Ratha Saptami 2026

Ratha Saptami, also known as Surya Jayanti, is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God).

It falls on the seventh day (Saptami) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Magha.

It marks the Sun’s symbolic turning towards the northern hemisphere (Uttarayana) and signifies light, energy, and renewal of life on Earth.

Mythological Significance

According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Surya rides a chariot drawn by seven horses, representing the seven meters of the Vedas and the seven days of the week.

His journey across the twelve zodiac signs symbolizes the cycle of one year and the eternal rhythm of creation.

Verse:

“Brahma in the morning, Shiva at noon, Vishnu at dusk — the Sun embodies all three forms.”

Ratha Saptami also honors the 12 Adityas, the solar deities who rule each month — Mitra, Ravi, Surya, Bhaga, Pushan, Hiranyagarbha, Marichi, Aditya, Savita, Arka, Bhaskara — representing the 12 aspects of sunlight.

Rituals on Ratha Saptami

• Wake up before sunrise and take a holy bath during Arunodaya (dawn).

• Place Arka (Jilledu) leaves on the head and shoulders while reciting:

  “Sapta Sapta Maha Sapta Sapta Dwipa Vasundhara,

  Sapta Janma Kritam Papam Makare Hanti Saptami.”

• Offer Arghya (water offering) to the rising Sun using a copper vessel with jaggery, red flowers, and rice grains.
• Chant the mantra “Om Suryaya Namah” while facing the sun’s reflection in water.
• Light a lamp and circle it thrice before the Sun.
• Donate sesame seeds, jaggery, clothes, or bread — acts of great merit.

Special Observance by Women

Women collect beans, flowers, and fruits and perform Tulasi Puja facing the Sun.

They prepare sweet pongal with cow’s milk and offer it on Arka leaves.

This ritual is believed to bless the family with fertility, health, and longevity.

Spiritual Importance

Ratha Saptami marks the transition from winter to spring, symbolizing the awakening of energy in nature and within oneself.

Bathing and fasting on this day are said to destroy sins from seven births, granting good health, wealth, and inner purity.

The rays of the Sun on this day are believed to carry divine healing energy.

Surya Mantra for Energy:

“Om Suryaya Namah, Om Adityaya Namah, Om Bhaskaraya Namah.”

(Chanting removes disease, sorrow, and darkness of ignorance.)