symbolizes the north-eastward journey of Surya’s celestial chariot, signifying the seasonal shift towards warmth and growth. Surya Dev’s chariot, drawn by seven radiant horses and guided by Aruna as the charioteer, embodies the energy and brilliance of life itself.

Devotees across India perform Vedic rituals, offering prayers to the Sun God, seeking blessings for good health, vitality, wisdom, wealth, and protection from negative energies. Worshipping Surya Bhagwan is believed to heal ailments, enhance intellect and leadership, and fulfill heartfelt desires, making Ratha Saptami a deeply cherished celebration of gratitude and renewal.

Significance of Ratha Saptami

As the soul of beings, Sun, or Surya Dev, gives life and nurtures. His illumination dispels darkness, symbolizing wisdom dispelling ignorance. Civilizations and nations have worshipped the Sun since ancient times. God Sun was Ra to Egyptians and Helios to Greeks. Zoroastrians believe the Sun is the 'Eye of Ahura Mazda,' the supreme Lord, like Hindus believe it's an eye of Vishnu. Ravi is a popular Surya Dev name. Sunday honors Ravivaar. Daily Sun God worship, especially on Sunday, is considered meritorious.

The Sun is one of the Navagraha (9 Vedic planets) and the primary deity. Early sages discovered that the Sun is in the center of the Navgraha Mandala, or solar system, and that the other planets revolve around Him. Science has since confirmed this. The sun position in the Kundli (natal chart) is crucial. For those with a weak Sun placement in their birth chart, Ratha Saptami Sun worship is advised.

India celebrates Ratha Saptami because it starts the harvest season. Indian farmers worship the Sun God for abundant crops. Surya Dev is worshipped in sun temples across India on this auspicious day, including Konark in Odisha and Modhera in Gujarat. Vaishnavite temples, unlike Sun temples, perform special pujas. The Lord Srinivasa temple in Tirumala and the Tirupati Balaji temple celebrate Ratha Saptami. Malayappa Swamy, the temple's presiding deity, is carried in a procession around the temple's roads on various Vahanas (vehicles), starting with Surya Prabha Vahana in the morning. Others are Shesha, Garuda, Hanuman, and Chandra, the last.

A fast on Rathasapthami is believed to erase past and present sins. Surya Dev brings health and vitality. Take a bath before Sunrise or Arunodaya to receive Surya Dev's blessings of good health and healing. The festival of Ratha Saptami is also called Arogya Saptami.

On His Ratha, Lord Surya sits majestically on the throne, and Aruna rules the seven horses from a lower level of the chariot. Sun God has four arms with beautiful ornaments and a crown to match His handsomeness. His upper two arms hold a lotus, and His right lower hand is always raised in Abhaya mudra, symbolizing His blessings and protection. His lower left hand holds the Gada. Lotus and Gada represent Vishnu. Lord has an Urdhava Pundra (tilak) on His forehead and a Janeu on His bare body. Red flags fly on his chariot. Images of Surya Dev, a form of Lord Vishnu, show Him holding the Shankh and Sudarshan Chakra in His upper arms.

The seven horses that draw Surya Dev's Ratha have great significance. The seven horses represent the Sun's seven rays, the rainbow's seven colors, and the week's seven days, beginning Sunday, or Ravivaar. The seven chakras are linked to the seven rays. Most importantly, Surya Dev's Ratha's seven horses represent the mind. Charioteer Aruna controls the seven horses to ensure equal care. Philosophically, it means controlling one's mind and thoughts. Ancient Indian texts have many symbolic meanings for Surya Dev with seven horses.

The 12 wheels on Surya Dev's Ratha represent the Zodiac signs and months of the year.

Festival Date, Time, Muhurat & Tithi

Makara Sankranti falls on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025.

Shukla Paksha Saptami (7th Tithi) of the Magha month as per the lunar calendar.

• Snan Muhurat on Ratha Saptami - 04:38 AM to 06:21 AM (IST)
• Duration - 01 Hour 43 Mins
• Civil Dawn on Ratha Saptami - 05:57 AM (IST)
• Observational Sunrise time on Ratha Saptami - 06:21 AM (IST)
• Saptami Tithi Begins - 04:37 AM on Feb 04, 2025 (IST)
• Saptami Tithi Ends - 02:30 AM on Feb 05, 2025 (IST)

Note: Devotees begin their Ratha Saptami rituals at sunrise, making it a key time for the day's observances. Sunrise and sunset vary by region and date due to India's geographical diversity. For exact timings, refer to local astronomical data.

