Ratha Saptami 2026: Date, Arunodaya Snan Muhurat & Surya Puja Vidhi

Ratha Saptami, often revered as Surya Jayanti (the birthday of the Sun God), is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar dedicated to Lord Suryanarayana. Falling on the seventh day (Saptami) of the bright half of the Magha month, it marks the day the Sun God turns his Ratha (Chariot) towards the North East direction, bringing the warmth of spring and the promise of good health.

For 2026, Ratha Saptami coincides with Republic Day, falling on Monday, January 26, 2026. It is believed that taking a holy bath (Snan) during sunrise on this day frees one from seven types of sins and ailments.

📅 Ratha Saptami 2026 Date & Snan Muhurat

Event	Date & Time (IST)
Ratha Saptami Date	January 26, 2026 (Monday)
Arunodaya Snan Muhurat	05:20 AM to 07:05 AM (Before Sunrise)
Sunrise Time	07:08 AM (Approx)
Saptami Tithi Begins	Wait for Panchang Update (Jan 25 Evening)
Saptami Tithi Ends	Wait for Panchang Update (Jan 26 Evening)

*Note: The most auspicious time to bathe is during “Arunodaya” (the twilight before sunrise). Exact Tithi timings should be confirmed with your local Panchang closer to the date.

Significance: The 7 Horses of the Sun

Ratha Saptami symbolically represents the Sun God riding his chariot drawn by seven horses. These seven horses represent:

• The 7 Colors of the Rainbow (VIBGYOR): Symbolizing the light that sustains life.
• The 7 Days of the Week: Symbolizing the passage of time.

The festival is also called Arogya Saptami (Health Saptami). Worshiping the Sun on this day is believed to cure skin diseases, eye problems, and chronic ailments, bestowing longevity and vitality.

Rituals: How to Perform Ratha Saptami Puja?

1. Arunodaya Snan (The Holy Bath)

This is the most critical ritual. Wake up before sunrise. While bathing, place Erukku (Arka) leaves on your head and shoulders (1 on the head, 2 on shoulders, 2 on knees, 2 on feet). This practice is believed to absorb the positive energy of the Sun and wash away sins.

Mantra for Snan:
“Sapta Sapta Maha Sapta, Sapta Dweepa Vasundhara,
Sapta Arka Parna Madaya, Sapta Myam Snanam Acharet.”

2. Arghya (Offering Water)

After the bath, stand facing the East. Offer water from a copper vessel to the rising sun. Mix red flowers, kumkum, rice (akshat), and jaggery in the water. Lift the vessel above your head and pour the water slowly while looking at the Sun.

3. Chalam (Rangoli) & Naivedyam

In South India, a chariot-like Rangoli (Kolam) is drawn in front of the house. Milk is boiled in an earthen pot until it overflows (symbolizing abundance) to make Chakkara Pongal (Sweet Pongal), which is offered to the Sun God.

4. Chanting

Reciting the Aditya Hridaya Stotram, Surya Ashtakam, or the simple Gayatri Mantra 108 times on this day is highly meritorious.

Book Vedic Pandits for Surya Puja

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