What to do on Ratha Saptami Pooja
Published February 19, 2021 · Last updated
Ratha Saptami is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, especially revered for worshipping Lord Surya, the Sun God. On this sacred day, devotees across South India, particularly those visiting temples like Tirupati, perform special rituals and prayers to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and spiritual well-being. If you are planning to celebrate Ratha Saptami or visit a temple during this festival, this guide will help you understand the rituals, practices, and everything you need to know to make the most of this holy occasion.
Understanding Ratha Saptami: Significance and Meaning
Ratha Saptami, also known as Rathasaptami, falls on the seventh day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Magha (typically in January or February). The word “Ratha” means chariot, and “Saptami” means seventh day. According to Hindu mythology and astronomical understanding, Ratha Saptami marks the day when Lord Surya begins his journey towards the southern hemisphere. This celestial shift is observed as the sun’s apparent movement from north to south, and devotees can visibly notice the change in the sun’s position in the sky from this day onwards.
Beyond its connection to Lord Surya, Ratha Saptami holds immense significance for Lord Sri Venkateswara as well. Devotees believe that on this day, both the Sun God and Lord Balaji (another name for Lord Venkateswara) receive the special devotion and prayers of millions of believers. This dual importance makes Ratha Saptami an exceptionally significant festival, especially for pilgrims visiting the famous Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati and other temples across South India.
Ratha Saptami Pooja Rituals and Practices
Traditional Bathing Ritual
One of the most important practices on Ratha Saptami day is taking a ritual bath using specific medicinal leaves. Devotees traditionally use leaves of Calotropis gigantea (also known as Akka plant or Jilledu in Telugu) during their bath. This plant is considered highly auspicious and believed to have purifying and healing properties. The leaves are placed on the head, shoulders, knees, and feet while bathing, symbolizing the purification of the entire body from head to toe.
The ritual bath should ideally be taken early in the morning, just before sunrise or during the Brahma Muhurta (the auspicious early morning period). After completing the bath, devotees wear clean clothes and proceed to perform their prayers and visit the temple.
Pooja for Lord Surya and Lord Venkateswara
After the ritual bath, devotees traditionally perform a pooja (prayer ritual) dedicated to both Lord Surya and Lord Sri Venkateswara. This can be done at home or at the temple. For home worship, a simple pooja involves offering flowers, incense, water, and food items to idols of the Sun God and Lord Balaji. Many devotees recite the Surya Mantra or Aditya Hridayam (a powerful hymn dedicated to the Sun God) during their prayers.
If you are visiting a temple like Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati during Ratha Saptami, you will find the temple decorated specially for this occasion. The temple conducts elaborate pujas and festivities. Thousands of pilgrims gather to seek blessings from both deities on this auspicious day.
Lakshmi Yantra and Kuber Yantra Pooja
Many devotees also choose to perform special poojas with the Sri Lakshmi Yantra or Kuber Yantra on Ratha Saptami day. These are sacred geometric designs believed to attract wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. The Lakshmi Yantra is associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, while the Kuber Yantra is dedicated to Lord Kuber, the guardian of treasures.
Performing pooja with these yantras on Ratha Saptami is believed to be especially powerful and auspicious. Devotees who wish to improve their financial situation, start a new business venture, or seek overall prosperity often perform this pooja. It is important to note that such pooja can be performed not just on Ratha Saptami day itself, but on any day following the festival date, as prescribed by one’s spiritual guide or priest.
Best Practices for Ratha Saptami Celebration
Visit the Temple
If possible, visiting a major temple on Ratha Saptami day is highly recommended. The Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati is one of the most sacred places to celebrate this festival. The temple atmosphere during Ratha Saptami is filled with spiritual energy, and the darshan (viewing the deity) on this day is considered particularly blessed. Make sure to arrive early to avoid long queues and to secure a good time slot for darshan.
Offer Prayers and Mantras
Chanting mantras dedicated to Lord Surya is an important part of Ratha Saptami celebration. Some popular mantras include the Surya Beej Mantra (“Om Hram Hreem Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah”) and the Aditya Hridayam. Regular recitation of these mantras is believed to invoke the blessings of the Sun God for good health, vitality, and prosperity.
Charitable Acts
Ratha Saptami is also a day for performing charitable deeds. Donating food, clothes, or money to the needy and deserving is considered highly auspicious on this day. Many temples organize feeding programs for the poor and sick during Ratha Saptami celebrations, and devotees are encouraged to participate.
Ratha Saptami Temple Visits and Timings
Most temples announce special puja timings for Ratha Saptami. For the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, special rituals are conducted throughout the day. General visiting hours typically remain from early morning (5 or 6 AM) until late evening (8 or 9 PM), though specific pooja times may vary. Please verify with the official temple website or contact the temple directly for exact timings during Ratha Saptami.
If you plan to visit a temple during this festival, arrive early, carry your offerings (flowers, fruits, or sweets), and dress modestly. Follow the temple’s guidelines and be respectful of other devotees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact date of Ratha Saptami?
Ratha Saptami is celebrated on the seventh day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Magha. This typically falls in late January or early February in the Gregorian calendar. The exact date varies each year based on the lunar calendar. Please check the Hindu calendar or your local temple for the specific date in the current year.
Can women perform Ratha Saptami rituals and visit the temple?
Yes, women can absolutely perform Ratha Saptami rituals and visit the temple. There are no restrictions on women’s participation in this festival. Women can take the ritual bath, perform poojas, recite mantras, and seek blessings from the deities.
What should I do if I cannot visit the temple on Ratha Saptami day?
If you cannot visit the temple on the actual day, you can still celebrate at home by performing a simple pooja to Lord Surya and Lord Venkateswara. Many devotees also visit the temple a day or two after Ratha Saptami and perform their prayers. The blessings and positive effects of the festival extend beyond just the single day.
Is it necessary to use Calotropis gigantea leaves for the ritual bath?
While using Calotropis gigantea leaves is the traditional practice, the most important aspect is the devotion and spiritual intent behind the ritual bath. If these leaves are not available in your area, you can substitute with other auspicious leaves or simply take a clean ritual bath with holy water or water mixed with turmeric and neem leaves. The underlying purpose of purification remains the same.
Can children participate in Ratha Saptami celebrations?
Yes, children can definitely participate in Ratha Saptami celebrations. Parents can involve their children in rituals, teach them about the significance of the festival, and take them to the temple for darshan. This helps instill spiritual values and connects the younger generation with their religious traditions.
What is the best time to visit the temple on Ratha Saptami?
The early morning hours (5 AM to 8 AM) are generally the best times to visit the temple as the crowds are usually lighter and the atmosphere is very peaceful. However, if you prefer to participate in special puja ceremonies or large congregational prayers, evening hours may offer a more vibrant experience with larger gatherings of devotees.
Conclusion
Ratha Saptami is a magnificent festival that celebrates the glory of Lord Surya and Lord Sri Venkateswara. By performing the traditional rituals, visiting the temple, and engaging in acts of devotion and charity, devotees can harness the spiritual energy of this auspicious day to bring prosperity, health, and happiness into their lives. Whether you celebrate at home or visit a major temple like Tirupati, approach Ratha Saptami with sincerity and devotion, and you will surely receive the blessings of the divine.
