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RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
also termed Vidhána Saptamí-the seventh of observance as being the first of the series. On all these occasions Arghyas, or offerings, are presented to the Sun; but the arghya, more peculiarly appropriated to him, consists of eight articles. These slightly vary in different specifications, but they are usually water, milk, curds, ghee, sesamum and mustard seeds, grains of rice, and the blossom of the kusa grass. Perfumes and flowers, especially of a white or a red colour, are also most fit to be presented to the sun, according to some authorities. Gifts of fuel, and the lighting of a large fire on the morning of the seventh lunar day of Mágha, are also meritorious acts. The following are two other prayers' usual on these occasions, in which it will be noticed that the number "Seven" makes a conspicuous figure.
Upon presenting the Argha, the day itself personified as a goddess is thus addressed; "Mother of all creatures, Saptamí! who art one with the lord of the seven coursers and the seven mystic words, glory to thee in the sphere of the sun;" and on prostration before the sun or his image, the worshipper utters, "Glory to thee, who delightest in the chariot drawn by seven worlds; glory to thee on the seventh lunar day-the infinite, the creator"!" It is impossible to
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From the Narasinha Puráňa.
[जननी सर्वभूतानां सप्तमी मप्तसप्तिके । सप्तव्याहृतिके देवि नमस्ते रविमण्डले ॥
