Lord Surya, or the Sun God, is an important deity in Hinduism and is worshipped daily and on Shukla Paksha Saptami (the seventh day during waxing phase of moon in a traditional lunar calendar). Bhanu is one of the numerous names of Lord Surya.
Lord Surya, or the Sun God, is Pratyaksha Brahman or the visible god and is worshipped daily and on Shukla Paksha Saptami (the seventh day during waxing phase of moon in a traditional lunar calendar). Bhanu is one among the numerous names of Lord Surya – hence the name Bhanu Saptami.
It is also observed when Saptami Tithi falls on Sunday or Ravivar as per traditional Hindu calendar.
What to Do on Bhanu Saptami?
Offer water to Surya and chant the Gayatri Mantra. The water should be mixed with red color flowers (लाल रंग के फूल) black sesame (कला तिल) , jaggery (गुड़ ) and rice (चावल).
Water should always be offered looking towards east (पूर्व ). Even if you do not see the sun perform the ritual by looking towards east.
Wear red color clothes while performing the arghya to Surya in the morning.
Apart from Gayatri mantra you can also chant the following names of Surya:
ॐ मित्राय नमः (Om Mitraya namah)
ॐ रवये नमः (Om Ravaye namah)
ॐ सूर्याय नमः (Om Surya namah)
ॐ भानवे नमः (Om Bhanave namah)
ॐ खगाय नमः (Om Khagaya namah)
ॐ पूष्णे नमः (Om Pushne namah)
ॐ हिरन्यगर्भाय नमः (Om Hiranyagrabhaya namah)
ॐ मरीचये नमः (Om Marihaye namah)
ॐ आदित्याय नमः (Om Adityaya namah)