Ratha Saptami at Kanchipuram Ekambareswarar Temple: A Celebration of Sun, Science, and Spirituality Ratha Saptami , celebrated on the seventh day of the waxing phase of the moon in the Hindu month of Magha (January-February), holds immense spiritual significance in the Hindu calendar. Ratha Saptami at Kanchipuram Ekambareswarar temple in 2026 is on January 25. Known as the "Surya Jayanti," it marks the symbolic birthday of the Sun God, Surya. At the ancient Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram, this festival takes on a deeper meaning due to a rare and awe-inspiring celestial event: on this day, sunlight directly falls on the main Shivling of Lord Ekambaranathar , illuminating the sanctum sanctorum in a divine radiance. This phenomenon is a testament to the remarkable architectural prowess of ancient Indian temple builders, as well as the deep intertwining of spirituality and science in Hindu traditions. The Ekambareswarar Temple: A Historical and Spiritual Marvel The Ekambar...

Revathi is the 27th Nakshatra or birth stars in Hindu Astrology. Ratha Saptami is an auspicious day dedicated to Bhagwan Surya, the sun god in Hinduism, in Magh month. When Revathi Nakshatra and Ratha Saptami day falls on the same day the Shukla Paksha of Magh month, it is considered highly auspicious.  When such a rare occurrence happens in Hindu calendar, it is known as Padmaka Yoga. The belief is that the day is then equal to Thousand Surya Grahana Maha Parvakala. If Ratha Saptami falls on Sunday, it is termed as Vijaya Yoga and this is considered highly auspicious to propitiate Surya. If the Rashi or Moon sign as per Hindu astrology changes on Ratha Saptami day, then the day is ideal for performing tarpana, Shradh, snan (holy bath) and meditation.

Magha Saptami is dedicated Surya, the sun god in Hinduism and is a highly auspicious date at the famous Konark Sun Temple in Odisha. Magha Saptami at Konark Sun Temple in 2026 date is January 25. Annually more than 500,000 people take holy dip in the confluence of 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 . This river once flowed towards the 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 ...

Ratha Saptami is dedicated to Lord Surya, the Hindu Sun God. As per the tradition in Hinduism, Lord Surya is believed to ride a chariot driven by seven horses – this form is worshipped during Ratha Saptami puja and festival. Ratha Saptami 2026 date is January 25. In 2026, it is doubly auspicious as it falls on Sunday or Ravivar, the day dedicated to Surya Bhagavan or Sun God. Inclination of earth towards the sun is steepest on the Ratha Saptami day. Surya Bhagavan is the visible god or prayaksha brahman in Hinduism. Different Names of Ratha Saptami Magh Saptami or Magha Saptami,  Jayanti or Jaya Saptami,  Surya Jayanti and  Maha Saptami. Vidhan Saptami Arogya Saptami Mandar Saptami Acchala Saptami Ratha Saptami is observed on the seventh day of Shukla Paksha, or waxing phase of moon, in the Magh Month (January – February) in a traditional Hindu lunar calendar. The day is of great significance in Maharashtra , Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnata...

Ratha Saptami is dedicated to Lord Surya or Hindu Sun God and is observed on the Magh Shukla Saptami (seventh day during Waxing phase of moon in Magh month). The popular belief is that Lord Surya rode a chariot tied with seven horses to annihilate demons Mandeha. This is the popular story associated with Ratha Saptami and this Katha is listened to by people on the day. Some stories suggest that Mandeha a group of demons tried to overpower Surya. But he was able to kill them with his light. It is believed that Surya rode the chariot and annihilated the demons on Magh Shukla Saptami day. (Please note that there are numerous version to the above story and one story suggest that the demons try to block Surya daily but he fights them and moves forward with the strength of ‘argya’ performed early morning by humans on earth.) Another popular story indicates that Vishwakarma – the divine architect – had built the Chariot of Surya on the day. This story suggests that the...

