This festival is celebrated on the seventh day of the bright half of the month of Magha (Jan/Feb). It is celebrated as Surya Jayanti as it marks the birth of the Sun God Surya. It follows the sun’s northerly movement of vernal equinox from Capricorn (Makara). In many temples, Lord Vishnu is propitiated in his form as Surya. Holy bathing, chanting of the important prayers offered to the Sun God like Gayatri Mantra, Aditya Hridaya Stotra, Suryashtakam and other prayers are done generally an hour after sunrise. Ceremonial processions are carried out in many places of the icon of Surya, the Surya Mandala. Arka leaves are held on the head while bathing. It is celebrated in all Surya temples across the country with great fervour. Rangolis of coloured rice powder depicting Surya’s chariot drawn by seven horses is found in front of the houses of devout Hindus on this day. On this holy day, a one-day Brahmotsavam is held at Tirupati.
On the day of Rathasaptami, (the day when the Sun’s chariot turns North) several people place Arka leaves on their head (one leaf), two leaves on shoulders, two on knees and two on foot while taking bath.
The following Shloka is recited while taking bath with the Arka leaves:
Saptha Saptha Maha Saptha,
Saptha Dweepa Vasundara
Saptha Arka Parna Maadaya,
Sapthamyam Snana Maachareth
The Sun Lord bestows happiness and success to people who take bath with Arka leaves.
Science also tells us that the sun is the centre of the universe with planets orbiting around it. The Sun is the nearest star to the Earth and the reason for life on earth. It kills harmful bacteria and its rays provide vitamins, vitality and energy to mankind. The day-night cycle, respiration, photosynthesis, rainfall and almost all processes are governed by the sun. Ultra violet rays in the right proportion like sunbathing, chromo therapy and phototherapy cause healing of a number of skin ailments and it is also used to sanitise tools and water. Solar energy and solar power is being harnessed in recent times as it is an important source of renewable energy which would reduce pollution, global warming and dependence on other exhaustible sources of energy and power.
So it is but appropriate that we propitiate the Sun God as the bestower of life and energy on earth.
