Rathasapthami

About Rathasapthami

Generally all sapthami thidhis are dedicated to Lord Surya, many believe that the number 7 is associated to Lord Surya (as his chariot has 7 horses.) Magha Sudda Sapthami is celebrated as Surya Jayanthi. Many follow the belief that the Ratham (chariot) of Lord Surya has made its turn to Uttaram direction on this day and hence this day is called as Rathasapthami. Lord Surya is the “Pratyaksha Deva”, which translates to God who is visible to human eye.

Lord Surya / Sun is the key element for the existence of life on earth (both scientifically and religiously.) So, this day is celebrated as a day to honor the lord and offer him prasadam.

Things to do on Rathasapthami

1. Day before Rathasapthami:
   • Today people follow “eka bhugtham” meaning the dinner is usually satvik (just tiffin) and not a full-course meal.
2. On Sapthami Before Sunrise:
   • Wake up way before sunrise and do the pooja arrangements.
   • Do abhyangana snanam, a small ritual is followed here:
     • Place a Jilledu patram (leaves of Calotropis) on legs, palms, shoulder and head.
     • On this Jilledu leaf, put a Regi pandu and take your shower.
3. During Sunrise:
   • As the sun rises, light up the dhoopam and deepam
   • Do your nitya pooja
   • Do special pooja/ prayer to Lord Surya
     • Today people offer pooja to Lord Surya with red colored flowers, kumkum mixed akshanthalu as it is said that red is the color for Lord Surya.
   • Now prepare Nayivedyam at an open place where the sun rays can be reached. Today’s nayivedyam is Paravannam.
4. Procedure to offer Nayivedyam:
   • People usually offer nayivedyam near the tulasi plant in the house or towards the east direction of the house.
   • Now, draw a rangoli in the shape of ratham in front of the tulasi plant.
   • Make a ratham with 7 chikudikayalu, keep it on Jilledu patram or pan leaves and place it on the top of the Rangoli.
   • Take 4 sets of 5 Chikkudu Patrams (you will need 4*5= 20 chikkudu patrams here) and place them on an unused plate and place this plate on the rangoli.
   • Put little quantities of Paravannam and 1 regi pandu on each Jilledu patram.
   • Now offer each set of Chikkudu patram prasadam to Lord Surya, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Gowri and Lord Agni (this last one is usually offered in the fire we prepare the prasadam.)
   • Finish the rest of pooja, do aarti and take prasadam. Some people also perform the Lord Surya Vratam in addition to these.

Note:

• Many offer arghyam to Lord Surya. Both men and women do this on this special day.
• Many newly-wed women choose to start their long going nommulu on this day. Some examples are: puvvu tambulam nommu, 16 phalala nommu etc.
• Rathasapthami is considered auspicious to do any form of charity.

Making Ratham with Chikkudikaya :

In this article I tried to share the little information I know about Rathasapthami. Do let me know how you celebrate Rathasapthami in the comments section below.

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Stay Blessed and Happy Rathasapthami!!