Rath Saptami Fast Story

According to mythology, there was a woman named Ganika who had never performed any charitable or virtuous deeds throughout her life. As her end approached, she visited Sage Vashistha and asked how she could attain liberation despite her lack of good deeds. The sage advised her to observe the Achala Saptami Vrat, which falls on the seventh day of the waxing moon in the month of Magh. He explained that charity and worship performed on this day yield a thousand times the usual merit. He instructed her to bathe in a sacred river, offer water to the Sun God, light lamps, and eat a single saltless meal during the day. Following his advice, Ganika performed the rituals and fast on Saptami. After a few days, she passed away and was blessed with the honor of becoming the leader of celestial nymphs in heaven, by the grace of her deeds. Another story associated with Magh Shukla Saptami involves Lord Krishna’s son, Shamba. Proud of his physical strength, Shamba insulted Sage Durvasa, who had grown weak due to prolonged penance. Angered by his disrespect, the sage cursed Shamba to suffer from leprosy. Witnessing Shamba's suffering, Lord Krishna advised him to worship the Sun God. Shamba followed his father’s advice, and through dedicated worship, he was cured of his disease. It is believed that worshipping the Sun God on Saptami blesses devotees with health, wealth, and children. The scriptures describe the Sun as the healer, and his worship as a path to curing ailments. The Achala Saptami Vrat has transformative power, as another story tells of a woman named Indumati, who sought liberation from Sage Vashistha. He advised her to observe the Achala Saptami fast. Indumati followed his guidance and earned such merit that, upon her death, she was made the leader of the celestial nymphs by King Indra. The Rath Saptami Vrat underscores the importance of worship, charity, and faith in attaining health, prosperity, and liberation.