Sun ratha and the seven horses!
Ratha Saptami is symbolic of the change of season to spring and the start of the harvesting season. For most Indian farmers, it is an auspicious beginning of the New Year. The festival is observed by all Hindus in their houses and in innumerable temples dedicated to Surya, across India
The Sun is approximately 149,600,000 kilometres from earth and sunlight takes 8.3 minutes to reach the earth. Life on earth is dependent on the Sun and Sun’s energy is tapped in an innumerable way
Humans: To generate power, for a dose of Vitamin D, the ultraviolet rays from the Sun has antiseptic properties, which are used to sanitize tools and water
Nature: Convert fossil into fuels and petroleum.
“Ratha” means chariot and “Sapthami” means the 7th day, it is the day when the Surya/Sun god is believed to ride on the chariot drawn by 7 horses to gift the beautiful season “Spring” to South India. It is during this time that Surya/Sun moves from the southeast to the northeast. 7 represents the colours of the rainbow or the 7 CHAKRAS. This festival falls on the 7th day of the Hindu month Magha, February in the Gregorian calendar. The days become warmer and bring relief and cheer to life after the bitter winter months. This year (2018) it is on 24th January.
Tirumala Ratha Saptami
The procession of Lord Venkateswara on the seventh day of Srivari Salakatla Brahmotsavam atop the Surya Prabha Vahanam was an enthralling experience for all the devotees. The Tirumala deity rides atop a vehicle adorned by Surya, the sun god, who was the key architect of life of humans, animals and plants.
The Chariot of Surya Prabha of Lord Venkateswara is specially designed and flower arrangement is done by a special 20 member team of florists from Coimbatore. “The entire Surya Prabha design is made of jasmine flowers and laced with red and orange coloured Kanakambara or Roses, “ says, Temple official in charge of Gardens Department.
On Rathasapthami day, rangoli/ Sun riding a chariot is drawn. A special bath is taken with 7 calotropis procera leaves. One leaf is kept on the head, 2 on the shoulders, 2 on knees and 2 on foot while having the bath.
The following mantra on Sun god is chanted while taking the bath.
“Saptha Saptha Maha Saptha
Saptha Dweepa Vasundara
Sapth Arka Parna Madaya
Sapthamyam Snana Machareth”
By following this simple ritual people believe that the Lord will bless them with success for all their endeavours in the coming year.
Posted by: HelloTirupati.in is a website which discovers the craziness happening in the city and reveal it to the people of Tirupati.
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