Legends of Ratha Saptami

Ratha Saptami, also known as Surya Jayanti , celebrates the birth of Surya Dev, the Sun God, born to Rishi Kashyap and his wife Aditi. As per Hindu mythology, Bhagwan Vishnu revealed that Surya Dev was an incarnation of divine energy meant to illuminate the world and sustain life. Traversing through the twelve Zodiac signs over the course of a year, Surya Dev embodies light, warmth, and vitality. On this day, devotees honor the Sun God to seek blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity, making it an occasion of immense spiritual and cosmic significance.

The festival is deeply intertwined with two inspiring stories. The first recounts King Yashovarma of Kamboj, whose terminally ill son was miraculously healed after observing the Ratha Saptami Puja as advised by a wise sage. The second story narrates how Shambh, Lord Krishna’s son, was cured of leprosy after worshipping Surya Dev with sincere devotion, overcoming the curse of Durvasa Muni. These tales highlight the transformative power of faith, devotion, and the blessings of the Sun God in overcoming life’s adversities.

What to do on Ratha Saptami

On Ratha Saptami, devotees observe a day-long fast, perform Vedic rituals, and recite the Ratha Saptami Katha, underscoring the importance of Surya Dev in dispelling darkness and fostering renewal. Worshipping Surya Dev is believed to bestow vitality, prosperity, and protection, making this festival a profound expression of gratitude towards the cosmic light that sustains all existence.

Ratha Saptami Pooja Vidhanam

Traditionally on Rathasapthami Surya Dev is worshipped by taking bath in river or canal and offering Arghya to Surya Dev. The Ark plant has special significance in worship of Sun God as per Vedic rituals, as the Arka flower represents Surya Dev. Donating to the needy on Ratha Saptami festival holds prime importance as it liberates devotees from sins and leads to Moksha.

Rathasapthami Pooja Vidhanam (Vidhi)

• Wake up before sunrise and pray or meditate.
• Take bath in river/sea/canal before sunrise.
• Holding Arka plant leaves on the head while taking bath in the water body is considered highly rewarding as it pleases Surya Dev. If this is not possible, then later after taking bath keep the Ark leaves on head and meditate on Surya Dev.
• At Arunodaya, just at Sunrise, offer Arghya to Surya Dev in a standing posture. Arghya is offering water to Surya Dev along with chanting of Surya Mantras or Ratha Spatami Stotra.
• Devotees can stand in the water of the river and offer water to Sun God by collecting water in their cupped hands and then letting it flow out from the front of the Namaskar posture of hands. It is important to look directly at the Sun through the water while offering it. The other way is to offer Arghya from a copper pot. Copper metal is associated with Surya Dev.
• After this, light a Ghee lamp, offer red flower, Kumkum and Turmeric powder, Gud(jaggery), Janeu(sacred thread of Brahmans) along with other Puja samagri, to the Sun God while chanting mantras of Surya Dev.
• Doing Surya Namaskar ( 11 Yoga postures) on Ratha Saptami has its significance.
• Bow down to Sun God with devotion and faith and pray from your heart.
• Donate liberally to the needy with pure intentions.

Ratha Saptami Pooja at Home

Surya Dev is worshipped regularly in most Hindu homes, every morning by offering water and chanting the Gayatri Mantra or any of the Surya mantras. The blessings of the powerful Sun God is essential in every individual’s life. Ratha Saptami gives us the opportunity to show our gratitude to the nurturing Surya Dev with seven horses. As taking a bath in the river, sea, canal is not possible for most devotees, Ratha Saptami pujan can be done at home. Ratha Saptami rituals at home are different in the various states and regions of India, with the common factor of offering Arghya to Surya Dev. The offerings of fruit or food should be done on a copper plate or bowl.

• Wake up in the Brahma Muhurta on the day of Rathasaptami and meditate or pray.
• Take bath before sunrise to be free of ailments and diseases on this day. You can add a few drops of the holy Gangajal to your bucket of water. Place leaves of Arka/ Ekka plant on top your head and hold it with one hand while pouring water on yourself with the other hand. You can chant this mantra while taking bath:
  Gangge Ca Yamune Cai[a-E]va Godaavari Sarasvati |
  Narmade Sindhu Kaaveri Jale-[A]smin Sannidhim Kuru ||
• After this wear fresh clothes and start the puja by first invoking Lord Ganesh. Recite the Adityahridaya Stotra, Suryasahasranamam or listen to it.
• At Sunrise offer Arghya to Surya Dev. Fill a copper pot with water and place a red flower in it. Now, face the rising Sun and look directly at it. Hold the pot with your hands clasping it in the Namaskar mudra. Stretch your hand in such a way that when you pour the water from the pot, you can see the Sun through the water. Chant Surya Mantra while performing Arghya.

