MAKARA SANKARANTHI -
IMPORTANCE
Sankranti or Sankranthi marks the transition of the Sun into Makara
rashi (Capricorn) on its celestial path. Traditionally, this has been one of
many harvest days in India
It is one of the few Hindu Indian festivals which are celebrated on a
fixed date i.e. 14 January every year (or may be sometimes on 15 January (leap
year).
According to the Puranas, on this day Surya (Sun) visits the house of
his son Shani (Saturn), who is the lord of the Makar rashi (Zodiac
Capricorn). Though the father and son duo did not get along well, the Surya
made it a point to meet his son on this day. He, in fact, comes to his son’s
house, for a month. This day thus symbolizes the importance of the special relationship between
father and son.
It is believed that the person, who dies during the period of Uttarayana,
becomes free from transmigration (rebirth). So this day was seen as a definite
auspicious day to start a journey or endeavours to the higher realms
beyond.
It was on this day when Lord Vishnu ended the ever increasing terror
of the Asuras(Demons) by finishing them off and burying their heads under the Mandara Parvata.
So this occasion also represents the end of 'negativities' and beginning of an
era of righteous living.
From Makar Sankranti starts the ‘day’ of devatas (Gods), while dakshinayana
(southward movement of the sun) is said to be the ‘night’ of devatas, so most
of the auspicious things are done during this time. Uttarayana is also called
as Devayana, and the dakshinayana' is called Pitrayana.
Aum Namashivaya
2013 - MAKARA SANKARANTHI
/ PONGAL - Auspicious Time.
Auspicious time for having pongal is between 9.30 am to 10.30 am
(Sunrise is 6.36 am at Pondicherry
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