Saptha is a genus of moths in the family Choreutidae. Members of the genus are known by the common name of "saptha moth". They are found throughout the world, but especially in Asia and Africa. The species is often found in forests, and it also inhabits other habitats such as deserts, mountains, and grasslands.
The term Saptha is derived from the Sanskrit word saptan, meaning seven. This number is associated with many sacred numbers in Hinduism, such as the octave of musical notes and the seven planets of the Solar System. The word is also used in a number of Hindu prayers and in astrology to refer to the seventh month of the year.
In Carnatic music, the saptas (seven notes) of a raga are considered to be the most beautiful. There are many ragas, but only some have this beauty. Each of these saptas has its own significance. Some of the saptas are even named after deities. The Carnatic composers have written many kritis in various saptas.
Similarly, a sapta-dina is an auspicious time period during which one should worship the Goddess. This is a form of vidyavrata, and it is believed to protect the devotee from evil spirits. It is recommended that the chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa or Devi Kavacham should be done during this sapta-dina to gain the blessings of the Goddess.
The sapta-dina should be observed in the morning, and it is advised that the oblations should be made using udumbara wood (diya) soaked in milk. It is also recommended that a thousand oblations of udumbara should be made in the fire at each of the three junctures of the day. Taking the sapta-dina seriously is a very important aspect of Navaratri.
The saptas (seven) of the Goddess are also mentioned in the Vishnudharmottara, the Devi Purana. The Goddess is depicted as having six faces and twelve arms, with two of her hands held in the Abhaya and Varada poses. She is shown carrying the Sakti, Dhvaja, Danda, Dhanush, Bana, Ghanta, Patra and Parasu in her other hand. It is advisable that every woman should visit these seven Saptha-mangai "kshetras" at least once in a lifetime. The best time for this is during the Navaratri festival, which falls on seven consecutive Sapthami thithis or on Sundays. The Siddha gurus of Kerala recommend that women worship the Goddess at all these saptas on the same day. This will give the best results and will help the devotees to attain happiness in this life and liberation in the next. Guggulu is a natural balancer of the three doshas, besides fortifying bone health to reduce porosity in old age. It also has powerful lekhaniya properties which can prevent joint pain. It is a great medicine for menstrual pain and also for the treatment of other diseases associated with the digestive tract, liver and heart. It is an excellent medicine for gout and arthritis, as well. It is also useful for weight loss. It is also useful for pregnant women and lactating mothers.
