Sun-worship Vratas (52) Siddhārthakādi-saptamī

The Siddhārthakādisaptamīvrata is observed on the seventh day of the bright fortnight in the month of Māgha or Mārgaśīrṣa, or any seventh tithi of any month in case of the person who is ill. The worshipper, brushing the teeth before the sunrise, with the twigs of certain trees, and observes the vow of Siddhārthakādisaptamī. Different twigs are used for different Saptamī. Again, each of the twigs fulfils different purposes. e.g. Madhūka gives sons, Arjuna makes fortune firm, Nimba confers prosperity, Aśvattha gives fame. The first Saptamī is observed with Mustard grain, second with Arka buds, third with Marīca, fourth with Nimba, fifth and sixth with fruits and seventh with food, excluding boiled rice. japa, homa, etc., are to be performed and the Sun-god is worshipped. The worshipper sleeps before the image of the Sun and recites Gāyatrīmantra. The rewards of worshipping the Sun with various flowers are mentioned. Fame is achieved with the Lotuses, removal of all leprosy with Mandāra, success with Agastya, etc. The Brāhmaṇas should be offered the dinner and gifts to be given of coloured garments, scents, flowers, haviṣya, food, cow, etc.^[1]