Ratha Saptami, an auspicious festival dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God), will be observed on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The occasion marks a significant day in the Hindu calendar, celebrated with devotion and reverence.
This day is particularly associated with the Shukla Paksha Saptami (seventh day of the waxing moon) in the month of Magha. It is also known as Magha Saptami, Surya Jayanti, and Achala Saptami. It is believed that on this day, Lord Surya began illuminating the world, making it his symbolic birthday.
Ratha Saptami Date and Snan Muhurat
| Event | Date and Time |
| Ratha Saptami | Tuesday, February 4, 2025 |
| Snan Muhurat on Ratha Saptami | 05:23 AM to 07:08 AM |
| Duration | 01 Hour 45 Mins |
| Civil Dawn on Ratha Saptami | 06:44 AM |
| Sunrise time on Ratha Saptami | 07:08 AM |
| Saptami Tithi Begins | 04:37 AM on Feb 04, 2025 |
| Saptami Tithi Ends | 02:30 AM on Feb 05, 2025 |
Ratha Saptami is considered as holy and significant as a solar eclipse for performing charitable deeds and spiritual practices. Worshipping Lord Surya on this day is believed to have immense spiritual benefits. According to scriptures, offering prayers and observing fast on Ratha Saptami helps one atone for all types of sins—committed knowingly or unknowingly, through actions, words, or thoughts, in both current and previous lifetimes.
The day is also called Arogya Saptami, as taking a ritual bath at the right time is believed to bring good health and protect against diseases.
Rituals of Ratha Saptami 1. Ritual Bath (Snan): Taking a holy bath during Arunodaya, the time just before sunrise, is a key ritual of Ratha Saptami. This period lasts for approximately 1.5 hours before sunrise. It is believed that bathing during this time not only purifies the body but also eliminates ailments and ensures longevity.
While bathing in natural water bodies such as rivers or canals is considered ideal, those unable to do so can take a bath at home with devotion and mindfulness.
2. Offering Arghyadan: After the ritual bath, devotees worship Lord Surya during sunrise. This involves offering Arghya (water) to the Sun God from a small Kalash (pot) while standing in the Namaskar Mudra, facing the Sun. Slowly pouring water as a mark of respect signifies gratitude and reverence to the source of life.
3. Sun Worship: Post Arghyadan, devotees light a lamp (Deepak) filled with pure ghee and offer red flowers, camphor, and incense (Dhoop) to Lord Surya. These rituals, accompanied by prayers, symbolize gratitude for the Sun's role in sustaining life on Earth.
Benefits of Observing Ratha Saptami
- Spiritual Cleansing: The rituals performed on this day are said to rid devotees of sins accumulated over lifetimes.
- Health and Longevity: Known as Arogya Saptami, the day emphasizes the significance of health, with devotees believing that the holy bath during Arunodaya protects against diseases.
- Prosperity and Well-being: By performing Arghyadan and other rituals, devotees are blessed with good health, a long life, and prosperity.
The festival underscores the importance of the Sun as a life-giver and source of energy. Lord Surya is revered as a symbol of knowledge, power, and vitality. Worshipping Him on Ratha Saptami is an expression of gratitude for His role in sustaining life and enlightening the universe.
Ratha Saptami is a day of devotion, cleansing, and gratitude. By observing the rituals of this auspicious occasion, devotees seek the blessings of Lord Surya for wisdom, health, and prosperity. As the Sun God continues to illuminate our lives, let us celebrate this day with heartfelt prayers and acts of kindness.
Also Read | Tirumala Rathasapthami 2025: Check Date, Timings, and Vahanam Schedule
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