Surya Jayanti 2024: Date, Significance, Rituals and Benefits

The Sun is the natural source of energy and light on Earth. In Hinduism, people worship the Sun as a god named Surya Dev. The Sun is known by several names like Ravi, Aditya, Bhaskara, Diwakara, Arka etc. Many festivals are associated with the Sun, one of which is called Ratha Saptami or Surya Jayanti. This festival is important for religious reasons and its connection to astrology.

Ratha Sapthami is a highly auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. According to Hindu belief, the Sun rotates in the northern and southern directions throughout the year, known as Uttarayanam (the first half) and Dakshinayanam (the second half). The first half, Uttarayanam, is more promising than the latter. On Ratha Sapthami, the birth of Surya, the Sun god, to sage Kashyapa and his wife Aditi is celebrated.

One can book Surya puja online to get blessings of Surya Deva on this auspicious day.

The Sun- Supreme Deity

In Lord Vishnu's kingdom, Surya Deva is considered the king of planets, guiding them in their orbits. He rides a chariot pulled by seven horses, representing the colours of the rainbow. Surya's job is to provide sunlight for life to thrive on Earth, making him an essential figure in maintaining balance in the universe.

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The Sun and Its Relevance in Science

Surya's importance in Hinduism extends spiritually and scientifically. In Hindu belief, the Sun is revered as a vital deity because it is seen as the ultimate source of life. His central position among the nine planets (Navgraha) in Hindu cosmology reflects this significance.

Modern scientists confirm the Sun as the central point around which all nine planets orbit. Our seers confirmed this astronomical truth thousands of years ago. So, our Hindu scriptures are in alignment with the modern science. The scriptures describe the characteristics of the Sun and the other celestial bodies, including the nine planets. These descriptions resonate with the scientific findings presented by NASA and other researchers.

The alignment between the descriptions found in Hindu scriptures and the scientific discoveries made by modern researchers serves as a compelling testimony. It demonstrates that many aspects of the Hindu faith hold scientific importance and validity. This convergence highlights the depth of knowledge and insight in ancient Hindu wisdom, affirming its relevance and significance in both spiritual and scientific realms.

Astrological significance of Surya Jayanti

In astrology, the Sun is considered the king among the celestial bodies. It's believed to bring individuals fame, wealth, position, power, good health, and prosperity. Having a well-placed Sun in the birth chart is a valuable asset, as it can bless the person with various blessings known as "Rajyoga." A strong Sun in the chart can also lead to royal status and garner respect wherever the person goes. Astrologers often recommend remedies to strengthen the Sun, and one of the most effective remedies is worshipping the Sun itself. On Surya Jayanti, we worship the Sun and thereby attract the blessings and good results of the Sun.

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The religious significance of Rath Saptami 

Ratha Saptami or Surya Jayanti is celebrated on the seventh day (known as Saptami tithi) of the waxing lunar phase (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu calendar month of Magha. Also called Achala Saptami or Surya Jayanti, it's a day when people worship the Sun god, Surya Devta. They offer water (arghya pradanam) to the Sun, seeking blessings for a healthy mind, body, and soul. The blessings received on this day are believed to bring prosperity and wealth to the worshipper.

The Sun God is worshipped by many because he gives us good health, strength, and wealth. In Hindu tradition, it's believed that worshipping the Sun during sunrise, when its new rays touch the Earth, is beneficial. Science shows that being in the morning sunlight can make us feel energetic and refreshed. It also helps to clear our minds and purify our bodies. Doing Surya Namaskar, a sequence of yoga poses, follows this idea.

There are many hymns and chants to worship the Sun, like Surya Ashtakam, Aruna Prashna, and Aditya Hridayam. Reciting them can bring health, wealth, and success. The Sun is also worshipped in the evening, continuing the reverence throughout the day.

Surya Jayanti Date and Muhurata

As per Hindu Panchang, the Surya Jayanti or Ratha Saptami will be celebrated on the Udaya Saptami tithi on Friday, February 16th, 2024.

Sunrise: 07:00 a.m. 

People can take a bath during the auspicious time - 05.15 a.m. to 07.00 a.m. It is after bathing that one offers Jal Arghya. The holy time window for the bath will be 1 hour and 42 minutes.

The auspicious time for taking the holy on the day of Rath Saptami is from Sunrise on that day will take place at 06:59 AM. After taking the holy bath one has to offer Arghya to the Sun God. Therefore, on the day of Rath Saptami, the auspicious time for taking the holy bath will last for 1 hour 43 minutes.

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What to Do on Surya Jayanti?

On Ratha Sapthami day, it's strongly encouraged to honour Surya Dev by engaging in prayers such as reciting Surya Ashtakam, Aditya Hridayam, Aruna Parayanam, and Surya Shathakam as well as performing Surya Namaskarams early in the morning. Consistently praying to Surya, especially on Sundays, is advised for overall well-being and prosperity and for removing obstacles in life. Additionally, it's recommended to abstain from consuming meat and alcohol and engage in physical relationships on Sundays for personal welfare.

The Ratha Saptami festival is also seen as highly promising for acts of charity and donations. It's believed that by giving on this occasion, devotees can cleanse themselves of sins and illnesses and receive blessings of longevity, prosperity, and good health.

Rituals on Ratha Saptami

1. Early Morning Bath: Wake up early and take a holy bath during dawn. It's believed to bring good health and ward off illnesses.
2. Offering to Lord Surya: At sunrise, offer water to the Sun God while standing with folded hands. Do this twelve times, chanting his names for blessings.
3. Puja Rituals: Light a ghee lamp and offer incense, camphor, and flowers to Lord Surya.
4. Drawing Symbols: Women draw chariot and Sun images to welcome divine blessings, sometimes making rangolis for prosperity.
5. Boiling Milk: Boil milk facing the Sun's direction and use it to prepare sweet rice offered to Lord Surya.
6. Chanting Mantras: Throughout the day, chant Suryashtakam, Surya Sahasranaam, and Gayatri Mantra for blessings.

The Mantra for Ratha Saptmi

One can consider the above-mentioned suggestions. However, it’s highly auspicious to chant this mantra

“Suryaashtakam Pathennityam Grah Peedha Pranaashanam
Aputro Laabhathe Putram Dharidro Dhanvaan Bhaavet”.

Meaning-

Reciting Suryashtakam daily
Destroys the afflictions of planets surely
The childless will gain a child indeed
The poor will prosper, wealth they'll receive