Makar Sankranti: The Spiritual and Astronomical
Festival of Light and Renewal.
Makar Sankranti marks a significant transition in the
Hindu calendar, as the Sun God, Shri Suryanarayan Devata, begins his northward
journey (Uttarayan). Celebrated annually on January 14th, this festival is a
symbol of renewal, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment.
The festival is deeply rooted in Vedic scriptures and Puranic
texts, signifying the victory of light over darkness, truth over ignorance, and
positivity over negativity. Let us explore its astronomical significance, scriptural
references, religious significance, and how it is traditionally celebrated.
1.
Astronomical Significance.
The word Makar Sankranti is a combination of two
terms:
- Makar: Capricorn (the zodiac sign)
- Sankranti: Transition or movement
According to Vedic astrology, Makar Sankranti marks
the Sun’s transition from Dhanush Rashi (Sagittarius) to Makar Rashi
(Capricorn), initiating the Uttarayan period—a six-month-long auspicious phase.
This solar transition holds spiritual importance as
mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 8, Verse 24):
"Agnir jyotir ahah shuklah shan-masa uttarayanam;
Tatraprayata gacchanti brahma brahma-vido janah."
"Those who leave their bodies during the six months of the Sun’s northern
course, who are free from desire, attain the supreme abode."
2. Scriptural
References to Makar Sankranti
a. The Skanda Purana (Reva Kanda).
The Skanda Purana highlights the significance of
Uttarayan as the day of the gods (Devayana) and Dakshinayan as the night of the
gods (Pitrayana). The transition from Dakshinayan to Uttarayan symbolizes the
movement from spiritual dormancy to awakening.
b. The Mahabharata.
In the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah waited for the Sun
to enter Uttarayana before relinquishing his mortal body. He lay on a bed of
arrows for 58 days, and upon Makar Sankranti, he chose to leave his body, a day
believed to guarantee moksha (liberation).
This is referenced in the Anushasana Parva (Chapter
167) of the Mahabharata:
"When the Sun enters the northern solstice, it
becomes a favorable time for seekers to attain liberation."
3. Religious Significance.
- Father-Son Relationship (Surya and Shani).
According to Puranic lore, on this day, Surya Dev (the Sun God) visits his son Shani Dev, who is the lord of Makar Rashi. Despite their differences, this visit symbolizes the importance of familial bonds and duties. - Vishnu’s Victory over the Asuras.
As per the Vishnu Purana, Lord Vishnu buried the Asuras’ heads under the Mandara Parvat on Makar Sankranti, signifying the end of darkness and the beginning of a righteous era. - Bhagiratha’s Tapasya and the Ganga’s Descent
The legend of Maharaj Bhagirath bringing Ganga Mata to Earth culminates on this day, as he performed tarpan (ritual offerings) for his ancestors at Ganga Sagar. This act is commemorated through the ritual of offering water to ancestors. - Spiritual Liberation (Bhishma Pitamah)
The story of Bhishma Pitamah teaches that death during Uttarayan is auspicious and frees the soul from the cycle of rebirth.
4. How to Celebrate Makar Sankranti.
- Worship the Rising Sun.
Wake up before sunrise, bathe, and offer Arghya (water offering) to the Sun God while chanting the Gayatri Mantra.
- Tarpan for Ancestors.
Perform tarpan by offering water and prayers to ancestors, seeking their blessings. - Meditation and Affirmation.
Engage in meditation to connect with your inner self and affirm your spiritual goals. - Prepare Til and Gur Sweets.
Cooking and sharing til (sesame) and gur (jaggery) sweets symbolize togetherness, prosperity, and warmth. - Giving Donations (Daan).
Charitable acts, such as donating food and clothing, are considered auspicious. The importance of charity is mentioned in Manusmriti (Chapter 4, Verse 229):
"Daanam evam akshayam shree; daanam bhavati
sadhanam."
"Charity leads to eternal prosperity; it is the means to achieve true
wealth."
5. The Deeper Message of Makar Sankranti.
Makar Sankranti embodies the following teachings:
- Truth and Righteousness lead to spiritual
upliftment.
- Knowledge and Enlightenment triumph over
ignorance.
- Charity and Kindness pave the way to prosperity.
- Family bonds must be cherished and nurtured.
Conclusion.
Makar
Sankranti is a festival that beautifully intertwines astronomical
significance with spiritual wisdom. It marks a time of
transition, both in the cosmos and within ourselves, encouraging us to embrace
positive change, righteousness, and enlightenment. Through customs like Surya
Puja, tarpan, charity, and the sharing of sweets, the festival reinforces the values
of gratitude, unity, and humility.
As
we celebrate Makar Sankranti, we are reminded of the Sun’s journey towards
light and warmth, inspiring us to seek knowledge, rise above challenges, and
spread joy in our lives and communities. By participating in the rituals with
sincerity and devotion, we align ourselves with the universal rhythms of
nature, ensuring prosperity, peace, and spiritual growth in the year ahead.
May
this sacred festival fill our hearts with hope, positivity, and
divine blessings, leading us toward a brighter future filled
with truth, righteousness, and prosperity.
Note:
for detailed and precise guidance on Makar Sankranti observances, please
consult you Pundit or Guru.
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