Surya Mantras:

“ Om Suryaye Namah ” or “ Om Ghrini Surya Aditya ”

Doing the Surya Namaskar (11 Yoga postures) on this day is especially beneficial.

• In front of Surya Dev’s idol or picture in your puja alter, arrange all the required Puja samagri and perform the Puja with devotion. Light a Ghee diya, first worship Bhagwan Ganesh.
• Then offer Kumkum or Lal Chandan and Turmeric powder to the seven horses of the Surya Ratha, red flower, like Hisbiscus (Jaswanti, Gudhal) and Lotus to the Lord. Akshat mixed with turmeric, Betel nut and leaves, Coconut, Gud (Jaggery), sugar cane, five seasonal fruit, sweets, red cloth, red flag etc. are also offered to Lord Aditya to appease Him. Perform the puja while chanting any of the Surya mantras or Gayatri Mantra.
• Perform Aarti along with other family members by singing Surya Dev’s hymns.
• Bow down with gratitude.
• Donate to the needy with a happy heart.

In the southern states of India Kolam, comprising of the seven colours of rainbow, are drawn at homes on Rathasapthami. Cowdung cake is burnt in the centre of the Kolam design and boiled milk is offered to Surya Dev.

Ratha Saptami Puja Benefits

Worshipping Surya Dev on Ratha Saptami by meticulously following the Vedic rituals is meritorious and brings significant benefits on physical, mental and emotional levels.

• Rathasaptami Pooja heals diseases and ailments, especially skin diseases, eyesight or any problems of the eye. It boosts immunity and blood circulation and grants good health.
• Ratha Saptami Puja dissolves sins of this life time and past life times. It paves the path to liberating the soul from the cycle of birth and death.
• Worshipping Surya Dev on Ratha Saptami is said to be favourable for those who desire to have a son.
• It bestows energy, vitality, power, confidence, and a radiant personality.
• Surya Dev blesses with wealth, success, name, fame, sharpens intellect, enhances wisdom, will power, leadership qualities. It provides victory in challenges.
• Ratha Saptami Pujan helps to progress in one’s spiritual journey, brings peace, harmony, protects from negative energies and keeps one charged with hope, joy and positivity.
• Worshipping Surya Dev blesses with mental clarity, brilliance, reduces tension and anxiety and ensures overall wellbeing of devotees.
• Performing the Rathasapthami Puja vidhanam properly and chanting the Ratha Saptami Stotram clearly while worshipping Surya Dev helps to manifest desires.

Ratha Saptami Mantra

।। ॐ ह्रां ह्रीं ह्रौं सः सूर्याय नमः ।।
Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sahh Suryay Namah

Link to Video

Surya Mantra for Good Health:

Namah Suryaya Shantaya Sarvaroga Nivaarine,
Ayurarogya Maisvairyam Dehi Devah Jagatpate

ओम नम: सूर्याय शान्ताय सर्वरोग निवारिणे।
आयुररोग्य मैस्वैर्यं देहि देव: जगत्पते।।

Surya Mantras

Om Suryaye Namah
ॐ सूर्याय नमः।।

Om Ghrini Surya Aditya
ऊँ घृणि: सूर्य आदित्य

Om Japa Kusuma Sankaasham
Kaashya Peyam Mahaa Dyutim |
Tamorim Sarva Papaghnam
Pranathosmi Divakaram ||
ॐ जपाकुसुमसंकाशं काश्यपेयं महाद्युतिम्
तमोरिं सर्वपापघ्नं प्रणतोस्मि दिवाकरम्

Adityahridhayam Mantra

।। आदित्यहृदयं पुण्यं सर्वशत्रुविनाशनम्
जयावहं जपं नित्यमक्षयं परमं शिवम् ।।
Aditya Hridhaya Punyam Sarva Shatru Vinashanam
Jayaavaham Japenithyam Akshayam Paramam Shivam

The Adityahridaya Stotra is a hymn in praise of the Sun God and comprises of 31 verses. It is said that chanting or repeatedly listening to the Adityahridaya Stotra in the morning on Ratha Saptami can charge you with energy, enthusiasm and will power to accomplish any work you want to complete.