On the Ratha Saptami day, a kolam or figure of Chariot Surya with 7 horses is drawn in front of the house, or in the puja area, early morning and pooja is offered to Bhagavan Suryanarayana. The mantra that is chanted on the day is Gayatri mantra, Surya Ashtottara Shatanamavali, Aditya Hridayam etc. Below is a collection of mantras to be chanted on Ratha Saptami. You can chant anyone mantra 108 times. श्री सूर्य मंत्र  आ कृष्णेन् रजसा वर्तमानो निवेशयत्र अमतं मर्त्य च। हिरणययेन सविता रथेना देवो याति भुवनानि पश्यन॥ सूर्य अर्घ्य मंत्र ॐ ऐही सूर्यदेव सहस्त्रांशो तेजो राशि जगत्पते। अनुकम्पय मां भक्त्या गृहणार्ध्य दिवाकर: ॥ ॐ सूर्याय नम:, ॐ आदित्याय नम:, ॐ नमो भास्कराय नम:। अर्घ्य समर्पयामि॥ सूर्य गायत्री मंत्र ॐ आदित्याय विद्महे मार्तण्डाय धीमहि तन्न सूर्य: प्रचोदयात्। सूर्य उपासना मंत्र ॐ जपाकुसुम संकाशं काश्यपेयं महाद्युतिम्। तमो रि सर्वपषपघ्नं सूर्यमषवषह्याम्यहम्॥ सूर्य बीज मंत्र ॐ ह्रां ह्रीं ह्रौं स: सूर्याय नम:। सूर्य जाप मंत्र ॐ सूर्याय नम:। ॐ भ...

Ratha Saptami Pooja, or Rath Saptami , is observed on the seventh day during Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Magha Month in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra . In Tamil Nadu, it falls on the Thai or Masi month. Rath Saptami, also known as Surya Jayanti and Surya Saptami, is dedicated to Lord Surya. Here is a brief description on how to perform or observed Ratha Saptami. Requirements for Rath Saptami Puja Image or Painting or Idol of Lord Surya Easily available fragrant flowers and leaves that are usually used for Puja Uncooked Rice Green Bananas Bananas and other local fruits Sesame seeds Coconut Betel leaves Betel nuts Jaggery (Sugar) Turmeric powder The house is cleaned and festoons of mango leaves are installed in all the important places on the evening of the previous day of the Puja or early morning ofthe Puja day. Ritual Bathing of Ratha Saptami with Erukku leaves Washing hair on the day with leaves of Giant milkweed...

Ratham Kolam drawn on Ratha Saptami Festival is a single-wheeled chariot in red and white which represents Hindu God Surya’s chariot. Ratham or Ratha means chariot. Rath Saptami puja is conducted near the chariot Kolam. You can find a few other Ratha Saptami Kolam designs here. Importance Of Drawing Kolam On Ratha Saptami Kolam, also known as Rangoli or Muggulu, holds significant cultural and religious importance in various parts of India, particularly in South India. Ratha Saptami, a Hindu festival celebrated on the seventh day (Saptami) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Maagha, is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Surya. Drawing Kolam on Ratha Saptami is a tradition deeply rooted in symbolism and spirituality. Here's why it's important: Symbol of Welcome: Kolam is often drawn at the entrance of homes, temples, and other sacred spaces to welcome guests and deities. On Ratha Saptami, it symbolizes the welcome of the Sun God into homes and lives, ...

Surya Jayanti is a festival dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God in Hinduism. Surya Jayanthi 2026 date is January 25. In, 2026, the festival is highly auspicious as it falls on Sunday, the day dedicated to Surya Bhagavan in Hinduism. The ritual and festival is popularly known as Ratha Saptami. It is observed on the seventh day or Saptami of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of the month of Magh (January – February) in a traditional Hindu calendar. The corresponding Tamil Month is Thai. Saptami, or seventh day, in a fortnight in a Hindu lunar calendar is usually dedicated to Lord Surya. Bhanu Saptami is another similar festival observed during different periods in a year. Surya Jayanti is believed to be the day when Lord Surya first appeared. The day is also observed as Magha Saptami. It is a major ritual in South India for certain Hindu communities in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Tirumala Tirupati Balaji temple conducts special pujas and rituals on the da...