Lalita Saptami 2023 Date, Time, Rituals, and Significance
Lalita Saptami is a celebration held in honor of Sri Lalita Devi. As it is the birthday of Shri Lalita Devi, the nearest friend of Shri Radha Rani, nearly every Hindu celebrates today. She was one of Lord Krishna and Shri Radha Rani’s closest companions and was regarded as the most devoted Gopi among the others. Lalita Saptami occurs precisely one day before Radha Ashtami and fourteen days following Janmashtami.
Lalita Saptami Date 2023
Friday, 22 September 2023
Neelamperoor Padayani Rituals
- People rise early in the morning, take a ritual ablution, and worship Ganesha.
- Before the statues of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lalitha Devi, Goddess Parvati, Goddess Sashti, Karik, Shiva, and Shaligram, prayers are offered.
- Coconut, rice, turmeric, sandalwood paste, colours, florals, and milk are used to create offerings.
- A copper vessel is set in the worship space.
- The devotees wear a crimson thread after the puja has concluded.
- Then, they fast from sunrise to sunrise or consume a single meal per day.
- The fast is broken the following day by praying to its deities and ingesting fruit.
Significance of Lalita Saptami
Lalita Devi is recognised as one of the eight Gopis of Lord Krishna and the devotee of Radharani and Lord Krishna who appears to be the greatest. Lalita Devi is the most prominent of the Ashtasakhis, or the eight varishtha Gopis. The other Ashtasakhis comprises Vishakha, Tungavidya, Chitralekha, Indulekha, Champakalata, Sudevi and Rangadevi. All of the AshtaSakhis represent spiritual devotion to their cherished Lord Krishna and Radharani. It is believed that no one can surpass or equal the affection that Radha and Krishna share. Lalita Devi was fourteen years, eight months, and twenty-seven days older than Radharani, making her the eldest of the Gopis. Lalita Devi is renowned for being Radharani’s loyal and consistent companion.