Ratha Saptami, also known as Surya Jayanti, is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Surya Deva, the Sun God. It falls on the seventh day (Saptami) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Magha, typically occurring in January or February. This day is believed to mark the transition of the Sun towards the northern hemisphere, signifying the arrival of warmer days, agricultural prosperity, and spiritual awakening.
Surya was born on this day to Kashyapa Rishi and Aditi Ma. It is also said that King Yashovarma of the Solar Dynasty was once childless and performed Surya Upasana (worship of the Sun) as guided by sages. Due to his devotion, he was blessed with a son. This story underscores the power of Surya worship in removing obstacles and bestowing health and prosperity.
Rituals and Observances
Holy Bath (Snana) at Sunrise: Devotees wake up early and take a bath in sacred rivers, ponds, or at home with turmeric and sesame seeds. It is believed that this ritual cleanses one’s sins and enhances vitality.
Surya Arghya (Offering Water to the Sun): Standing facing the east, devotees offer water mixed with flowers and turmeric to Surya Deva while chanting Aditya Hridayam or other Surya mantras.
Drawing Ratha Kolam (Rangoli of Chariot): In many regions, especially in South India, women draw chariot-shaped kolams (rangoli) with seven horses in front of their houses as an auspicious sign.
Surya Namaskara and Japa: Performing Surya Namaskara (sun salutations) on this day is highly beneficial, enhancing physical health and spiritual energy. Devotees also chant the Gayatri Mantra and other Vedic hymns dedicated to Surya.
Temple Worship and Charity: Special abhisheka, alankara, and arati are conducted in temples dedicated to Surya, such as the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha and the Suryanar Koil in Tamil Nadu. Donating food, clothes, and offering anna dana is considered highly meritorious.
Sun Temple, Konark
Surya worship across cultures
In ancient Egypt, Ra was the supreme solar deity, revered as the creator of the universe and the source of life. He was depicted with a falcon's head and a solar disk, symbolizing divine power. The Egyptians believed that Ra sailed through the sky during the day and traveled through the underworld at night. His cult was centered in Heliopolis (City of the Sun), and pharaohs were considered his earthly representatives. The pyramids and solar temples were aligned with the Sun’s movement to reflect Ra’s divine presence.
In Greek and Roman traditions, the Sun was personified as Helios in Greek mythology, depicted driving a golden chariot across the sky. Over time, Helios was merged with Apollo, the god of light and prophecy. The Romans worshipped the Sun as Sol Invictus (the Unconquered Sun), with Emperor Aurelian making it an official state deity. The festival of Sol Invictus on December 25th later influenced Christian celebrations of Christmas. Sun worship was central to Roman imperial ideology, signifying strength and eternal power.
In Mesopotamian civilization, the Sun God was known as Utu (Sumerian) or Shamash (Akkadian), regarded as the god of justice and truth. He was often depicted with a solar disk and rays of light, symbolizing enlightenment and divine judgment. Shamash played a crucial role in governance, as seen in the Hammurabi Code, where laws were believed to be bestowed by him. Daily prayers and offerings were made to Shamash in temples, as he was believed to illuminate both the physical and moral realms.
The Inca civilization of South America worshipped Inti, the Sun God, as their supreme deity and protector of the empire. The Inca emperors considered themselves descendants of Inti, and the Temple of the Sun (Coricancha) in Cusco was adorned with gold to reflect his divine presence. The Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun), celebrated during the winter solstice, was a major ritual to honor him and ensure agricultural fertility. Sun worship was deeply embedded in Incan culture, guiding their calendar, governance, and social hierarchy.
Many Native American tribes revered the Sun as a life-giving force and a spiritual guide. The Sun Dance, practiced by tribes like the Lakota and Cheyenne, was a sacred ritual involving fasting, dancing, and self-sacrifice to seek divine blessings. The Hopi and Zuni Pueblo tribes performed Sun-centered ceremonies to bring rain and prosperity. Among the Algonquian peoples, the Sun was associated with the Great Spirit, symbolizing the balance between nature and humanity.
In Japanese Shinto belief, Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, is considered the most revered deity and the ancestral goddess of the Imperial family. The Ise Grand Shrine is dedicated to her, and the Japanese flag’s design reflects her significance as the rising Sun. A famous myth tells of Amaterasu retreating into a cave, plunging the world into darkness until the gods lured her out, symbolizing the Sun’s renewal and victory over darkness. Sun worship remains a core aspect of Japanese cultural and religious traditions.
In Slavic and Norse traditions, the Sun was worshipped through Dazhbog in Slavic mythology, regarded as the giver of fortune and divine light. The Norse people venerated Sol (Sunna), depicted riding a chariot across the sky, pursued by a wolf. Ancient Slavs celebrated solar festivals, marking the cycles of the Sun for agriculture, fertility, and seasonal transitions. In Norse belief, the Sun’s rebirth during the winter solstice signified hope and renewal, influencing Viking rituals and storytelling.
Throughout history, the Sun has been a universal symbol of divine power, life, and enlightenment. Whether through Surya in India, Ra in Egypt, Inti in the Andes, or Amaterasu in Japan, civilizations across time have honored the Sun as the ultimate source of energy, guiding both physical sustenance and spiritual wisdom. Even today, festivals and daily practices around the world continue to revere the Sun’s eternal presence.