24/01/2026
Ratha Saptami (Magha Suddha Saptami) is celebrated as an auspicious day dedicated to Surya Deva and is revered as a special day of His manifestation. It is also known as Surya Jayanti, Soura Saptami, and Bhaskara Saptami
Symbolic Start of Uttarayana (Northward Journey): It symbolizes the Sun turning His chariot (Ratha), drawn by seven horses, toward the northern direction. Though Uttarayana astronomically begins on Makara Sankranti, Ratha Saptami represents its ritual affirmation, marking the gradual end of winter and the beginning of longer and warmer days.
Arogya Saptami (Health & Healing): Worshipping the Sun on this day is traditionally believed to heal illnesses, particularly skin diseases and eye ailments, and to promote overall health and vitality.
Symbolic Rebirth: The seven horses of the chariot represent the seven colors of the light spectrum, the seven days of the week, and the seven energy centers (chakras) in the body, symbolizing cleansing, renewal, and balance of energy.
The Sacred Bath (Snanam)Preparation: Place Jilledi fruits (Calotropis) and Regi Pandu (Indian Jujube) directly on the head.Traditional Ratha Saptami Snanam Prayer: Recite the following prayer while the fruits are on the head:
Yadya Janma krutham papam Maya sapthama janmasu
Thanme rogancha sokancha Maakarihanthu sapthami!!
Yeta janma krutham papam
yachha janmantharajitham
Mano vakka yajnam yachha
gnata gyethe chaye punaha
Ithi sapthavidham
papam snanena saptha sapthake Saptha vyadhi
samaayuktham haramakari sapthami
Purification: After reciting the prayer, pour water over the head. It is traditionally believed that sins accumulated over previous births, along with disease and sorrow, are removed through the grace of Surya Deva.
Arghyam : Offer water to the Sun God while chanting:
Saptasaptivaha prītaḥ Saptaloka-pradīpanaḥ | Saptamī-sahito deva Gṛhāṇārghyaṁ divākara ||
The Chariot: Use Chikkudu (Indian Broad Beans) to make a symbolic chariot. Create seven pairs of horses by piercing the beans with small sticks at the ends and treat them as the horses of Surya Deva’s chariot.
Naivedyam : Place a Kumpati (portable stove) in sunlight on the eastern side using cow dung cakes for fuel.Pour milk into a bronze vessel and allow it to boil over. Add rice and jaggery to the boiling milk .Place the cooked rice on seven pairs of Chikkudu leaves. Offer this to the Sun God as Naivedyam, and then partake of it as Prasadam.
