“Ratha” means chariot and “Sapthami” means the 7th day, it is the day when the 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 Sun moves from the southeast to the northeast. 7 represents the colors of the rainbow or the 7 chakras. This festival falls on the 7th day of the Hindu month Maghat, this year it is on 2nd February 2009.
On Rathasapthami day, rangoli/pattern of Sun riding a chariot is drawn. The Temples performs Surya Namaskaram in order to bring good health to the community.
Om Ghrineea Surya Aditya Om
Om Hreem Suryay Namah
Sapthamyam Snana Machareth
Om Hreem Suryay Namah
Sapthamyam Snana Machareth
