Planetary Pujas — Vedic Puja Vidhi
Ratha Saptami Puja
Ratha Saptami, also known as Surya Jayanti or Achala Saptami, is observed on the seventh day (Saptami) of the bright fortnight in the month of Magh. It marks the birthday of the Sun God — Lord Surya — and celebrates the day the sun begins its northward journey (Uttarayana), symbolising the transition from winter to spring and the increasing strength of sunlight. Devotees worship Lord Surya with special rituals, take a sacred bath at sunrise, and offer arghya (water oblation) to the Sun, seeking blessings for health, vitality, success, and liberation from sin.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Ratha Saptami Puja invokes the powerful blessings of Lord Surya for robust physical health, strong immunity, and abundant vitality. It is believed to cure chronic diseases, especially those related to the eyes, skin, and bones. Worshipping the Sun on this day neutralises the malefic effects of a weak or afflicted Sun in the birth chart, brings fame, authority, and career success, and bestows clarity of vision and wisdom. It is also said to liberate the soul from the cycle of rebirths and confer moksha upon sincere devotees.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Rise before sunrise and take a ritual bath. Place seven Arka (Calotropis) leaves on your head or back while bathing to symbolise the seven horses of the Sun's chariot. Face the rising sun and offer arghya by pouring water from a copper vessel mixed with red flowers, akshat, and red sandalwood powder, while reciting the Surya mantra 'Om Hram Hreem Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah.' Draw a depiction of the Sun's chariot with seven horses (ratha) using rangoli or rice flour. Worship the Sun with red flowers, red cloth, copper vessels, and jaggery. Recite the Aditya Hridayam or Surya Chalisa. Observe a fast and eat only once after the puja. Donate wheat, jaggery, copper, or red cloth to a Brahmin or the needy.
Best Time (Muhurat)
Magh Shukla Saptami (seventh day of the bright fortnight of Magh), typically January–February. Sunrise is the most auspicious moment for offering arghya.
Materials Required (Samagri)
- ·Copper vessel (for arghya)
- ·Red flowers (hibiscus, rose)
- ·Red sandalwood powder
- ·Akshat (unbroken rice)
- ·Arka (Calotropis) leaves (7)
- ·Red cloth
- ·Jaggery and wheat
- ·Incense sticks
- ·Diya and ghee
- ·Rangoli colours or rice flour
FAQ
Q.What is Ratha Saptami Puja?
Ratha Saptami, also known as Surya Jayanti or Achala Saptami, is observed on the seventh day (Saptami) of the bright fortnight in the month of Magh. It marks the birthday of the Sun God — Lord Surya — and celebrates the day the sun begins its northwa...
Q.What are the benefits of Ratha Saptami Puja?
Ratha Saptami Puja invokes the powerful blessings of Lord Surya for robust physical health, strong immunity, and abundant vitality. It is believed to cure chronic diseases, especially those related to the eyes, skin, and bones. Worshipping the Sun on this day neutralises the malefic effects of a weak or afflicted Sun in the birth chart, brings fame, authority, and career success, and bestows clarity of vision and wisdom. It is also said to liberate the soul from the cycle of rebirths and confer moksha upon sincere devotees.
Q.What is the best time to perform Ratha Saptami Puja?
Magh Shukla Saptami (seventh day of the bright fortnight of Magh), typically January–February. Sunrise is the most auspicious moment for offering arghya.
Q.What materials are needed for Ratha Saptami Puja?
Copper vessel (for arghya), Red flowers (hibiscus, rose), Red sandalwood powder, Akshat (unbroken rice), Arka (Calotropis) leaves (7), Red cloth, Jaggery and wheat, Incense sticks, Diya and ghee, Rangoli colours or rice flour.