Ratha Saptami 2026: Date, Time, Puja Vidhanam & Significance

Ratha Saptami

Ratha Saptami is an important Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and is celebrated on Magha Shukla Saptami as per the Hindu calendar. It marks the symbolic transition of the Sun’s chariot (Ratha) towards the northern hemisphere, signifying the beginning of longer days and the end of harsh winters. Because of its spiritual and astronomical importance, Ratha Saptami is also known as Surya Jayanti.

This sacred day holds immense importance for health, prosperity, spiritual growth, and liberation from past karmas. Devotees observe rituals such as Surya Arghya, holy baths, fasting, and special pujas to seek blessings from the Sun God.

Ratha Saptami Date and Time

Ratha Saptami 2026 date: Sunday, 25 January 2026

Ratha Saptami in 2026 will be observed during Magha month on Shukla Paksha Saptami. The most auspicious time to perform Ratha Saptami puja is during sunrise, as Surya Dev is worshipped while offering Arghya at dawn.

Devotees traditionally take a sacred bath at Arunodaya (before sunrise) followed by Surya puja. The festival is an important highlight in the Hindu calendar 2026 and is listed among major events in the 2026 calendar India festival list.

Significance of Ratha Saptami

The significance of Ratha Saptami lies in its association with Surya Narayana, the source of life and energy. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Surya rides a chariot with seven horses, representing the seven days of the week and the seven colors of light.

Because of these beliefs, the importance of Ratha Saptami is considered equal to performing penance and charity throughout the year.

What to Do on Ratha Saptami?

On Ratha Saptami, devotees follow traditional practices to honor Lord Surya:

• Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta

• Take a ritual bath (preferably with sesame seeds)

• Place Ekka leaves (Calotropis) on the head while bathing

• Offer water (Arghya) to the rising Sun

• Draw Ratha Saptami rangoli or Ratha Saptami muggulu at home entrances

• Observe fasting or consume satvik food

Ratha Saptami Puja Vidhanam

Ratha Saptami puja vidhanam is simple yet deeply spiritual:

1. Clean the puja area and place an idol or image of Lord Surya

2. Light a diya using ghee or sesame oil

3. Offer flowers, red cloth, sandalwood paste, and Akshata

4. Chant Surya mantras while offering Arghya

5. Perform Surya Namaskar and meditate briefly

Ratha Saptami Pooja Vidhanam Vidhi

The Ratha Saptami pooja vidhanam vidhi includes:

• Bathing with sesame seeds

• Wearing clean or traditional attire

• Offering sweets or jaggery-based dishes

• Lighting incense and performing Surya Arati

Ratha Saptami Puja at Home

Performing Ratha Saptami puja at home is highly auspicious. Even those unable to visit temples can worship Surya Dev by offering water at sunrise from their terrace or balcony. Chanting mantras and observing cleanliness is more important than elaborate rituals.

Ratha Saptami Puja Benefits

The Ratha Saptami puja benefits include:

• Better health and immunity

• Relief from chronic illnesses

• Mental clarity and emotional balance

• Success in career and education

• Removal of doshas related to Sun in astrology

Ratha Saptami Puja Mantra

Chanting mantras on Ratha Saptami amplifies the blessings of Lord Surya:

“Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah”

Ratha Saptami Vrat Vidhi

Ratha Saptami vrat vidhi includes:

• Observing a partial or complete fast

• Consuming fruits, milk, or light satvik meals

• Avoiding salt and grains (optional)

• Breaking the fast after sunset or next morning

Ratha Saptami Vrat Katha

In ancient times, King Yashovarma had a son who suffered from a severe illness that could not be cured by any treatment. A sage revealed that the disease was the result of sins from a past life and advised observing Ratha Saptami Vrat on Magha Shukla Saptami. The prince followed the rituals with devotion, took a holy bath, and offered Arghya to Lord Surya. By the grace of the Sun God, he was completely cured. Since then, it is believed that observing Ratha Saptami Vrat removes diseases, past sins, and brings health, prosperity, and divine blessings.

रथ सप्तमी व्रत कथा (In Hindi)

प्राचीन काल में यशोवर्मा नाम के एक धर्मपरायण राजा थे, जिनका पुत्र गंभीर रोग से पीड़ित था। अनेक उपचारों के बाद भी वह ठीक नहीं हुआ। एक दिन एक महर्षि ने राजा को बताया कि यह रोग पूर्व जन्म के पापों का फल है और इससे मुक्ति के लिए माघ शुक्ल सप्तमी (रथ सप्तमी) के दिन भगवान सूर्य का व्रत और पूजन करना चाहिए। राजकुमार ने विधि-विधान से स्नान कर सूर्य देव को अर्घ्य दिया और व्रत रखा। भगवान सूर्य की कृपा से वह पूर्णतः स्वस्थ हो गया। तभी से माना जाता है कि रथ सप्तमी व्रत करने से रोग, पाप और कष्ट दूर होते हैं तथा आरोग्य और समृद्धि प्राप्त होती है।