Magha Saptami is dedicated Surya, the sun god in Hinduism and
is a highly auspicious date at the famous Konark Sun Temple Konark Sun
Temple Chandrabhaga River
and the Bay of Bengal .
Hindu Devotees, including elderly men and women, take holy
bath and offer prayers on Magha Saptami as it is believed that it would cleanse
them of diseases and wash away their sins.
Legend has it that Sri Krishna’s son Samba was cured of
leprosy after a holy dip at the Chandrabhaga
River Bay of Bengal through the present
day area of the Sun Temple of Konark in Puri District in Orissa. Today, the
river no longer exists. What is left is a large pond.
The place where Samba is said to have meditated and
worshiped Surya for 12 years after bathing has become a sacred spot and
devotees believe it has curative properties.
The day is popularly observed as Ratha Saptami and Arogya
Saptami.