Shukla Paksha

What is Saptami

The 7th lunar day is ruled by Surya; one may begin a journey, buy conveyances, and deal with other such things of a movable nature..

Meaning of Saptami

Shukla Saptami is the name for the 7th Tithi (lunar day). It's the 7th Tithi of Shuklapaksha. It's nature is Mitra Prada, which can be interpreted as "one that increases friends". It's good for following works: marriage; dance, music, singing; travelling; entering house; war, works related to elephants, jewellery making and wearing, hand works, Alankar (ornamentation). According to Muhurta Chintamani and Poorva Kalamrita Surya is Devata which rules Saptami. Brihat Samhita mentions Indra, as a ruler of this lunar day. Being Bhadra (that can be translated as "lucky") and ruled by Buddha (Mercury), the 7th Tithi of Shuklapaksha is suitable for following works or actions: marriage, Upanayana, ornament making and using, clothes; art; travelling by elephant or horses, travel, conveyance; making of roads; oil massage.

Festive Saptami

• Ratha Saptami: Lord Vishnu in his form as Surya is usually worshiped on this day. Usually, Rathasapthami begins in households with a purification bath by holding a few bilva leaves on one's head while bathing and chanting a verse which is supposed to invoke the benevolence of the Lord in all that one takes up the rest of the year. It also involves doing a puja with the ritual 'Naivedyam', flowers and fruits.
• This day is also known as Surya Jayanthi because it celebrates the power of the Sun God who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
• Birthday of Jalaram Bapa falls on Saptami Shukla paksha of Kartik and is celebrated as Jalaram Jayanti.