RATHA SAPTHAMI (Surya Jayanthi)
RATHA SAPTHAMI (Surya Jayanthi) Maagha Sukla Sapthami Concept-Significance-Customs & Traditions-Merits etc… Ratha Sapthami also known as Magha Sapthami or Maha Sapthami is a highly auspicious Sun centric festival dedicated to the Sun God 'Surya' whose antharyaami is the Supreme God 'NaAraAyana' the Hari Sarvottama. It occurs on the seventh day of the bright fortnight during the lunar month Magha Masam that coincides with the calendar months January-February. This day also known as Surya Jayanthi is the day Sun God considered as an incarnation of Lord Sri ManNaaraayana had taken birth to the divine couple Aditi and Sage Kasyapa. Literally Ratha means a chariot. Sapthami is a lunar day (thithi) occurring on the 7th day of both fortnights (sukla and krishna paksha). At the time of division of constellations, each lunar day or thithi was attributed to one deity. In the process Sapthami thithi was allotted to Sun God and hence it is his favourite day. ...