Ratha Saptami Vrat Vidhi (Fasting Procedure)

Ratha Saptami, celebrated on the seventh day of the waxing moon in the month of Magha, is dedicated to Bhagwan Surya, the Sun God, symbolizing energy, prosperity, and life. The vrat begins early in the morning, ideally during Brahma Muhurta (4–6 AM), with a ritual bath known as the Arka Snaan.

• The bath is performed using leaves from seven sacred plants, such as neem, bilva, or mango, placed on the head and body while reciting mantras dedicated to Bhagwan Surya. This ritual signifies purification of the mind, body, and soul, preparing the devotee for a day of worship and devotion.
• Following the bath, devotees set up a clean and decorated altar with an image or symbolic representation of Bhagwan Surya, such as the rising sun or a Surya Yantra. A diya (lamp) is lit, and offerings of water, flowers, red sandalwood, rice grains, and fruits are made to the deity.
• The Sankalpa (vow) is then taken, where the devotee resolves to observe the vrat with sincerity, seeking blessings for good health, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Throughout the day, fasting is observed, with many devotees following a nirjala vrat (abstaining from food and water), while others may consume fruits, milk, or sattvic food.
• Worship involves chanting mantras like the Gayatri Mantra and Aditya Hridayam, and performing the Surya Namaskar to express gratitude to the Sun God for his life-sustaining energy.
• In the evening, as the sun sets, devotees offer an Arghya (water offering) to Bhagwan Surya while facing the west, symbolizing the end of the day's vrat. The fast is typically broken with light, sattvic food.

Observing the Ratha Saptami Vrat with devotion removes karmic burdens, improve health, and bring abundance and enlightenment, connecting the devotee to the energy of the Sun. This sacred ritual emphasizes the importance of honoring the natural forces that sustain life and inspire spiritual discipline.

Ratha Saptami Vrat Katha (Traditional Fasting Story)

Once upon a time, in a kingdom blessed with prosperity yet shadowed by sorrow, lived King Yashovarman, a noble and just ruler. Despite his wisdom and devotion, the king carried a deep yearning in his heart—he was childless. His days were filled with prayers, yet no heir graced his lineage. Overcome with despair, he sought guidance from the sages of his court. The learned sages, wise in the ways of the cosmos, revealed the power of Bhagwan Surya, the Sun God, who could grant blessings of vitality, abundance, and new beginnings.

The sages shared the celestial story of Ratha Saptami, the day when Bhagwan Surya, seated majestically on his seven-horse chariot, begins his journey toward the northern hemisphere. This marks the Sun’s ascension, bringing longer days, warmth, and renewed energy to the Earth. They instructed the king to observe a sacred vrat (fast) on this auspicious day, perform the Surya Namaskar, offer water (arghya) to the Sun God at sunrise, and chant the Aditya Hridayam, a hymn glorifying Bhagwan Surya's life-giving energy. With a heart full of hope, King Yashovarman followed their advice with unwavering faith.

Moved by the king’s devotion, Bhagwan Surya appeared in a blaze of golden light, his presence radiating warmth and peace. He blessed the king with a son, promising that the child would grow to become a wise and virtuous ruler. True to his word, the kingdom flourished, and the king’s heir became a beacon of justice and prosperity. From that day forward, the observance of Ratha Saptami became a cherished tradition, symbolizing the Sun’s ability to dispel darkness, bestow vitality, and bring hope to the most challenging of times.

The tale of Ratha Saptami reminds us of the Sun’s eternal role as the sustainer of life and a symbol of renewal. Observing the vrat on this day is believed to cleanse sins, rejuvenate the spirit, and invite divine blessings into our lives. It encourages us to honor the Sun God’s boundless energy with gratitude and devotion, celebrating his eternal journey across the skies as a source of light, warmth, and inspiration for all.

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Conclusion

Ratha Saptami is a vibrant celebration of renewal, enlightenment, and the life-sustaining power of the Sun. As devotees perform rituals, offer prayers, and meditate on Surya Dev, they connect with the celestial energy that drives vitality, prosperity, and spiritual awakening. This sacred day is not only a tribute to the Sun’s divine role in the cosmos but also a reminder to live with gratitude, discipline, and harmony with nature.

As the golden rays of the Sun illuminate the Earth on Ratha Saptami, they symbolize the light of knowledge dispelling the darkness of ignorance. Let this auspicious occasion inspire us to embrace positivity, spread warmth and kindness, and channel the radiant energy of the Sun into all aspects of our lives. Ratha Saptami is more than a festival, it is a timeless celebration of life’s eternal rhythm and the cosmic balance that sustains us all.