Importance of Rathasapthami

Rathasapthami (Maaghasapthami) is a festival dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God). It falls on the seventh day (Saptami) of Shukla Paksha of the month Maagha (‘maasi‘ in Tamil). This festival signifies the turning of Sun God’s chariot (‘Ratha’ thus the name Ratha Saptami) drawn by seven horses (representing seven colors and seven days of the week) towards the northern hemisphere. This is also the day that is considered the birthday of Surya (Surya Jayanti)

The worship of Sun God is deep rooted among several cultures across the world. In Hindu traditions, Sun worship is prevalent from the Vedic ages. Sun worship (Sauram) is among the 6 sects of Hinduism along with Vaishnavam (Vishnu), Shaivam (Shiva), Shaaktham (Shakthi), Ganapathyam (Vinayaka) and Kaumaram (Muruga). Even among the Vaishnavites, the Sun God is worshipped as Surya Narayana. An entire chapter in the Vedas is dedicated for Surya called the ‘Arunaprashna‘ (also known as Surya Namaskaram). Aditya Hrudayam is another work that is part of Valmiki Ramayana which exemplifies the glory of Sun God. The Gayatri Mantra which is recited daily by many, is attributed to Surya as well. The Rathasapthami festival is celebrated to offer our obeisance to the Sun God for his offering of cosmic energy and light to sustain life on Earth.

Legends

In Mahabharata, Bhishma Pithamaha was slain by Arjuna during the war. However since he had a boon on choosing the time of his passing, he waited until the Uttarayana time (the latter part of the year). Since he had accrued some sins due to the fact that he remained in inaction during the atrocities committed on Pandavas, he was not able to renounce life on his own. Sage Vyasa advised Bhishma to pray to the Sun God which will destroy his sins. Thus Bhishma placed the leaves of bowstring hemp (‘Arka‘ or ‘Erukku‘ in Tamil, which is considered auspicious to Surya and Lord Ganesha) on his body and prayed to Surya. As a result, he became free of his sins and was able to relinquish his mortal body.

It is believed all sins that are committed done, knowingly or unknowingly, by words, body, mind, in current birth, and in previous births are destroyed by worshipping Lord Surya on this day. In fact, this day is considered as auspicious as the Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahanam) for performing charities and other such austerities.

Celebration in Temples

There are several temples all across India where Rathasapthami is fervently celebrated. It is celebrated in temples dedicated to the Sun God such as the Konark Temple, Odisha, the Biranchinarayan Temple, Buguda, Odisha and in Modhera, Gujarat in Arasavalli, Andhra Pradesh. This day is widely celebrated in all Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu. This day is also celebrated in several Vishnu temples such as Tirumala, Srirangam, Srirangapattana and Melkote, Karnataka.

Rituals at Home

It is believed that following prescribed rituals on this day will free a person from all illnesses and ailments and bestow good health. Hence, this day is also known as ‘Arogya Sapthami’. On the day of Rathasapthami, devotees get up before sunrise and take a holy bath. Before the holy bath the leaves of Arka plant (‘Erukku’ in Tamil) along with holy rice (Akshada) is to placed on our shoulder blades while facing South. This is to invoke the benevolence of the Sun God throughout the year. These leaves hold as much significant value as the Tulsi leaves. The stem of the plant (called samith) is used as a sacrificial offering in a ritual fire (homa or yaga). The shape of its leaves is said to represent the shoulders and chariot of Sun God.

After completing the bath, devotees offer ‘arghyam‘ (oblations with water) to Sun God. After that, lamps are lit and offerings are made to the Lord. Chanting ‘Gayatri Mantra’ and reciting ‘Surya Sahasranaam’, ‘Adityahridayam’ or ‘Suryashtakam’  is considered very auspicious on this day.

Slokas to recite on this day

saptha sapthipriye devi saptha lokaika poojithe
saptha janmaarjitham paapam hara sapthami sathvaram

yath yath karma krutham paapam mayaa saptha janmasu
than me shokam cha moham cha maakaree hanthu sapthamee

ethath janma krutham paapam yath cha janmaatharaarjitham
mano vaak kaayajam paapam jnaayathan ajnyaathaan cha ye puna:

iti sapthavidham paapam snaanan me sapthasapthike
saptha vyaadhi samaayuktham hara maakari sapthami

om namo aadithyaaya buddhir balam dehi me sada

sri chaaya-suvarchalaamba sametha sri sooryanaarayana swaamine nama: |

om namo naaraayanaaya ||