Rath Saptami

In the bright half of the month of Magha, the seventh day is known as 'Achalavrata,' also referred to as 'Trilochan Jayanti.' This day is considered as the remover of all sins. It is also known as 'Rath Saptami,' the day when the 'Chakravarti' title is conferred. On this day, people offer gold ornaments and a golden chariot to the golden idol of the Sun, which is adorned with a golden south-facing arrow. The one who performs this donation with devotion experiences joy in the realm of Lord Shiva. This day is also called 'Bhaskara Saptami,' equivalent to thousands of solar eclipses.

On Rath Saptami, special reverence is given to Lord Surya. It is believed that taking a holy dip in sacred rivers before sunrise on this day can lead to liberation from all troubles.

Worship Procedure:

The seventh day of the bright half of the month of Magha is dedicated to Lord Surya. On this day, one should perform a ritualistic bath during the time of sunrise (Ushakala). While taking the bath, seven leaves of the Aak and Ber trees should be placed on the head. This ritual helps in eradicating sins accumulated over seven lifetimes. This seventh day is also known as the 'Putradaayak' vrat or a vow for the birth of a son.

Lord Surya himself has said, "Anyone who worships me with proper rituals on the seventh day of the bright half of Magha will receive my blessing to have a son." Therefore, on this day, one should observe self-control, fast during the day and perform a homa (fire ritual) on the next day, offering dishes like curd, rice, milk, and kheer to Brahmins.

The Story:

Daksha, the father of sixty daughters, who were all exceptionally beautiful, had daughters named Aditi, Diti, Danu, and Vinata, among others. Thirteen of these daughters were married to the sage Kashyapa. Aditi gave birth to the principal deities of all three realms, while Diti gave birth to demons, and Danu gave birth to fierce and prideful Danavas (demons). Other wives like Vinata also gave birth to various creatures, both imovable and movabel, through their progeny. Through the sons of Kashyapa, the entire world was populated. Among Kashyapa's sons, some became principal deities, while others were of the Rajasic (passionate) or Tamasic (dark) nature.

The deities became participants in the yajna (sacrificial ritual), whereas the demons (daityas) and Danavas became their enemies, leading to conflicts and suffering for the deities.

Aditi, the mother of the deities, observed that the demons and Danavas had displaced her sons from their rightful positions, causing chaos throughout the three worlds. She prayed with great devotion and undertook rigorous penance, seeking Lord Surya's blessings.

Aditi maintained strict austerities, followed a disciplined life, and concentrated her devotion on the radiant form of Lord Surya in the sky. After a prolonged period of worship and penance, Lord Surya was pleased with her dedication and appeared before her.

Lord Surya said, "Devi (goddess), I am pleased with your devotion. Ask for any boon you desire."

Aditi replied, "Lord, you are gracious. The mighty demons and Danavas have usurped the rule of my sons and have taken control of the three worlds. Please bless me with a son, born of your grace, who will destroy my sons' adversaries."

Lord Surya, filled with compassion, granted Aditi's request.

Bhagavan Surya said, "Devi (goddess), I will manifest as your child from my thousandth part. Thus, I shall grant your request." Saying this, Lord Surya entered Aditi's womb. When Lord Surya took residence in Aditi's womb, she resolved to carry the child with purity and began performing rigorous penances, observing strict vows like the Krichch and Chandrayan fasts.

Upon seeing Aditi's austere practices, Sage Kashyapa became angry and asked, "Why do you continuously observe fasting during your pregnancy?" Aditi replied with determination, "Look, this is the child of our womb. I have not caused any harm to this child. It will be the destroyer of our enemies."

Thus, Aditi gave birth to a radiant child at the break of dawn, resembling the brilliance of the rising sun. At that moment, a divine voice echoed from the heavens, proclaiming that this child would play a pivotal role in recovering the share of the yajna that was stolen by the demons and would destroy her adversaries. Hearing this, the gods rejoiced.

Following this divine announcement, Lord Indra rallied the gods and led them into battle against the demons. The battle was fierce and tumultuous. However, Surya, with his radiant energy, annihilated all their foes. The joy knew no bounds, as the gods regained their share of the yajna, and the rule of the three worlds was restored to them.

The birth of Lord Surya from the womb of Aditi on the seventh day of the bright half of the Magha month is celebrated as "Rath Saptami." This day marks the victory of the sun god, Bhagavan Surya, over the demons and the restoration of divine order.

The importance of Rath Saptami:

On Rath Saptami, worship and devotion are offered to Lord Surya, the sun god. This day is dedicated to Lord Surya, and by observing the fast, one can attain happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. Individuals bear the burden of seven types of sins in their lives, whether knowingly or unknowingly, through thoughts, words, physical actions, and sins from both their present life and past lives. Observing Rath Saptami and adhering to its rituals allows individuals to free themselves from these sins.