Ratha Saptami 2026: date, importance, rituals, vrat rules, mantra, aarti, dosha remedies and temples to visit
Ratha Saptami, also called Magha Saptami, Surya Jayanti, and Achala Saptami, is a highly auspicious Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God). It is celebrated with deep devotion across India and is especially significant for people seeking good health, inner strength, confidence, success, and removal of obstacles.
Ratha Saptami is also seen as a powerful spiritual turning point in the Magha month because the Sun symbolizes life-force (prana), energy, discipline, clarity, and divine illumination. Worshipping Surya Dev on this day is believed to bring positivity, reduce karmic burdens, and strengthen one’s destiny.
Ratha Saptami 2026 date and time (India)
Ratha Saptami 2026 date: Sunday, 25 January 2026
Saptami Tithi begins: 12:39 AM (25 January 2026)
Saptami Tithi ends: 11:10 PM (25 January 2026)
Snan Muhurat: 05:26 AM to 07:13 AM
Civil Dawn: 06:48 AM
Sunrise time: 07:13 AM
(Note: timings may vary slightly depending on city.)
Why Ratha Saptami is celebrated
Ratha Saptami is celebrated to honour Lord Surya’s divine appearance and his celestial journey. The word “Ratha” means chariot and “Saptami” means the seventh day (tithi). It is believed that on this day, Surya Dev rides his chariot drawn by seven horses and begins his northward journey, symbolising progress, renewal, and hope.
The seven horses are deeply symbolic and represent:
the seven days of the week
the seven colours of sunlight
the seven chakras (energy centres)
the seven forms of cosmic energy
Spiritually, this festival teaches that when light increases in life, darkness and confusion naturally reduce.
Religious importance and significance of Ratha Saptami
Ratha Saptami is considered one of the best days for Surya Upasana (Sun worship). Unlike many other deities, Surya Dev is worshipped as the visible form of divine power and is believed to bless devotees quickly.
Key beliefs associated with Ratha Saptami include:
it removes negativity, laziness, and mental fog
it supports health, immunity, eyesight, and vitality
it improves self-confidence and reputation
it reduces delays and obstacles in career and finances
it purifies karma and strengthens dharma
Many devotees also observe vrat and offer Arghya to improve their overall spiritual discipline.
Ratha Saptami puja vidhi at home (step-by-step)
You can do the Ratha Saptami puja at home in a simple and complete manner. The most important part is offering Arghya to the rising Sun.
Step 1: wake up early (before sunrise)
Wake up during Brahma Muhurat if possible. Maintain cleanliness in body and thoughts.
Step 2: take a holy bath (Magha Snan)
A sacred bath is considered highly beneficial on this day.
If you can, bathe in a holy river.
If not, bathe at home by adding a few drops of Gangajal, or a pinch of turmeric or til (sesame) in the water.
Traditional ritual: In some regions, devotees place 7 Arka leaves (Calotropis) on the head and shoulders while bathing, symbolising purification.
Step 3: wear clean traditional clothes
Prefer yellow, saffron, or red colours. Apply tilak if possible.
Step 4: offer Arghya to Surya Dev
Stand facing the East (towards the Sun). Offer water from a copper lota slowly with devotion.
You may add:
red flowers
kumkum
turmeric
jaggery
rice (akshat)
While offering water, chant:
Om Suryaya Namah
Step 5: perform Surya puja at altar
Place a photo/idol of Surya Dev. Offer:
red flowers or lotus
incense (dhoop) and diya
sandalwood paste
fruits and sweets
jaggery and wheat-based offerings
Step 6: chant mantra and stotra
Spend at least 10–15 minutes chanting Surya mantras.
Step 7: do Surya aarti and distribute prasad
Offer prasad to family members and donate something to the needy.
Main rituals of Ratha Saptami
Ratha Saptami is traditionally celebrated with the following rituals:
Magha Snan (holy bath)
Surya Arghya at sunrise
Surya mantra chanting
Vrat (fasting)
Daan (donation of jaggery, wheat, red cloth, copper)
Temple visit (Surya temple preferred)
Reading Aditya Hridayam or Surya Stotra
In Tamil Nadu, the celebration is especially grand with Surya processions and temple festivals.
