Know the details about Ratha Saptami Pooja Vidhanam Procedure Items List Prasadam, Ratha Saptami Pooja Vidhanam at Home Items List
Ratha Saptami Pooja Vidhanam: Items List, Pooja Process, Prasadam Recipe, and More
Introduction
Ratha Saptami, also known as Suryanarayana Pooja, is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. Celebrated on the seventh day (Sapthami) of the bright half of the Hindu month Magha (January-February), it marks the transition of the Sun towards the northern hemisphere. This blog provides a detailed guide on the Ratha Saptami Pooja Vidhanam, including the items list, pooja process, prasadam recipe, mantras, and other essential details.
Ratha Saptami Pooja Vidhanam Procedure Items List Prasadam
Items List for Ratha Saptami Pooja
To perform Ratha Saptami Pooja, gather the following items:
- Surya idol or picture
- Rangoli materials
- Red and yellow flowers
- Fruits and sweets
- Incense sticks and camphor
- Oil lamps
- Arka leaves (Calotropis gigantea)
- Turmeric, kumkum, and sandalwood paste
- Betel leaves and nuts
- Coconut
- Cow’s milk, honey, and ghee
Pooja Process
Follow these steps for the Ratha Saptami Pooja:
Preparation
- Early Morning Bath: Begin with a bath before sunrise, mixing a few drops of Ganga water. This purifies the body and soul.
- Clean the Pooja Area: Thoroughly clean and decorate the pooja area with rangoli, especially drawing the Ratha (chariot) symbol.
- Set Up Altar: Place the Surya idol or picture on a clean, decorated altar.
Step-by-Step Pooja
- Holy Bath: Start the day with a bath, ideally in a river or with Ganga water added to the bath.
- Draw Ratha Symbol: Use rangoli powders to draw a chariot (Ratha) on the ground or at the entrance of your home.
- Altar Setup: Place the idol or picture of Lord Surya on the altar. Decorate it with fresh red and yellow flowers.
- Arrange Pooja Items: Set up the pooja items like fruits, sweets, incense sticks, lamps, and camphor.
- Light Lamps and Incense: Light the lamps and incense sticks to begin the pooja.
- Chant Mantras: Recite specific mantras dedicated to Lord Surya, such as Aditya Hridayam or Surya Ashtakam.
- Perform Arti: Wave the camphor or lamp in circular motions in front of the idol while ringing a bell.
- Offer Naivedyam: Present fruits, sweets, and other delicacies to the deity. This prasadam is later shared among family members.
- Conclude with Prayers: Offer prayers for health, prosperity, and well-being, seeking forgiveness for any mistakes during the ritual.
Prasadam Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 1/2 cup jaggery
- 1/4 cup ghee
- 1/4 cup grated coconut
- 1 tablespoon cardamom powder
- 10-12 cashew nuts
- 10-12 raisins
Preparation
- Cook Rice: Cook the rice and let it cool slightly.
- Melt Jaggery: In a pan, melt the jaggery with a little water until it forms a syrup.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the cooked rice, ghee, grated coconut, and cardamom powder to the jaggery syrup. Stir well.
- Add Nuts and Raisins: Fry cashew nuts and raisins in ghee and mix them into the rice mixture.
- Offer as Naivedyam: Present the prepared prasadam to Lord Surya during the pooja.
Mantras for Ratha Saptami
Aditya Hridayam
This powerful mantra is dedicated to Lord Surya and is chanted to seek his blessings.
Surya Ashtakam
A set of eight verses that glorify the Sun God.
Simple Mantra
“Om Hreem Suryaya Namah” – Chant this mantra 108 times to invoke the blessings of the Sun God.
Things to Know
Dress Code
- Men: Wear a traditional dhoti (veshti); no shirts allowed inside the sanctum.
- Women: Wear a saree, salwar kameez, or a long skirt and blouse.
Important Tips
- Timing: Perform the pooja early in the morning, preferably during sunrise.
- Rangoli: Draw a chariot (Ratha) symbol with rangoli at the entrance or pooja area.
- Health Benefits: Exposure to early morning sunlight boosts Vitamin D levels, improving health and immunity.
FAQ
What is Ratha Saptami?
Ratha Saptami is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, celebrated on the seventh day of the bright half of the Hindu month Magha.
How do I perform Ratha Saptami Pooja?
Follow the detailed pooja process outlined above, including preparation, altar setup, chanting mantras, and offering prasadam.
What items are needed for the pooja?
The pooja requires items like a Surya idol or picture, rangoli materials, flowers, fruits, sweets, incense sticks, lamps, and specific leaves and herbs.
What is the significance of Ratha Saptami?
The festival marks the Sun’s transition towards the northern hemisphere, symbolizing the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. It is considered an auspicious day for spiritual purification and seeking the Sun God’s blessings for health and prosperity.
Are there any specific mantras for Ratha Saptami?
Yes, Aditya Hridayam and Surya Ashtakam are significant mantras for Ratha Saptami. The simple mantra “Om Hreem Suryaya Namah” is also chanted.
Ratha Saptami, or Suryanarayana Pooja, is a day of immense spiritual significance. By following the pooja vidhanam, using the appropriate items, and chanting the mantras, devotees can seek the blessings of Lord Surya for health, prosperity, and well-being. May this auspicious day bring light and warmth to your life, just as the Sun God illuminates the world.
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