Surya Sashti is the festival dedicated to Surya Bhagawan (Sun God). Surya Sashti is celebrated on the sixth day in Shukla Paksha during the month of Bhadrapad. In 2009, the date of Surya Sashti is August 26.
Though Shukla Paksha Sashti and Saptami are dedicated to Sun God, Bhadapad Shukla Sashti is more auspicious to worship Surya Bhagawan. Ratha Sapthami, Bhanu Saptami and Surya Sashti which comes on Kartik Shukla Sashti (Dala Chat) are other main festivals dedicated to Surya Bhagawan.
During the festival of Surya Sashti, devotees start worshipping Surya Bhagawan before theSunrise. Performers of Surya Shashti Vrata keep fasting on the day and take meal after the puja completes. Aditya Hrudayam and other Surya Stotras or prayers are recited during the observance of Surya Sashti.
Surya Sashti is celebrated with utmost festivity in Surya Bhagawan temple at Konark in Orissa, Arasuvilli Surya Devalayam in Andhra Pradesh and Sun Temple at Modhera in Gujarat.
Vivaswat Saptami or Vaivasvata Saptami is the birthday of Vivaswatha Manu. He was born on Ashadh Shukla Saptami. In 2009, the date of Vivaswata Saptami is June 28, Sunday. Vyvaswatha Saptami is also celebrated as Bhanu Saptami. Bhanu means the Sun God. Bhanu Saptami is the most auspicious Saptami day among all Saptamis. On Bhanu Saptami day, people worship the Sun God or Surya Bhagawan. Reciting Aditya Hridayam and any other Surya stotras will keep devotees’ health fit forever.
Bhanu Saptami is celebrated widely in South India and some Western parts of India. Vaivaswan’s descendants are called as Suryavanshis, because they are originated from the Sun God. Hence, Vivaswat Saptami is also observed as Bhanu Saptami.
Vaivaswatha Manu was the descendant of Vaivasvan, who ruled Ayodhya. Vaivasvan’s descendants made their rule on India. Descendants of Vaivasvan’s sons were called Suryavanshis. Lord Shri Ram was a Suryavanshi. Vaivaswatha Manu’s daughter, Ella, was married Buddha, the son of Chandra. Her descendants were called Chandravanshis. Lord Sri Krishna was Chandravanshi.
The other important Saptami dedicated to Surya Bhagawan is Rath Saptami which is celebrated in Magha masam.
Courtesy: Wikipedia
Aadideva namastubyam pradisa mama bhaskara
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Vishvasham vishvakartharam mahatejah pradipanam
Mahapapaharam devam tam suryam pranammyaham //7//
Sree vishum jagatam nadham gyana-vigyana-moksha-dhham
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Suryashtakam patennityam grahapida-pranashanam
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