What is Sun Worship?

Sun worship has been a significant practice across various cultures throughout history. Civilizations like the Egyptians, Romans, Mexicans, Peruvians, Aztecs, and Japanese all revered the Sun. This ancient practice continues in some parts of the world, such as India. The Sun is the fundamental source of energy for all living beings, and without it, life on Earth would not be possible. As a result, the Sun is often viewed as a divine entity. In India, a country rich in diverse religions and festivals, there is a special day dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, celebrated by Hindus as Ratha Saptami.

Ratha Saptami occurs on the 7th day (Saptami) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Maagha (February-March). Symbolically, it is depicted as the Sun God turning his chariot, drawn by seven horses (representing seven colors), toward the northern hemisphere. The Sun God, known as Surya in India, is celebrated on this day, which is also considered his birthday, called Surya Jayanti. Ratha Saptami signals the arrival of spring and the start of the harvest season. For Indian farmers, it marks the beginning of the New Year. The festival is celebrated both at home and in temples dedicated to Surya.

How to Worship the Sun God?

Ratha Saptami involves rituals to honor and worship the Sun God. The day typically begins with a sacred bath, often taken in rivers or seas, where devotees place Ekka (Calotropis Gigantea) leaves on their heads while chanting hymns to invoke Surya's blessings. Devotees also offer water to the Sun God, a ritual known as Arghyam, while reciting sacred hymns. The ritual includes a pooja (prayer) with offerings of food, flowers, and fruits. The most common prayers chanted during this time are the Gayatri, Adityahridayam, Suryashtakam, and Surya Sahasram namam. The best time for the pooja is within the first hour after sunrise.

In places like Mysore and Melkote, there are ceremonial processions featuring the Surya Mandala, an icon representing the Sun God.

Arka leaves play a vital role in Sun worship. These leaves are also called Erukku in Tamil and bowstring hemp in English, and are associated with Surya. Their shape is said to represent Surya’s chariot and shoulders. During the ritual bath, seven leaves are used: one on the head, two on the shoulders, and two on the knees and feet. In South India, women create a kolam (a decorative design) of a chariot and seven horses using colored rice powder, symbolizing Ratha Saptami. Cow dung cakes are burned in the center of the kolam, and boiled milk is offered to the Sun God.

Ratha Saptami is a significant celebration in renowned Vaishnavite temples such as those in Tirumala, Melkote, Srirangam, and Srirangapattana.

Lord Sun Festival - Ratha Saptami (Surya Jayanti)

Ratha Saptami is a significant festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Sun (Surya). It is celebrated as Lord Sun's Birthday or Surya Jayanti, marking the birth of the Sun God in Hindu tradition. The festival typically falls on the 7th day (Saptami) of the bright half of the Maagha month (between February and March).

Sun God Birthday - Surya Jayanti: Ratha Saptami is also known as Surya Jayanti, the birthday of the Sun God. This day marks the beginning of the Sun’s movement towards the northern hemisphere, which is symbolic of the arrival of spring and the harvest season. It is an important festival for Hindus, especially in temples dedicated to Lord Sun, such as those in Tirumala, Melkote, and Srirangam.