Why Bathe with Arka Leaves?

Key Facts About the Arka Leaf Bath on Ratha Saptami

On Magha Shukla Saptami, the day of Ratha Saptami, there is a very ancient and distinctive bathing tradition called the Arka Patra Snan, the bath with arka leaves. On this day, while bathing, 7 leaves of the arka plant are placed on 7 particular parts of the body and the bath is taken while meditating on Surya Dev. The arka plant is known as madar or aakda in common speech and as arka in Sanskrit. One meaning of the word arka is the Sun itself. This is why arka is regarded as the plant that represents the Sun.

Element of the Bath	Details
Tithi	Magha Shukla Saptami, that is Ratha Saptami
Time	Arunodaya, just before sunrise
Required Material	7 fresh and whole arka leaves
Where the Leaves Are Placed	1 on the head, 2 on the shoulders, 2 on the knees and 2 on the feet
Direction	Facing east
Along with the Leaves	In some traditions rice grains, sesame or turmeric are placed on the leaves
After the Bath	Solar arghya and recitation of the Aditya Hridaya Stotram
Main Caution	The milky sap of arka must not enter the eyes or mouth

The Basic Rules of the Bath in Brief

• The day before or in the morning, pluck 7 fresh and whole arka leaves from a clean place.
• Wash the leaves and wipe away the milky sap that comes from the stalks.
• Sit or stand facing east and place the leaves on the prescribed parts of the body.
• Keep your eyes closed and slowly pour water over your head while meditating on Surya Dev.
• After the bath, place the leaves in a sacred spot or at the root of a tree.

Why Is Arka Regarded as the Plant of the Sun?

In Sanskrit, one of the many names of the Sun is Arka. Om Arkaya Namah is also one of the 12 names of the Sun. The Sanskrit name of the arka plant is also arka. This shared name is no coincidence. The arka plant stays green even in harsh sunlight, dry ground and difficult conditions. It blossoms while bearing the full heat of the Sun. Because of this quality, it came to be regarded as a carrier of the Sun's energy.

In Navagraha worship and homa, a special plant is prescribed as the samidha, the sacred firewood, for each planet. Arka samidha is used for the Sun. This scriptural tradition clearly links arka with the Sun.

Planet	Plant Used as Samidha
Sun	Arka
Moon	Palasha
Mars	Khadira
Mercury	Apamarga
Jupiter	Peepal
Venus	Udumbara, the cluster fig
Saturn	Shami
Rahu	Durva
Ketu	Kusha

Arka is not connected only with the Sun. Its flowers are very dear to Lord Shiva and it is traditional to offer a garland of arka flowers to Hanuman. An image of Ganesha made from the root of the white arka is also regarded as auspicious in tradition.

The Secret of Placing Leaves on 7 Parts of the Body

Several symbolic meanings are given for placing 7 leaves on Ratha Saptami. The number 7 symbolises the 7 horses of the Sun that draw his chariot. It is also linked with the 7 days of the week, the 7 colours of light and the 7 main chakras of the yogic tradition.

Part of the Body	Number of Leaves	Symbolic Meaning
Head	1	Purification of intellect and consciousness
Both Shoulders	2	Strength to carry duties and responsibilities
Both Knees	2	Stability and movement in life
Both Feet	2	Firmness in walking the path of dharma

Tradition holds that bathing with leaves placed on these parts fills the whole body, from head to foot, with the radiance of the Sun. From an astrological point of view, this practice is believed to pacify faults related to the Sun in the horoscope and to bring balance to the energy centres of the body. It is a symbolic practice rooted in faith and its real power lies in the purity of feeling.

The Verses Recited During the Bath

It is traditional to recite certain verses during the Arka Patra Snan. One popular verse is as follows.

"Namami Saptamim Devim sarvapapapranashinim, saptarkapatrasnanena mama papam vyapohatu."

Its meaning is that the seeker bows to the goddess Saptami, the destroyer of all sins and prays that this bath taken with 7 arka leaves may remove all sins.

In another popular verse, the prayer is that this Saptami of Magha month may destroy the sins committed over many births and the disease and sorrow that arise from them. A person who cannot pronounce the Sanskrit verse correctly may bathe while chanting Om Suryaya Namah or Om Arkaya Namah. Purity of feeling matters more than purity of pronunciation.

