Significance of Rathasapthami !!
Rathasapthami is an auspicious festival celebrated by Hindus and it is dedicated to Lord Surya Narayana (Sun God). It is during this time that Surya/Sun travels in his Ratha (Chariot) drawn by Seven Horses from the southeast to the northeast. Rathasapthami also marks the gradual increase in temperature across South India and awaits the arrival of spring, which is later indicated by the festival of Ugadi or the Hindu lunar New Year day in the month of Chaitra.
Surya is considered an important god because He is the source of life. That’s why he is placed in the center of Navagrahas (nine planets). The characteristics of the sun and all the nine planets have been clearly described in the Vedas.
Rathasapthami is also a symbol of the change of season to spring and the start of the harvesting season. It is said that this day marks the birth of Surya to sage Kashyapa and his wife Adithi.
People who perform Rathasapthami pooja should wake up early in the morning before sunrise. A special rangoli with the representation of Sun God with 7 horses in a chariot will be put in front of the homes. Erukkam (Calotropis/Arka) leaf is considered to be one of the important aspects of Rathasapthami pooja. Married women should take bath by placing 7 Erukkam leaves on them along with a pinch of turmeric and a small amount of raw rice on the leaf. One leaf should be kept on the head, two on the shoulders, two on the knees and two on the foot while taking bath. Similarly, men will also take bath with 7 leaves and raw rice without turmeric.
Then the Rathasapthami pooja is performed to Lord Surya by chanting the slokas of Adithya Hrudayam, Surya Ashtakam, and Surya Shathakam. Sweet Pongal and Vada are offered as Neivedhyam (divine offerings) to Lord Surya.
As per Hindu mythology, it was said that one of the Kamboj Empire’s king, Yashovarma was a noble king who did not have an heir for his kingdom. He did some special prayers to God and he was blessed with a son. The king’s vows did not end with this, as his son was terminally ill. A saint who visited the king advised that his son should perform the Ratha Saptami Pooja with reverence to rid of his past sins. Once the King’s son performed this, his health was restored and he ruled his kingdom well.
It is also believed that the Sage Agasthiyar advised Lord Rama to perform this Pooja and worship Lord Surya to win the war against Ravana. He also gave Adithya Hrudayam Upadesham to Lord Rama before the war.
Lord Surya is considered as the giver of Aarogyam (Health) and Aishwaryam (Wealth). So worshipping Him in the early morning when the sun rays are fresh will rejuvenate one’s energy, and purify the mind and body. Moreover, even scientifically it is proven that there are many benefits of getting exposed to the early morning sun.
