Kartick Surya Khasti is dedicated to Surya Bhagawan (Sun God) in the holy month if Kartick. Surya Khasti is celebrated on the sixth lunar day in Shukla Paksha (bright half) of the month. This festival is also referred to as Dala Chat in North India (Chat meaning sixth day).
In observing the festival of Surya Sashti, devotees rise at 4am, perform their purificatory rites and commence the worship of Surya Bhagawan before Sunrise. Performers of Surya Shashti Vrata keep fasting on the day and take meal only after the Pooja is completed. Aditya Hrudayam, Gaytree mantra and other Surya Stotras are recited during the observance of Surya Sashti.
Surya Sashti is celebrated with utmost festivity at all Surya Temples throughout the world. The Surya temple at Konark in Orissa, Arasuvilli Surya Devalayam in Andhra Pradesh, Sun Temple at Modhera in Gujarat and Shri Surya Narayan Mandir in New York and Florida USA are some of the main temples observing this festival.
Draupadi Maa, of the Mahabharata has developed great power to cure any type of disease including leprosy and other severe disorders. The main reason behind this was her intense love and devotion to Surya Bhagwan. Sun rays have power of curing any disease. The celestial and divine energy of Surya made her the most powerful woman in the world to cure any severe disease.
Surya Sashti vrat was also observed by Karna, the son of Surya, who was a renowned warrior well-known for his charitable nature Since Karna became a popular King by worshipping Surya Bhagwan,
Hindus also worship Surya Dev for courage, fame, health, wealth and prosperity.
During the Chhat puja devotees cook food with dry wood on new oven made of brick and soil and the cooked food is ‘Prasad’ or offerings to Sun God.
Offerings of flowers, fruits, sprouted grains, dry coconut, panjiri, sugarcane, white radish, sweets and khajur. The offering is made to Surya by standing in knee-deep water. Garlic and Onions are not used during Chat period. Join us at Shri Surya Narayan Mandir at 6am on Friday October 23 to observe and celebrate this most auspicious day of worship to Surya Bhagwan with chantings of Aditya Hirdayam, Surya Mandalam etc.
Subha Surya Khasti – Let the divine rays of Surya Deo continuously flow and purify your Buddhi.
Pt Ram Hardowar
Spiritual Leader SSNM