Ratha Saptami
Today is Ratha Saptami (16-02-2024) also known as Surya Jayanthi. This falls on the 7th day in the bright half ( Shukla Paksha) of the lunar month of Magha . Sun starts to move towards Uttarayana (Northern hemisphere) on Makar Sankranti. On this day, chariot gains momentum and takes a turn towards North-eastern side, signalling the arrival of Spring season and beginning of harvesting for the farmers. God Surya is represented as riding a chariot pulled by 7 horses . The chariot and the 7 horses are said to represent 1. The seven colors of the rainbow ( VIBGYOR ). 2. The five senses of perception and the mind and the intellect . 3. The seven points of entry to the body - the two eyes, the two ears, the two nostrils and the mouth. These allow the seven adhyātma-prānās to nourish the soul. This pertains to the celestial plane. 4. The other five fundamental elements -- earth, water, fire, air and space -- together with the two principles called mahat and ...