BhaktiLoopLord Surya Uttarayan Puja / Makar Sankranti Surya Puja
Uttarayan signifies the period when the Sun begins its apparent northward journey in the celestial sphere, entering the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara Rashi). This transition is celebrated as Makar Sankranti, one of the most significant Hindu festivals. Spiritually, Uttarayan is considered a highly auspicious time, especially for ascetics and those seeking moksha (liberation), as it is believed that souls departing during this period attain higher realms. The puja involves showing gratitude to Lord Surya, the giver of life, light, and energy, for his bountiful blessings.
Purpose
The primary purpose of the Uttarayan Puja is to celebrate the Sun's northward journey (Uttarayan) which marks the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. It is believed to be a period of heightened spiritual significance, auspicious for new beginnings, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Devotees seek blessings for good health, knowledge, wealth, positive energy, and protection from negative influences.
Key Rituals
Holy Bath (Snana): Devotees often take a ritual bath, ideally in sacred rivers or at home, before the puja. This is believed to cleanse the body and mind.
Arghyam Daan: Offering water to the rising sun, often mixed with red flowers, kumkum, and rice, while chanting Surya mantras. This is a central act of reverence.
Surya Namaskaram: Performing sun salutations (a series of yoga asanas) facing the sun, symbolizing respect and drawing energy.
Mantra Chanting: Recitation of Surya mantras, Gayatri Mantra, or Aditya Hrudayam Stotram.
Offering of specific items: Offerings of red flowers (especially hibiscus), jaggery (gud), sesame seeds (til), rice, milk, and ghee.
Lighting Lamps (Deep Prajwalana): Lighting oil lamps (diyas) or ghee lamps.
Charity (Daan): Donating food (especially Khichdi, a mix of rice and lentils), clothes, sesame seeds, jaggery, or other essentials to the poor and needy. This is considered highly meritorious on Makar Sankranti.
Tilgul Distribution: In many regions, particularly Maharashtra, sweets made of sesame seeds and jaggery (Tilgul) are exchanged with friends and family, symbolizing sweetness and goodwill.
Kite Flying: While not a puja ritual, kite flying is a popular cultural activity associated with Uttarayan/Makar Sankranti in states like Gujarat, symbolizing freedom and joy.
Common Offerings
Fresh Water (for Arghyam)
Red Flowers (e.g., Hibiscus, Red Roses)
Jaggery (Gud)
Sesame Seeds (Til) - raw, roasted, or in sweets like Tilgul
Rice (Akshat)
Kumkum (Vermillion)
Sandalwood Paste (Chandan)
Ghee (Clarified Butter)
Sweets made of Til and Jaggery
Fresh Fruits
Panchamrita (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar)
Associated Mantras
Mantra 1
Mantra Text
Om Hran Hrin Hroum Sah Suryaya Namaha ||
Meaning
Salutations to Lord Surya, the Sun God. (This is a Surya Beej Mantra)
Benefits
Chanting this mantra is believed to bestow good health, vitality, success, and remove obstacles related to the Sun planet in one's horoscope.
Mantra 2
Mantra Text
Om Bhur Bhuvah Swah, Tat Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat ||
Meaning
We meditate on the adorable glory of the resplendent Savitr (Sun God). May He inspire our intellects.
Benefits
The Gayatri Mantra is one of the most powerful Vedic mantras. It promotes wisdom, clarity of thought, spiritual enlightenment, and overall well-being. It purifies the mind and soul.
Mantra 3
Mantra Text
Om Ghrini Suryaya Namaha ||
Meaning
Salutations to the illuminating Sun God.
Benefits
This is a simple yet potent mantra for daily chanting to invoke the blessings of Lord Surya for energy, health, and positive spirit.
Auspicious Days
Makar Sankranti (The specific day when the Sun enters Capricorn, typically January 14th or 15th)
All Sundays (dedicated to Lord Surya)
Ratha Saptami (Another significant festival dedicated to Surya, typically in late January or early February)
Regional Variations
The celebration of Uttarayan/Makar Sankranti varies widely across India and Nepal, though the core essence of worshipping the Sun God remains. It is known as 'Makar Sankranti' in most parts of North and Central India, 'Pongal' in Tamil Nadu (a harvest festival centered on Surya), 'Magh Bihu' in Assam, 'Uttarayan' (famous for kite flying) in Gujarat, 'Lohri' (bonfire festival) in Punjab, 'Poush Parbon' in West Bengal, and 'Maghe Sankranti' in Nepal. Many regions prepare special dishes like Khichdi (UP/Bihar), Pitha (Bengal/Assam), and Tilgul (Maharashtra). Ritualistic dips in holy rivers are common across many states.
Related Pujas
Daily Surya Arghyam
Surya Namaskaram Practice
Aditya Hrudayam Stotram Recitation
Surya Graha Shanti Puja (performed for appeasing the Sun planet for astrological benefits)
Ratha Saptami Puja
Pongal (a harvest festival specifically dedicated to Surya)