Bhanu Saptami is considered a sacred festival in the Hindu religion and is dedicated to the Lord Surya. Worshipping Lord Surya on Bhanu Saptami is considered to be of great significance. This festival is mostly celebrated in the regions of western-India and Southern-India.

When is Bhanu Saptami?

As per the Gregorian Calendar, Bhanu Saptami 2020 falls on 12th of the July month. Usually, Bhanu Saptami is celebrated during the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha, Jyeshtha, Phalguna, and Magha.

Bhanu Saptami Significance

It is believed that Lord Surya has ascended on the earth for the first time in the evening of Bhanu Saptami. Lord Surya was seated on the golden chariot which was placed on the sacred lotus. Seven horses were drawing the chariot who were considered to be the rays on the sun. Aruna is a charioteer of Lord sun who saves and protects the mother earth from the blistering heat of the sun. The appearance of Lord Surya delivered life on earth. Lord Surya who is also a Lord of endurance and well-being is a creator of all living beings on earth.

What to do on Bhanu Saptami

On Bhanu Saptami, people should take a bath before the sunrise and if possible the devotees should take a bath in the sacred river Ganga or in any holy river and worship the Lord sun with true dedication. A devotee should observe fast for the entire day of Bhanu Saptami. Women draw beautiful rangoli in front of their house to welcome the rays of the sun. Cow dung should be burnt in the middle of the rangoli which is considered as highly auspicious in the Hindu religion.

According to the religious scriptures, when the milk is boiled it reaches the sun. Therefore milk should be boiled in the earthen pot and it should be kept facing towards the sun. Prashad should be offered to the Sun in the form of kheer which should be made up of twelve heaps of grains and wheat. Donating kheer to brahmins is considered as a fruitful activity.

Benefits of Bhanu Saptami

Among the immense benefits of offering prayers to Lord Surya on the auspicious day of Bhanu Saptami, some of the most important benefits are mentioned below:

• The devotee who takes a bath in the sacred river Ganga will never face poverty in his entire life.
• A woman who prays to Lord Surya will never become a widow in her next birth.
• Worshipping Lord Surya on the occasion of Bhanu Saptami will be bestowed with good health.
• All types of illness and disease will be vanished after offering prayers to Lord Surya on the auspicious occasion of Bhanu Saptami
• By observing fast on Bhanu Saptami, one can enjoy a healthy and happy life.