A Ride to Uttarayana – ‘Rathasapthami’

Smt. Sujatha Rajesh

Rathasapthami is an auspicious festival performed to celebrate Lord Surya Narayana’s (the Sun God) positional change from Southeast to Northeast (Uttarayanam). It indicates the onset of summer. The Sun God in Sanatana Dharma is considered as the father of the planets and the universe and the moon is considered as the mother. This seasonal change is the best time to harvest. 

Usually Lord Surya is pictorially represented to be riding on a chariot drawn by seven horses. The representation is not just an imagination of our ancestors but an allegory. The movement of Surya on his chariot is said to indicate the nature of the evermoving Solar system. While the horses denote movement, the stirrup are said to symbolize the force of gravity exerted by the sun on the planets & satellites present within the solar system. The charioteer, Aruna happens to be the son of Kashyapa & Vinata. Aruna is the elder brother of Garuda, the mount of Lord Vishnu. 

On the day of this festival two Erukkam poo (crown flower) with 4 – 5 Elandhapazham (Indian plum) on the head before the hair wash. A picture of a chariot is drawn with the Sun God in the center. The picture is usually drawn usually in the outdoor in front of the Thulsi Maadam using Kolam powder. The Prasadhas are usually sweet Pongal and Vada-s without onion and garlic. 

‘Adithya Hrudayam’ is recited on that day. The significance of ‘Adithya Hrudayam’ is that it was given to Lord Rama by Sage Agasthya near Sethukarai, Ramanathapuram, South India. This composition is said to increase the energy levels of the devotee, Lord Surya was born to Kashyapa & Aditi on the day. Then follows the Nivedyam and Kapoora Aarati to mother Thulsi and Surya Narayana. He is the Pratyaksha Devata for everyone in the world. 

 Sujatha is an ardent follower of Santana Dharma and an enthusiastic cook. Her family celebrates all festivals connected with our culture.