Every year in the month of Jyeshtha, a special period called Nautapa occurs in Hinduism. This time is considered extremely hot and intense due to the sun's rays directly falling on the earth. In 2025, Nautapa will commence on May 25th and continue until June 8th. During this period, worshiping Surya Dev (the Sun God) and offering Arghya (water offering) is considered highly essential.
Doing so is believed to please Surya Dev, leading to the attainment of fame, brilliance, and good health. Let's understand in detail the significance of this special time of Nautapa and the method of offering Arghya to Surya Dev to protect oneself from its negative effects.
Astrological and Religious Significance of Nautapa
The word Nautapa is derived from two Sanskrit words: 'Nau' (nine days) and 'Tapa' (heat, intensity). This period falls in the month of Jyeshtha when the sun's direct rays fall on the earth, increasing the temperature. Ancient scriptures and religious texts consider it a difficult and inauspicious period because the sun's heat not only affects the environment but also negatively impacts human health, mood, and the atmosphere.
According to the Hindu Panchang (calendar) and astrology, worshiping Surya Dev during Nautapa is highly auspicious. Worshipping the sun during this period not only provides relief from physical ailments but also bestows mental peace and spiritual benefits. It is said that individuals who offer Arghya to the sun during this time avoid the negative effects of Nautapa and achieve progress in life.
Significance of Offering Arghya to Surya Dev
Arghya means offering water. The practice of offering water to Surya Dev has been prevalent since ancient times and holds profound religious significance. During Nautapa, offering water to the sun, infused with roli (vermilion), akshat (unbroken rice grains), and hibiscus flowers, is believed to directly channel the sun's energy and blessings into one's life.
Offering Arghya in Surya Dev's worship is essential because the sun is the foundation of life, a source of light, energy, and health. Offering Arghya pleases Surya Dev, who then protects devotees from illness, obstacles, and misfortunes. This auspicious time also serves as a means to achieve success, prosperity, and fame in life.
Easy Method of Offering Arghya to Surya Dev During Nautapa
If you wish to offer Arghya to Surya Dev correctly during Nautapa, follow this simple yet effective method:
- Wake up early in the morning and bathe — Worshipping Surya Dev immediately after sunrise is considered best.
- Wear red clothes — Red represents Surya Dev and symbolizes energy.
- Fill a copper pot with clean water — Copper is a sacred metal that enhances positive energy.
- Add a little roli, akshat, and red hibiscus flowers to the water — This makes the Arghya more sacred and effective.
- Face east and hold the pot with both hands — East is the direction of the sun; therefore, worship should be performed facing this direction.
- Slowly pour the water towards Surya Dev — Ensure the water doesn't fall directly on the ground but into a vessel or plant.
- Then perform Surya Namaskar and chant Vedic mantras — Surya Namaskar brings energy and peace to the body.
- Perform Aarti at the end of the worship — Aarti concludes the worship of Surya Dev.
- Maintain purity during the worship — Do not bring footwear or leather items to the worship place.
Chant these Surya Mantras during Nautapa
Chanting specific mantras during worship is considered auspicious. Keep your mind focused while chanting these mantras to generate positive energy:
- Sahasra-rashmiḥ śatadhā varttamānaḥ puraḥ prajānāmudatyeṣa sūryaḥ.
(This mantra means, the sun is an ancient deity with thousands of rays that ignite beings.) - Viśvarūpaṃ gṛṇiṇaṃ jātavedasam hiraṇyamaṃ jyoti rūpaṃ tapantām.
(This describes the sun as the universal form, luminous, ascetic, and knower of all.) - Ūṁ namo bhagavate śrī sūryāyāditȳākṣitejasē ho vāhinī vāhinī svāheti.
(This mantra infuses energy and power into the worship of Surya Dev.)
Gayatri Mantra
- Oṁ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ tat savitur vareṇyaṃ bhargo devasya dhīmahi dhiyo yo naḥ prachodayāt.
(This mantra is used for knowledge and spiritual awakening.)
Negative Effects of Nautapa and Protection from Them
During Nautapa, the intense and direct rays of the sun not only make the weather extremely hot but also adversely affect the body. The heat can sometimes cause physical weakness, digestive problems, skin diseases, and mental stress. However, if Surya Dev is worshipped methodically and regularly during this time, these negative effects are mitigated.
Offering Arghya pleases Surya Dev, making devotees healthy, b, and successful. Therefore, worshipping the sun during Nautapa is considered an important spiritual and therapeutic practice.
The Nautapa period of 2025 will run from May 25th to June 8th, falling in the month of Jyeshtha, when the temperature peaks due to the sun's direct rays. During this challenging time, offering Arghya to Surya Dev is crucial to avoid negative effects and maintain health, fame, and prosperity in life.
