Bhanu Saptami 2026: Date, Mahayoga & Key Timings

Bhanu Saptami 2026 Date, Mahayoga And Key Timings

Bhanu Saptami 2026 is one of those days when an ordinary Sunday becomes especially radiant through the worship of the Sun. This year, Rath Saptami, also known as Bhanu Saptami, falls in the bright half of the Magha month and is regarded as a highly auspicious day for honouring Surya Deva. On this date, worship is associated with support for health, relief from misfortune and greater inner vitality.

In 2026, Bhanu Saptami is observed on Sunday, 25 January. A significant feature this year is the combination of Sunday with the Shukla Saptami Tithi, a union described in tradition as a mahayoga or greatly auspicious alignment. Surya is considered the lord of both the weekday Sunday and this Tithi, so their coming together is viewed as a special opportunity for blessing.

Detail	Time and Date
Start of Saptami Tithi	24 January 2026, 10:36 pm
End of Saptami Tithi	25 January 2026, 08:43 pm
Puja day by Udaya Tithi	25 January 2026, Sunday

Following the rule of Udaya Tithi, the festival is kept on the day when Saptami is present at sunrise, which in 2026 is 25 January. By aligning Surya Puja with the proper Tithi, devotees bring their personal discipline in tune with the larger rhythm of time, which is believed to strengthen the sankalpa and subtle impact of the worship.

Why Is Saptami Tithi Seen As Special For Surya Puja

In the Indian calendar, the Shukla Saptami Tithi holds a direct association with the Sun. It is recognised as a special day for Surya worship and tradition maintains that sincere Puja on this Tithi can gradually ease long standing obstacles and karmic burdens.

Regarding Saptami, it is believed that

• the Shukla Saptami is a specially charged day for receiving the grace of the Sun
• Surya upasana on this date supports body, mind and fortune together
• bathing, sankalpa, arghya and mantra japa on Saptami are particularly fruitful

Every month’s Shukla Saptami is connected to the Sun through different names, reminding devotees that Surya Puja can be woven into life as a recurring spiritual practice.

Monthly Saptami Names And The Sun

Each month, the Shukla Saptami is known by distinct names and Surya is worshipped under these forms.

Month and Tithi	Name of Saptami
Magha Shukla Saptami	Achala Saptami, Bhanu Saptami, Rath Saptami
Phalguna Shukla Saptami	Jivarg Saptami, Kamada Saptami
Chaitra Shukla Saptami	Sasya Saptami, Siddhartha Saptami
Kartika Shukla Saptami	Shaka Saptami, Papanashini Saptami

Among these, Magha Shukla Saptami, as Bhanu Saptami or Rath Saptami, is especially well known. On this day, devotees remember the chariot of the Sun and the life giving force of his rays.

Sankalpa And Mantras For Bhanu Saptami

Sankalpa and mantra recitation give direction to the day’s observance. On Bhanu Saptami, devotees sit before Surya Deva and pray for health, peace and removal of obstacles across different areas of life.

A traditional verse for this day is

“Yada janma kritam papam maya janmasu saptasu
Tan me rogam cha shokam cha makari hantu saptami”

The meaning expresses a wish that the merit of Saptami may remove sorrow and disease linked with seven births.

For a simpler practice, many devotees chant

“Om Shri Suryaya Namah”

which means “Salutations to Lord Surya.” Reciting this mantra with steady attention for at least one round of japa during the day is considered very beneficial.

Use Of Seven Berries And Seven Aak Leaves

A distinctive practice on Bhanu Saptami is the use of seven berries and seven leaves of the aak plant. This observance symbolically links human life with the healing forces of nature.

• During Puja, seven berries and seven aak leaves are gathered
• They are placed on the head while standing before the Sun in reverence
• Through this, devotees pray for strength, protection and relief from illness

This tradition is not only an outer ritual. It also conveys the idea that simple elements of nature can become channels for divine grace when approached with awareness.

Simple Puja Method For Surya On Bhanu Saptami

The worship of Surya Deva does not require elaborate arrangements. Cleanliness, sincerity and focus form its essence.

• Bathe before or around sunrise, adding a little Ganga water to the bath if available
• Wear clean clothes in light, bright colours such as white, yellow or soft red
• Stand under the open sky facing east
• Fill a clean copper or other vessel with water and add a little sandal, red flower or a touch of kumkum
• As the Sun rises, lift the vessel with both hands to eye level and offer a thin stream of water as arghya, gently looking at the Sun through the falling water and silently repeating the mantra
• After the arghya, bow down and spend a few moments with closed eyes, feeling the warmth and light of the Sun as a form of guidance and protection
• At home, one may also light a lamp before an image of Surya and offer a simple naivedya

At the end of the worship, it is helpful to resolve to avoid anger, haste and negativity at least for that day, as an extension of the Puja.