The Complete Method of the Arka Patra Snan

Step	Method
Choosing the Leaves	Take 7 fresh, green and whole leaves from a plant growing in a clean place
Removing the Sap	Wash the leaves and wipe away with a cloth the milky sap that comes from the stalks and any broken part
Sankalpa	Before bathing, remember Surya Dev and take a resolve for health and freedom from sin
Position	Sit or stand facing east
Placing the Leaves	Place 1 leaf on the head, 2 on the shoulders, 2 on the knees and 2 on the feet
Bath	Keep the eyes closed and slowly pour water on the head while reciting the verse or mantra
Removing the Leaves	After the bath, remove the leaves carefully and bathe once more with clean water
Immersion	Place the leaves in a sacred spot, at the root of a tree or in flowing water
Arghya	After the bath, offer arghya to the rising Sun from a copper lota
Recitation	Recite the Aditya Hridaya Stotram or the 12 names of the Sun

In some regions a few rice grains and sesame seeds are placed on the leaf on the head, while in some places turmeric is placed. Following one's own family and regional tradition is most appropriate.

The Importance of Arka in Ayurveda and the Caution It Needs

In Ayurveda, arka is a highly potent medicinal plant. Different medicinal uses are described for its leaves, flowers, root and milky sap. Traditionally, arka leaves are warmed and tied over painful and swollen joints. Its leaves are believed to have properties that relieve skin ailments and fight germs.

But it is equally important that Ayurveda places arka in the category of upavisha, a secondary poison. This means that it is a medicine in limited and correct amounts but can be harmful when used carelessly. The milky sap of arka is especially strong.

• Keep it away from the eyes: The milky sap of arka can cause severe burning and damage if it enters the eyes. Keep your eyes closed during the bath.
• Do not let it enter the mouth: No part of arka should be eaten or chewed.
• Take care with children: Be especially careful when placing a leaf on a small child's head or simply touch the leaf to them as a symbol.
• Sensitive skin: Those with very sensitive skin or any allergy should simply touch the leaf to the body and set it aside.
• Wash your hands: Wash your hands well after plucking and handling the leaves.
• Medicinal use: Use arka to treat any illness only on the advice of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor.

If burning, redness or itching appears on the skin after the bath, wash immediately with clean water and consult a doctor if needed. The purpose of a religious tradition is to protect the body, not to cause it pain.

The Arka Leaf Bath Through the Lens of Vedic Astrology

In Vedic astrology, the Sun signifies the soul, health, bones, eyes, the glow of the skin and radiance. When the Sun is weak or afflicted by Saturn and Rahu, a person may experience a lack of confidence, fatigue, eye troubles and skin problems. The Arka Patra Snan on Ratha Saptami is regarded as a traditional remedy for pacifying faults related to the Sun.

Concern	Astrological Indication	Remedy
Fatigue and lack of radiance	Weak Sun	Arka leaf bath and arghya to the rising Sun
Skin problems	Imbalance between the Sun and Saturn	Arka leaf bath and Sun worship
Lack of confidence	Afflicted ascendant or Sun	Recitation of the Aditya Hridaya Stotram
Differences with the father	Afflicted Sun in the 9th house	Donation of jaggery and wheat

What Should Be Done and Avoided in the Arka Leaf Bath?

Do	Do Not
Choose fresh, green and whole leaves	Do not use dry, insect damaged or broken leaves
Wipe away the milky sap before use	Do not let the sap touch the eyes or mouth
Keep your eyes closed while bathing	Do not trample the leaves underfoot after the bath
Immerse the leaves respectfully after the bath	Do not uproot the plant while plucking the leaves
Wash immediately if the skin burns	Do not consume any part of the arka plant

The Blessing of Health Hidden in the Leaves of the Sun

The Arka Patra Snan is an example of the beautiful union of nature and faith. A plant that looks ordinary, growing along roadsides and on dry land, becomes the representative of Surya Dev on the day of Ratha Saptami. This tradition teaches that some divine quality lies hidden in every plant of nature and all that is needed is to recognise it and use it with respect.

For the person who bathes with arka leaves at dawn on this day with faith and care, offers arghya to the rising Sun and feels its radiance within, this bath does not remain merely a cleansing of the body. It becomes a sacred ritual that connects the soul with the light of the Sun.

FAQ

Why is the bath with arka leaves taken on Ratha Saptami? Arka is the Sanskrit name of the plant and it is also a name of the Sun. On the Sun's birthday, bathing with 7 arka leaves is regarded as a remedy for health and freedom from sin.

Where are the 7 arka leaves placed on the body? According to tradition, 1 leaf is placed on the head, 2 on the shoulders, 2 on the knees and 2 on the feet and then the bath is taken.

Is the arka leaf safe for the skin? Ayurveda regards arka as a secondary poison. Its milky sap must not enter the eyes or mouth. Use the leaves only after washing them and wiping away the sap.

Which mantra should be recited during the arka leaf bath? The verse Namami Saptamim Devim sarvapapapranashinim is recited during the bath. For simplicity, one may also chant Om Suryaya Namah or Om Arkaya Namah.

What should be done with the arka leaves after the bath? After the bath, respectfully place the leaves in a sacred spot, at the root of a tree or in flowing water. Do not let them fall underfoot.