Monthly Fasts — Hindu Sacred Fast
Saptami Vrat
Saptami Vrat is observed on the 7th tithi of both fortnights each month in devotion to Surya Dev, the Sun God, who is the most directly visible divine form in the Hindu tradition and the source of all life, light, and vitality. The 7th tithi is governed by Surya, making every Saptami a natural day for solar worship and the energization of the body's solar energy (prana). The most celebrated Saptami is Ratha Saptami — also called Magha Saptami or Surya Jayanti — observed on Magha Shukla Saptami, believed to be the day Surya's chariot (ratha) turned northward (Uttarayan) and his full radiance began to fill the earth. When Saptami falls on a Sunday, it becomes a Bhanusaptami — considered doubly auspicious because Sunday is also the day of Surya — and fasting on this combined day is said to multiply the benefits a hundredfold.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Removes diseases of the eyes, skin, bones, and heart — all governed by the Sun in Vedic astrology. Strengthens the Sun in the horoscope, bringing success in career, authority, recognition, and leadership positions. Cures chronic illnesses and boosts overall vitality and immunity. Removes the malefic effects of a weak or debilitated Sun (Surya) in the birth chart. Grants longevity, fame, and the blessings of a healthy father and positive father-son relationships. Ratha Saptami specifically is said to wash away the sins of seven past lives.
Procedure
Wake before sunrise — the ideal time to begin Saptami puja is at dawn. Take a bath and face east. Set up the Surya yantra or place a copper vessel filled with water, red flowers, and red sandalwood. Offer arghya to the rising sun — pour water in a stream toward the sun while reciting the Surya Gayatri Mantra: "Om Bhaskaraya Vidmahe Mahadyutikaraya Dhimahi Tanno Aditya Prachodayat." Recite the Aditya Hridayam stotra or the 12 names of Surya. On Ratha Saptami, place 7 Arka (sun plant) leaves on the head during the bath as a sacred ritual. Donate red cloth, wheat, jaggery, and copper to a Brahmin.
When to Observe
Twice every month — Shukla Paksha Saptami and Krishna Paksha Saptami. The most significant are: Ratha Saptami or Surya Jayanti (Magha Shukla Saptami), Bhanusaptami (any Saptami falling on a Sunday — the most powerful combination), Vivasvat Saptami, and Kamada Saptami. The Shukla Saptami of each month is considered more auspicious for worship. Any Sunday that coincides with Saptami is treated as a major solar festival.
Fasting Rules
Observe a strict fast from sunrise to sunset. Avoid salt, grains, lentils, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food. Many Surya devotees observe a nirjala (waterless) fast on Saptami until the evening arghya to the sun is completed. Red or orange foods are considered auspicious — red lentils (masoor), red fruit, and jaggery. Avoid sleeping during the day on Saptami. When Saptami falls on a Sunday (Bhanusaptami), the fasting rules become more stringent and the rewards proportionally greater.
How to Break the Fast
Break the fast at sunset after offering the evening arghya to the setting sun. Face west, pour water in a stream toward the setting sun, and recite the Surya Ashtakam or a simple prayer of gratitude. Then consume a sattvic meal — wheat chapati, red lentil soup (masoor dal), jaggery sweets, and seasonal vegetables. Copper vessels are auspicious for eating and drinking on this day. Offer the first portion of the meal to the sun before eating. Avoid eating after dark if possible — the Saptami meal should ideally be completed before nightfall.
FAQ
Q.What is Saptami Vrat?
Saptami Vrat is observed on the 7th tithi of both fortnights each month in devotion to Surya Dev, the Sun God, who is the most directly visible divine form in the Hindu tradition and the source of all life, light, and vitality. The 7th tithi is gover...
Q.What are the fasting rules for Saptami Vrat?
Observe a strict fast from sunrise to sunset. Avoid salt, grains, lentils, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food. Many Surya devotees observe a nirjala (waterless) fast on Saptami until the evening arghya to the sun is completed. Red or orange foods are considered auspicious — red lentils (masoor), red fruit, and jaggery. Avoid sleeping during the day on Saptami. When Saptami falls on a Sunday (Bhanusaptami), the fasting rules become more stringent and the rewards proportionally greater.
Q.When should Saptami Vrat be observed?
Twice every month — Shukla Paksha Saptami and Krishna Paksha Saptami. The most significant are: Ratha Saptami or Surya Jayanti (Magha Shukla Saptami), Bhanusaptami (any Saptami falling on a Sunday — the most powerful combination), Vivasvat Saptami, and Kamada Saptami. The Shukla Saptami of each month is considered more auspicious for worship. Any Sunday that coincides with Saptami is treated as a major solar festival.
Q.What are the benefits of Saptami Vrat?
Removes diseases of the eyes, skin, bones, and heart — all governed by the Sun in Vedic astrology. Strengthens the Sun in the horoscope, bringing success in career, authority, recognition, and leadership positions. Cures chronic illnesses and boosts overall vitality and immunity. Removes the malefic effects of a weak or debilitated Sun (Surya) in the birth chart. Grants longevity, fame, and the blessings of a healthy father and positive father-son relationships. Ratha Saptami specifically is said to wash away the sins of seven past lives.