Stories And Significance Linked To Saptami And The Sun

Traditional narratives connect Saptami with the origin of Surya Deva and with the lives of his consort Sanjna and their children. Through these narratives, Saptami is presented as a time when

• Surya is not only a symbol of brilliance but also of order, responsibility and balance
• blessings are believed to flow more freely for those who align themselves through Puja and self discipline
• small yet sincere offerings and arghya can serve as steps towards the easing of sorrow and difficulty

When Shukla Saptami falls on a Sunday, this combination is called a mahayoga. It is seen as a particularly favourable alignment for honour, health and energy.

Benefits Of Offering Arghya To The Sun On Bhanu Saptami

Offering arghya to the Sun on Bhanu Saptami has both spiritual meaning and practical resonance.

• Regular arghya, especially on this day, is associated with support in dealing with physical ailments, including eye strain and fatigue
• The focus and steady breathing during Surya arghya help lighten mental tension, fear and heavy thought patterns
• Astrologically, a strengthened Sun is linked with confidence, respect and leadership qualities
• Matters related to government work, authority, position and status are believed to move more smoothly under a balanced Surya
• Within the home, Surya Puja is seen as a way to encourage clarity, mutual respect and a more positive atmosphere

These effects are best understood not as sudden miracles but as gradual changes supported by disciplined thought and consistent practice.

Mistakes To Avoid On Bhanu Saptami

To preserve the purity of the observance, certain actions are traditionally avoided on Bhanu Saptami.

• Delaying arghya too long after sunrise is discouraged; it is better to offer it as close to sunrise as possible
• Performing Puja without bathing or while wearing soiled clothes is not recommended
• Turning one’s back to the Sun while offering arghya is considered improper; the face should remain towards the Sun
• Consuming excessive salt, heavy tamasic foods, non vegetarian items or intoxicants goes against the spirit of the day
• Spending the day in unnecessary anger, arguments or cynical thinking weakens the subtle benefit of the vrat

These guidelines help to keep the day inwardly quiet and open to the presence of Surya’s light.

Who May Especially Benefit From Bhanu Saptami 2026

Bhanu Saptami can be meaningful for many, yet certain situations are highlighted in traditional understanding.

• People whose natal charts indicate a weak Sun or afflictions linked with Surya may find this day especially relevant
• Those struggling for a long time with health issues can combine regular care with Surya Puja to gain emotional strength and hope
• Individuals working in government, administration, politics or leadership roles may turn to Surya for clearer judgement and dignified presence
• Students who find it difficult to concentrate can use this day to begin a simple routine of morning arghya and brief Sun meditation
• Those experiencing lack of confidence, difficulty in decision making or fear of public roles may seek inner courage through conscious Surya upasana

In this way Bhanu Saptami 2026 can be lived as a day to invite light, health and confidence more consciously into one’s life.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Bhanu Saptami be celebrated in 2026
Bhanu Saptami in 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 25 January, during Magha Shukla Saptami. The Saptami Tithi begins at 10:36 pm on 24 January and ends at 08:43 pm on 25 January, so the festival is observed on 25 January by Udaya Tithi.

Why is the combination of Sunday and Shukla Saptami called a mahayoga
Sunday is ruled by Surya and Shukla Saptami is also associated with the Sun. When both occur together, it is called a mahayoga or highly auspicious union, believed to enhance the fruits of Surya worship.

What is the correct way to offer arghya on Bhanu Saptami
After bathing and wearing clean clothes, stand facing east with a vessel of water containing a touch of red substance such as kumkum or flowers. At sunrise, raise the vessel and pour a thin stream of water while looking towards the Sun and repeating “Om Shri Suryaya Namah,” then bow with reverence.

Which mantras are suitable for Bhanu Saptami
The traditional verse “Yada janma kritam papam maya janmasu saptasu tan me rogam cha shokam cha makari hantu saptami” may be recited. For a simpler practice, chanting “Om Shri Suryaya Namah” with steady attention is considered very auspicious.

What should be strictly avoided on this day
One should avoid giving arghya very late, worshipping without proper cleanliness, turning one’s back to the Sun during arghya, eating heavy tamasic food, using intoxicants and staying caught in anger or argument. Greater simplicity and calmness allow the vrat to work more deeply.