☀️ Ratha Saptami 2026 ☀️

Date and Significance

Ratha Saptami will be observed on 25th January 2026. It is an important Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Surya (Surya Narayana), the Sun God. This auspicious day marks the symbolic birthday of Lord Surya, known as Surya Jayanti, and signifies the beginning of his northward journey (Uttarayan).

Ratha Saptami also represents the transition from winter to spring and is closely associated with the start of the harvesting season, symbolizing renewal, energy, and prosperity.

Mythological Background

According to Hindu mythology, Surya Bhagavan, the Sun God, was born to Rishi Kashyapa and Aditi Mata, the divine mother of the gods. Aditi, who longed for a powerful son, performed intense penance. Pleased with her devotion, Rishi Kashyapa granted her a boon, following which Surya was born as a radiant being, illuminating the universe.

Since Surya was born to Aditi Mata, he is also known as Aditya, and his lineage is called the Suryavanshi Dynasty. This is one of the most prestigious royal lineages in Hindu tradition, with legendary figures such as Ikshvaku, Raghu, and Lord Rama belonging to this clan.

Aruna, the charioteer of Lord Surya, is depicted driving the divine chariot drawn by seven horses, symbolizing the seven colors of the rainbow and the seven days of the week.

Family of Lord Surya

Parents

• Rishi Kashyapa (Father)
• Aditi Mata (Mother)

Siblings

• Indra
• Mitra
• Varuna

Charioteer

• Aruna (Twin brother of Garuda)

Consorts

• Sanjna (Sandhya) – Daughter of Vishwakarma
• Chaya – The shadow form of Sanjna

Children

• Yama – God of Death
• Yamuna – Goddess of fertility (Twins)
• Ashwini Kumaras – Twin gods of medicine
• Manu – The first human
• Revanta – Minor deity
• Shani – God of Dharma and justice
• Tapati – Goddess of heat

Important Rituals of Ratha Saptami

Devotees observe several sacred rituals on this day, including:

• Taking an early morning bath, placing Swetha Ark leaves (Tella Jiledu) on the head and shoulders
• Offering prayers to Lord Surya
• Preparing a symbolic chariot using broad beans (Pedda Chikudu Kaya)
• Performing Surya Namaskar
• Reciting:
  • Surya Atharvashirsham
  • Surya Suktam
• Chanting Surya Mantras
• Offering rice payasam prepared with milk and jaggery, served in broad bean leaves

On Ratha Saptami or any Sunday in the month of Magha, devotees—especially those seeking better vision or spiritual clarity—eat food silently using their left hand, as an act of reverence and sensory purification.

Famous Sun Temples in India

Some of the most renowned temples dedicated to Lord Surya include:

• Konark Sun Temple, Odisha
• Arasavalli Sun Temple, Andhra Pradesh
• Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat
• Suryanar Temple, Tamil Nadu
• Gaya Surya Temple, Bihar

These temples are celebrated for their architectural brilliance and spiritual importance. Ratha Saptami is observed with great grandeur in South India, especially at Tirumala and Arasavalli.

Tirumala Ratha Saptami Celebrations

At Tirumala, Ratha Saptami is celebrated as a one-day Brahmotsavam. On this sacred occasion, Lord Malayappa Swamy, along with Sridevi and Bhudevi, is taken in a grand procession on seven different vahanams (celestial vehicles) along the four Mada Streets surrounding the Tirumala temple.

The festival symbolizes Surya Jayanti and is considered extremely auspicious for devotees seeking divine blessings.

• Procession Start: Surya Prabha Vahanam – 5:30 AM
• Procession End: Chandra Prabha Vahanam – 9:00 PM

Vahanams include:

• Chinna Sesha
• Garuda
• Hanumantha
• Kalpavruksha
• Sarvabhoopala

A special Chakrasnanam ceremony is also performed on this day.

Arasavalli Ratha Saptami 2026

Date: 25th January 2026
Location: Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh

Over 2.6 lakh devotees are expected to visit the Arasavalli Sun Temple on this auspicious occasion.

Temple Timings

• Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
• Evening: 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Special rituals such as Ksheerabhisekham will commence at 1:00 AM on Sunday.

☀️ May Lord Surya bless everyone with health, vitality, wisdom, and prosperity. ☀️