Ratha Sapthami day is most auspicious for worshiping the Pratyaksha Devata, Sri Surya. The Sun God is the one all of us see and without whom no life would exist. Sri Surya also witnesses every one of our actions and hence is called “Karma Sakshi”. Worship of the Sun God on this day is especially favourable to all.
The observance of Ratha Saptami symbolises that the chariot of the body must be controlled by the mind and be directed towards the Light of the Sun signifying Knowledge. The Kathopanishad explains in detail that the Self is the Master of the chariot, which is the body. The intellect (buddhi) is the charioteer and the mind (manas) is the reins, which is used to control the horses that represent the senses. It is beneficial for all to observe Ratha Saptami as a reminder that one must use the human birth to progress towards Self Realization.