People Celebrate this festival as the glory of Sun God, which is ratha Saptami. Also known as Maga Saptami.This auspicious day comes on the seventh day (Saptami) of the bright fortnight, or half-months in January and February as per Hindu calendar month Magha. Ratha Saptami of 2024 is a notable event to gather devotees who worship the Sun God and ask for his blessings in terms of health, wealth and spiritual enlightenment.
Who is the Legend of Ratha Saptami?
The story of Ratha Saptami is legendary and it explains why this festival should be observed. As per Hindu mythology, the people believe that on this day Lord Surya begins his journey to the northern side which indicates the end of winter and commencement of harvest season. The festival informs us that the Sun God moves from southeast to northeast, thus days are longer and warm weather is coming. This legend helps us understand why Ratha Saptami is celebrated and its significance in the cyclical nature. This day is celebrated to worship the Sun God for providing them with better and warmer days ahead. It is a season to celebrate the seasons and recognize how blessed we are by nature.
What is the Story of King Yashodhara?
The most revered legend associated with Ratha Saptami is said to be about King Yashodhara and his wife, Queen Sushila. They were a pious couple that desired a child but could not. With devotional prayers, they beseeched Lord Surya for a child. Stirred by such unfailing loyalty, the Sun God granted their wish and blessed them with a son who became an intelligent ruler.
As a thank offering to this divine gift, King Yashodhara and Queen Sushila began celebrating Ratha Saptami with great enthusiasm. It is said that those who celebrate this festival with sincerity and devotion get divine blessings of wealth, good health, and success in their pursuits. The story of King Yashodhara and Queen Sushila is a depiction that faith, dedication can lead to divine grace which changes the lives of those who ask for it in good faith. Ratha Saptami, hence not only becomes the celebration of glory to Sun God but also a day for gratefulness towards all those blessings that we have received and it is in this way; one can consider life as well fulfilment.
What are the Rituals and Customs of Ratha Saptami?
Devotees notice various ceremonies and customs to look for Lord Surya’s blessings during Ratha Saptami. Here are a portion of the fundamental practices related with the celebration:
1. Early Morning Bath (Snana): Devotees rise early in the morning and perform a ritual bathing either at holy rivers or water bodies. This act represents purification and it is believed that the body as well as soul get cleansed.
2. Offerings to the Sun God: Following the bath, devotees offer special prayers and water, flowers and other sacred articles to Lord Surya. They sing hymns and chant mantras addressed to the Sun God.
3. Arghya: In Ratha Saptami rituals, the offering of arghya to Sun God is an important aspect. People pray in the water facing towards east and pouring of water while chanting prayers. This ceremony symbolises the thanks and respect for Sun God.
4. Charity and Acts of Kindness: This festival is considered the charity and Acts of Kindness. This time devotees do lots of good things like feeding the poor people, helping the needy people, and donating to charity etc.
5. Processions and Ratha (Chariot) Puja: In some places, processions during which idols or images of Lord Surya are carried with much fanfare and festivity on elegantly designed chariots. Devotees participate in such processions and sing bhajans or dance as they walk along the streets.
How People Celebrate this festival Across India?
In India, the this festival is celebrated with immense devotion in every region giving it a cultural touch. It is known as Surya Jayanti in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh and grand celebrations are held by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
In the northern states of India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar pilgrims bathe in Ganges as well as other sacred rivers. The cities are alive with colourful processions, folk music and dance performances that reflect the cultural legacy attached to Ratha Saptami.
The festival is celebrated as Surya Pongal in Karnataka and the people prepare a special dish called ‘Surya Godumbu’ made from freshly harvested cereals. In Maharashtra, it is ‘Ratha Saptami’ and devotees worship in the famous Lord Vithoba temple of Pandharpur.
Date, Time and Muhurat-
Ratha Saptami on Friday, February 16, 2024
Ratha Saptami Snan Muhurat Start –
Ratha Saptami Snan Muhurat End –
Duration – 01 Hour 42 Mins
Civil Dawn on Ratha Saptami –
Observational Sunrise time on Ratha Saptami –
Saptami Tithi Begins –
Saptami Tithi Ends –
Conclusion
This Saptami 2024 is a day of strict significance, meaning the Sun God’s movement and appearance of spring. The festival is not only a religious one but also it inculcates values of thankfulness, purity and compassion. Devotees gather to celebrate the grandeur of Lord Surya during Ratha Saptami and this becomes an occasion for introspection, worshipping, praying as well as spreading positivity in all spheres. May the Sun God bless us and may his rays shine brightly on all our lives.
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