Ratha Saptami 2026 date and time in Ujjain is an important query for devotees who wish to observe this sacred Surya festival with correct rituals and muhurat. Celebrated on Magha Shukla Saptami, Ratha Saptami marks the divine movement of Lord Surya on His celestial chariot and is widely regarded as Surya Jayanti. In Hindu tradition, this day symbolizes the beginning of positive solar energy, health, and spiritual awakening.
This article provides the exact Ratha Saptami 2026 timings for Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, along with its spiritual significance, rituals, and observances — all explained in a clear and authoritative manner.
What Is Ratha Saptami?
Ratha Saptami is observed on the seventh lunar day (Saptami) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha. According to Hindu belief, on this day Lord Surya began illuminating the universe, riding His chariot drawn by seven horses, which represent the seven colors of light and seven days of the week.
Because of its association with health, vitality, and purification, Ratha Saptami is also known as Arogya Saptami and Achala Saptami.
Ratha Saptami 2026 Date and Timings for Ujjain
Below are the accurate Panchang-based timings for Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India, all in local IST.
Festival Date
- Ratha Saptami: Sunday, 25 January 2026
Tithi Timings
- Saptami Tithi Begins: 12:39 AM on 25 January 2026
- Saptami Tithi Ends: 11:10 PM on 25 January 2026
Snan and Muhurat Timings
- Snan Muhurat (Arunodaya period): 05:25 AM to 07:09 AM
- Duration: 1 Hour 44 Minutes
- Civil Dawn (Ujjain): 06:45 AM
As per Hindu Panchang rules, the festival is observed based on sunrise, making Sunday, 25 January 2026 the correct day for Ratha Saptami in Ujjain.
Importance of Arunodaya Snan on Ratha Saptami
Taking a holy bath during Arunodaya (before sunrise) is considered the most important ritual of Ratha Saptami. Arunodaya occurs approximately four Ghatis (about 90–96 minutes) before sunrise.
It is believed that bathing during this period:
- Purifies the body and mind
- Removes diseases and chronic ailments
- Destroys sins accumulated knowingly or unknowingly
- Promotes long life and vitality
Bathing in a river, lake, or natural water source is preferred, though home bathing is also acceptable if done with devotion.
Surya Puja and Arghyadan Ritual
After the ritual bath, devotees worship Lord Surya at sunrise by performing Arghyadan.
How Arghyadan Is Performed:
- Face the rising Sun
- Stand in Namaskar Mudra
- Offer water slowly from a small Kalash
- Chant Surya mantras or Gayatri Mantra
Following this, a ghee lamp is lit, and Surya Dev is worshipped with red flowers, dhoop, and kapoor.
This ritual is believed to grant:
- Good health
- Prosperity
- Mental clarity
- Spiritual strength
Spiritual Significance of Ratha Saptami
Ratha Saptami is considered as auspicious as Surya Grahan for Daan–Punya activities. Scriptures state that worshipping Surya Dev on this day helps cleanse seven types of sins — committed by body, speech, and mind, across present and past births.
Because of its powerful healing symbolism, the festival strongly emphasizes health, discipline, and righteous living.
Ratha Saptami 2026 in Ujjain will be observed on Sunday, 25 January, with early morning rituals holding the highest spiritual importance. By following the correct Snan Muhurat, Surya Puja, and Arghyadan, devotees can align themselves with solar energy, health, and inner purification.
For readers interested in deeper solar traditions and Panchang-based observances, exploring related Magha month festivals can provide further insight into Hindu time cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is the date of Ratha Saptami in 2026?
Ratha Saptami will be observed on Sunday, 25 January 2026.
2.What is the best time for Snan on Ratha Saptami in Ujjain?
The most auspicious Snan Muhurat is from 05:25 AM to 07:09 AM, during Arunodaya.
3.Why is Ratha Saptami called Surya Jayanti?
It is believed that Lord Surya began enlightening the world on this day, making it His symbolic birth anniversary.
4.Is fasting necessary on Ratha Saptami?
Fasting is optional but highly beneficial when combined with Surya Puja and Arghyadan.
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