Ratha Saptami vrat rules and fasting guide
Who should keep Ratha Saptami vrat
This vrat is highly recommended for:
people with health issues or low energy
students seeking concentration and intelligence
individuals facing career delays
those wanting name, fame and confidence
people with weak Sun in horoscope
Types of vrat you can follow
Nirjala vrat (no water) – very powerful
Phalahar vrat (fruits + milk) – common and safe
One satvik meal – for working people
Foods allowed in vrat
fruits, milk, curd
dry fruits, makhana
sabudana preparations
kheer, panjiri
sweet potato
Foods to avoid
non-veg and alcohol
onion and garlic
heavy fried/tamasik food
excess salt and overeating
Ratha Saptami do’s and don’ts
Do’s
take bath early and offer Arghya
chant Surya mantras daily
donate food and essentials
stay calm and truthful
respect father, teachers and elders
Don’ts
avoid sleeping late
avoid anger and harsh speech
avoid intoxication and tamasik habits
avoid negativity and arguments
do not waste water during rituals
Best mantras to chant on Ratha Saptami
Simple Surya mantra (for everyone)
Om Suryaya Namah
Chant 108 times
Powerful Surya beej mantra
Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Suryaya Namah
Surya Gayatri mantra
Om Bhaskaraya Vidmahe
Divakaraya Dheemahi
Tannah Suryah Prachodayat
Traditional chanting (short)
Om Suryaye Namah
Om Ghrani Suryaye Namah
Ratha Saptami aarti (easy Hindi aarti for home)
ॐ जय सूर्य भगवान, जय हो दिनकर राजा।
जग के नेत्र तुम्हीं हो प्रभु, तेज तुम्हारा ताजा॥
सप्त अश्वों का रथ तुम्हारा, अरुण सारथी भाई।
उदयाचल से निकलो प्रभु, जग में किरणें छाई॥
रोग-शोक सब दूर करो, दो जीवन में उजियारा।
भक्त तुम्हारे चरणों में, करता नित्य पुकारा॥
ॐ जय सूर्य भगवान, जय हो दिनकर राजा।
जग के नेत्र तुम्हीं हो प्रभु, तेज तुम्हारा ताजा॥
Dosha remedies on Ratha Saptami (Surya dosha and Pitru dosha)
Ratha Saptami is considered one of the best days to strengthen Surya Dev, especially for people suffering from Surya dosha.
Signs of weak Sun in horoscope
low confidence and fear
career instability and lack of recognition
poor health, fatigue, low immunity
relationship issues with father/authority
eye, bone, or heart-related weakness
Remedies for Surya dosha
offer Arghya daily for 7 days after Ratha Saptami
donate wheat, jaggery, copper, red cloth
chant Surya beej mantra 108 times
feed cow with roti + jaggery
respect father and mentors regularly
Remedies for Pitru dosha
offer water to Surya Dev with prayers for ancestors
donate food to the needy
light a diya in the evening near Tulsi plant
avoid ego, anger and disrespect in family
What to donate on Ratha Saptami (daan list)
Donation multiplies spiritual merit on this day. Best items include:
jaggery
wheat and grains
red cloth
copper vessel
fruits and sweets
blankets and winter essentials
food packets for poor people
Temples to visit on Ratha Saptami
Visiting a Surya temple is highly beneficial, but any Vishnu, Shiva, or Navagraha temple also works.
Famous Surya temples in India
Konark Sun Temple (Odisha)
Suryanar Kovil (Tamil Nadu)
Modhera Sun Temple (Gujarat)
Martand Sun Temple (Kashmir)
Arasavalli Sun Temple (Andhra Pradesh)
If you can’t visit a Surya temple, visit your nearest temple and offer prayers to Surya Dev at sunrise.
Powerful Ratha Saptami remedies for health, success and confidence
For health and healing
sunrise Arghya with turmeric
chant Om Suryaya Namah 108 times
donate jaggery and wheat
For career growth and stability
offer Arghya with red flowers + kumkum
donate copper and red cloth
read Surya stotra for 11 days
For students and knowledge
meditate for 5 minutes after sunrise
chant Surya Gayatri mantra
study in the morning with discipline
Ratha Saptami is a spiritually powerful festival that reminds us of the Sun’s role as the source of energy, strength, discipline and success. By following the rituals of Magha Snan, Surya Arghya, vrat, mantra chanting and daan, devotees can invite positivity, improved health, confidence, and progress into their lives.