Hindu Festivals No 19.

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Dear friends and devotees,

 

Bhakti is eternal.

 

19. Surya Shashti

(Bhadrapad Sukla Sashti)

 

Every month, in the shukla paksha Saptami and Sashti are generally observed as

fast days in reverence to Surya (Sun God). On this day, generally, the month

changes. By observing a fast on this day, one is blessed with imperishable

benefits. A bath in Ganges or sacred rivers and worship of Surya with red

flowers and red powder (Kunkumam), lit lamps and in red clothes, is done. In

most of the houses of Hindus, there is the tradition of offering water to the

sun, after bath.

 

Surya Sashti fast taken in the month of Kartika Shukla Sashti, also called

Dala Chat, is undertaken after a son is born in the family. It is a three day

fast.

 

Achla Saptami, also called Saura Saptami or Surya Saptami occurs in the month

of Magha in reverence to Surya God. Image of Surya is erected in the centre

along with that of Shiva and Parvati, after worship, the images are immersed in

water. It is said that on this day, Saanva, son of Krishna, by his wife

Janvanti, had a bath in Chandrabhaga river and was awarded with the image of God

Surya, floating on a lotus leaf in the river. This was installed in Konark

(Kondadateya) now in the famous chariot black temple of Konark (Orissa).

 

The Konark Temple

 

A bath and worship in reverence to Sun God, on this day, imparts one freedom

from diseases. The Konark temple is designed like a chariot. The chariot has 12

wheels on either side, pulled by seven horses, representing seven days of the

week. The 24 wheels signify 24 Pakshas (fortnights) of 12 months.

 

Another legend is that once Surya, the Sun God pursued the beautiful sea

maiden Chandrabhaga so relentlessly that she plunged into the sea at this point

(Konark) and perished. Here at Konark temple, Surya mourns Chandrabhaga’s

tragic death for ever. For centuries ancient mariners, called this temple, the

Black Pagoda.

 

The Konark Dance Festival and Fair, is held in the month of February, every

year in the amphitheater at Konark, with the internationally famous Sun Temple

as the back drop. Some of the best dancers in the country come to perform amidst

the splendour of this ancient temple. It is performed under special illumination

and set up to transform the Sun Temple, a monument of Art, into an atmosphere of

fantasy. The beauty and harmony of different schools of classical dance, each

epitomising sublime devotion and perfect synchronisation through centuries of

total commitment to this art form, elevate even the audience to a level of

spiritual ecstasy.

(A collection)

 

With love and regards,

 

Sastry.

 

 

 

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