Ratha saptami - Festivals Decoded ( in English)
There are so many festivals in our tradition. No other country has so many festivals like us. The next one coming up is Rathasapthami on 19th February 2020.
It is celebrated on the 7th day from New moon on the tamil month of Thai(Magaram). It marks the beginning of Utharayanam, the day time of the Devas. This is when the direction of sun is said to change towards the northern hemisphere. It also marks the beginning of spring and summer. It is said that the Sun travels in a chariot with one wheel and is mounted on 7 horses.(the wheel represents the single white colour of light and the 7 horses represent the 7 colours of light).
If you notice keenly you'll observe that the festivals coincide with the change in seasons. The prasadham that is made as offering to God are all designed to prepare our mind and body for the forthcoming change in season. Every seasonal change causes an imbalance in the three doshas(vatha,pitha and kapha) that governs our body which in turn is responsible for the ailments.
You"ll amazed at the intuitive intelligence of our forefathers who have designed each and everything and twining it with spirituality and God to ensure its continued.
In the northern parts of India this day is celebrated as makasankaranthi. Kite festival is organised. The whole population either participates or are outdoors watching it a.k.a taking sunbath. A genius idea by our forefathers to bring the whole population outdoors. A ladoo made of sesame and jaggery is offered as prasadam. Sesame is rich in calcium and Omega 3 fatty acids. Jaggery is rich in minerals. Together they provide good strength and vitality to face the upcoming summer months.
In the south, 7 calatropis leaves along with raw rice and turmeric is used for taking bath.Men don't use turmeric. Before bath One leaf is placed on the head, two on each shoulders, two on the knees and two leaves on the feet. Mantra for surya is recited and men perform a ritual called argyam or tharpanam. This is generally performed in waterbodies. Some also fast on this day. Fasting on this day is supposed to bless one with good health. The rays of sun on this day is supposed to bestow one with good health and well being throughout the year.
You might wonder why calatropis leaves which are otherwise poisonous are used on this day. There is a scientific reason behind this. Though it is poisonous when consumed internally it is considered a potent herb to cure many ailments.
Cardiac glycosides present is the leaf helps to cure arrthmia or irregular heart beat. It also prevents heart failure. It is antifungal in nature. It helps to cure asthma, rheumatoid arthritis,problems of respiratory tracts, liver,spleen, skin,digestive tract and nervous system.
It kills the larvae of mosquitoes causing elephantiasis. It also kills worms in sheep and cattle. The latest research promises a cure for cancer.
It kills microbes and hence disinfects water bodies. Our genius forefathers weaved a story around each of these useful scientific rituals and Gods to ensure its survival.
Consult with your elders at home before proceeding with this. It is poisonous if taken internally without medical supervision. The milky sap will cause loss of vision. Keep this in mind.
In the northern parts of India this day is celebrated as makasankaranthi. Kite festival is organised. The whole population either participates or are outdoors watching it a.k.a taking sunbath. A genius idea by our forefathers to bring the whole population outdoors. A ladoo made of sesame and jaggery is offered as prasadam. Sesame is rich in calcium and Omega 3 fatty acids. Jaggery is rich in minerals. Together they provide good strength and vitality to face the upcoming summer months.
In the south, 7 calatropis leaves along with raw rice and turmeric is used for taking bath.Men don't use turmeric. Before bath One leaf is placed on the head, two on each shoulders, two on the knees and two leaves on the feet. Mantra for surya is recited and men perform a ritual called argyam or tharpanam. This is generally performed in waterbodies. Some also fast on this day. Fasting on this day is supposed to bless one with good health. The rays of sun on this day is supposed to bestow one with good health and well being throughout the year.
You might wonder why calatropis leaves which are otherwise poisonous are used on this day. There is a scientific reason behind this. Though it is poisonous when consumed internally it is considered a potent herb to cure many ailments.
Cardiac glycosides present is the leaf helps to cure arrthmia or irregular heart beat. It also prevents heart failure. It is antifungal in nature. It helps to cure asthma, rheumatoid arthritis,problems of respiratory tracts, liver,spleen, skin,digestive tract and nervous system.
It kills the larvae of mosquitoes causing elephantiasis. It also kills worms in sheep and cattle. The latest research promises a cure for cancer.
It kills microbes and hence disinfects water bodies. Our genius forefathers weaved a story around each of these useful scientific rituals and Gods to ensure its survival.
Consult with your elders at home before proceeding with this. It is poisonous if taken internally without medical supervision. The milky sap will cause loss of vision. Keep this in mind.
Regards,
Jaya Subramaniam.
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