Ratha Saptami 2025 will be observed on February 4th. This day is dedicated to Sun God, Surya. It is also known as Achala Saptami and is significant in Mithilanchal.
Ratha Saptami, also known as Achala Saptami, is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. In 2025, Ratha Saptami will be observed on February 4th. This day is considered auspicious for performing religious activities and seeking blessings from Lord Surya.
Ratha Saptami 2025: Auspicious Timings
The following are the auspicious timings for Ratha Saptami in 2025:
- Date: February 4, 2025, Tuesday
- Snan Muhurat (Bathing Time): 05:23 AM to 07:08 AM
- Arunodaya Kaal (Sunrise): 06:43 AM
- Surya Darshan (Sunrise Viewing): 07:08 AM
- Saptami Tithi Begins: 04:37 AM on February 4
- Saptami Tithi Ends: 02:30 AM on February 5
Rituals and Significance
On Ratha Saptami, devotees wake up before sunrise and take a bath. It is considered auspicious to mix Ganga jal, akshat (rice grains), sesame seeds, roli (red powder), and durva grass in the water used for offering arghya to the Sun God. While offering arghya, devotees chant the mantra ‘ॐ घृणि सूर्याय नमः’.
Following the arghya, devotees recite the Surya Chalisa and Surya Kavach, and perform aarti of the Sun God. It is also considered highly auspicious to donate and flow black sesame seeds into flowing water. The day is observed with fasting and special rituals.
Achala Saptami and its Observance
Achala Saptami is another name for Ratha Saptami and is particularly significant in the Mithilanchal region. It is observed with great devotion. One of the main aspects of Achala Saptami is the prohibition of consuming salt on this day. This practice is believed to offer health benefits by helping to regulate blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart attacks, and maintain healthy kidney function.
Devotees consider this day very auspicious for charitable acts. Any donations, acts of charity, or bathing rituals done on this day are said to have lasting merit.
Practices on Achala Saptami
On Achala Saptami, devotees observe a fast and consume food without salt. This day is considered equivalent to solar eclipses. Taking a bath during Arunodaya Kaal is believed to yield the same benefits as bathing during a solar eclipse. Bathing in the Ganges on this day is considered equivalent to the merit of 100 solar eclipses.
In Mithilanchal, Achala Saptami is widely celebrated. People keep fasts and consume foods without salt. This celebration demonstrates the significant cultural importance of the festival.
Other Celebrations
In Muzaffarpur, on the occasion of Achala Saptami, the birth of Lord Surya will be celebrated at Chaturbhuj Nath Temple. A Surya Mahayagya is scheduled to be organized in the temple premises on Tuesday morning.
Sources: https://www.amarujala.com/photo-gallery/spirituality/festivals/ratha-saptami-2025-date-time-snan-muhurat-puja-vidhi-significance-and-mahatva-in-hindi-2025-02-03
https://hindi.news18.com/news/dharm/achala-saptami-and-why-salt-is-not-eaten-on-this-day-know-the-importance-of-this-fast-local18-9003626.html
https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/muzaffarpur/story-sun-god-birth-celebration-on-achala-saptami-at-chaturbhuj-nath-temple-201738525958089.html