Sapta

The famous picture of seven white horses running toward the rising sun is not just decoration — it is a deeply symbolic spiritual reminder.

1. Origin — The Sun God’s Chariot

In the Vedas and Puranas, Surya (the Sun) rides a chariot driven by seven horses.

Rig Veda (1.50) praises Surya as the cosmic light riding a radiant chariot that moves the universe into activity each morning.

These horses are called:

“Sapta Ashva” — the Seven Horses of Time and Light

The Sun is not just a planet in Sanatana Dharma.

He represents:

Life force (Prana)

Time (Kala)

Intelligence (Buddhi)

Success and vitality (Tejas)

So the seven horses are the forces that pull life forward.

2. Why exactly Seven?

In Vedic thought, seven is the number of cosmic completeness.

The horses symbolize many sacred “sets of seven”:

(A) Seven Days of the Week

The Sun governs time.

The seven horses represent the seven days pulling the chariot of life forward.

This implies: Life must keep moving.

No stagnation.

(B) Seven Colours of Sunlight

White sunlight splits into seven colours (VIBGYOR).

The rishis intuitively understood this long before modern optics.

The horses symbolize:

Unity becoming diversity

Divine light becoming worldly experience

This is why the horses are always painted white —

white contains all colours.

(C) Seven Chakras in the Human Body

This is the most beautiful interpretation.

The Sun outside corresponds to the inner sun (Atman).

Seven horses = the seven chakras being pulled toward awakening.

They represent:

Stability

Creativity

Power

Love

Expression

Wisdom

Enlightenment

Thus the image silently says:

“Let your life move toward illumination.”

(D) Seven Vedic Metres (Sapta Chandas)

The Vedas are composed in seven primary poetic metres.

These metres are considered the rhythm of creation.

The Sun riding seven horses means:

The universe moves in cosmic rhythm.

3. Why the Horses Must Be Running

You will never see them standing still.

Running horses symbolize:

Progress

Momentum

Victory

Forward movement

In Indian symbolism, running horses = unstoppable success.

A stopped horse = stagnation.

A running horse = destiny in motion.

4. Why placed on the EAST wall?

This is where Vaastu Shastra enters.

East is the direction of:

Sunrise

Beginnings

Health

Growth

Opportunities

When you place the seven horses in the east, the symbolism becomes:

Every morning, success runs into your home with the rising sun.

It is a psychological and spiritual alignment with:

Optimism

New beginnings

Active energy (Rajas)

Vaastu says the east wall should contain symbols of movement and growth — never sadness, war, or stillness.

Seven horses perfectly match the energy of the East.

5. Why white horses specifically?

White represents:

Purity of intention

Clarity of mind

Honest success

Dharma-based prosperity

Black or coloured horses are never recommended for this image.

This picture is not about power or aggression.

It is about pure, righteous progress.

6. Why this became a household tradition

Over time, people noticed something subtle:

Seeing this image daily creates a subconscious reminder:

Move forward

Start early

Stay energetic

Think positively

Keep life in motion

It became a symbolic daily affirmation before the modern concept existed.

The Rishis understood the psychology of symbols deeply.

7. The deeper spiritual meaning

Ultimately the message is this:

Your life is a chariot.

Your soul is the Sun.

Your senses and energies are the horses.

The prayer hidden in this image is:

“May my life move steadily toward light.”

Simple Vaastu guidelines for the picture

If placed:

Horses must run into the house, not away.

Should be odd number (preferably 7).

Should not show a rider or battlefield.

Ideal place: East wall of living room or office.

This is why the seven horses are considered sacred.

They are not decoration — they are a symbol of light in motion.