Mitra Saptami is an auspicious day dedicated to Surya, the sun god in Hinduism. Mitra Saptami 2017 date is November 26. It is observed on the seventh day or the saptami day during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Margashirsha month. This festival is celebrated with joy and happiness all around the country. Sun is also known as Mitra i.e a friend and hence this day is also celebrated as Mitra Saptami. On this day Lord Bhaskar is worshiped with full devotion and rituals by his devotees. People worship the Sun and offer water to it while standing on the bank of holy rivers such as Ganga and Yamuna.
Legend
Surya Deva was born to Kashyap and his wife Aditi. Thus was known as Aditi putra i.e the son of Aditi. As per the legends, the wrath of demons was increasing day by day troubling all the gods and the goddess. Ultimately the army of the demons established their kingdom on the heaven, due to which everyone gets upset and wanders around in search of a solution for the problem. Seeing the plight of everyone around, the mother of the gods (Deva Mata) Aditi performs a penance to please the Sun god. Sun god gets pleased with the dedication of Aditi and appears in front of her. In order to solve the problem of demons, he tells Aditi that, he will take birth from her womb to protect the sons of god from the wrath of demons. As told by the god, after some time Aditi conceives.
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To protect her son from all the troubles and suffering she observes various kind of fasts and worship. Seeing all this Kashyap gets upset, and advises her to take care of her health, rather than stressing her body by observing too many fasts. This could cause miscarriage and is not good for the foetus as well. On this Aditi tells her husband not to worry much, as her child is a blessing of god and no power can destroy it. Aditi gives birth to a son at an auspicious time. He becomes a protagonist and kills the army of demons. Thus, protecting the gods and goddess from their wrath. Surya Upanishad, Bhavishya Purana, Matsya Purana, Brahma Purana, Markandeya Purana and Sampurna are some of the scriptures describing the glory of the Sun.
Puja Rituals
Mitra Saptami fast is observed in dedication of Lord Sun. The rituals to worship Lord Sun begins with the commencement of Margashirsha month. Lord Sun is worshipped on the day of itra Saptami. On this day the observer wakes up early in the morning before the sunrise and worships the lord after completing all of his routine work. Lord Sun is worshipped with proper rituals. Fruits, and various kind of dishes are offered to the lord.
The observer should only eat fruits on Saptami and conclude the fast on Astami by eating sweets. By observing this fast the observer attains longevity. It is said that absorbing sunlight on this day is considered to be very auspicious.
It is believed that worshipping Lord Surya on this day brings wealth and health.
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