TAX ID #
25-1584149
Shirdi Sai Saba Temple
Pittsburgh, PA
Sri Surya Aradhana / Bhanu Saptami
Significance of Bhanu Saptami: When a Saptami falls on Sunday, it is known as Bhanu Saptami. On this day, Surya made his first appearance on the chariot of seven horses. The day is also known as Surya Saptami or Vyavaswathma Saptami. Bhanu Saptami is observed in Magha, Palguna, Jyeshta, and Kartika months. The most auspicious Bhanu Saptami falls in Magha month, which is known as Magha Saptami or Ratha Saptami.
On Bhanu Saptami, we perform abhishekam, homam, japa and daana. We should all recite Aditya Hridayam, Surya Gayathri, Suryashtakam, and Surya Sahasranamam to please Surya and seek a healthy life. Milk is boiled in the pot and kept facing the Sun. It is believed that when milk boils, it reaches the Sun. The Paramannam (Kheer), made up of wheat or rice, is offered to PRATHYAKSHA NARAYANA (Surya) as prasadam. Wheat grains are being donated to Brahmins for Surya graha dosha or to appease Surya Bhagawan. The preferred time for the pooja is within one hour after sunrise. Paramannam (sweet rice pudding) is offered as Naivedyam.
Bhanu Saptami Full Sponsorship - $126
Surya Abhishekam $54
Surya Archana $18
Suryanarayana Prasdam $11
Surya Sahasranamam $36
Magha Sukla Saptami - Ratha Saptami
Surya Jayanthi - Tuesday, Feb 4, 2025
Ratha Saptami is known as Surya Jayanthi, the birth of Surya to sage Kashyapa and his wife Aditi (the Sun God’s birthday). For good health it is advised to perform Ratha Saptami pooja (worship) with reverence, to rid of his past sins. It is also said that sage Bheeshma took his last breath on the fourth day after the Ratha Saptami day on Ekadasi, therefore known as Bheeshma Ekadasi.
Special prayers are offered to the Sun God on this occasion: Adityahridayam, Surya Gayathri, Suryashtakam, Surya Sahasra namam.
The preferred time for the pooja is within one hour after sunrise.
Paravannam (sweet rice pudding) is offered as nayvedyam.
Ratha Saptami Full Sponsorship $154