BhaktiLoopSurya Makara Sankranti Puja
Makara Sankranti is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, typically celebrated on January 14th or 15th each year. It marks the day when the Sun transits into Makara (Capricorn) Rashi, ending the Dakshinayana (southward journey) and beginning the Uttarayana (northward journey). Uttarayana is considered a highly auspicious period for spiritual practices, self-realization, and attaining liberation. On this day, devotees perform special prayers and rituals to Lord Surya, express gratitude, and make offerings to ensure well-being and abundance.
Purpose
To honor Lord Surya on the auspicious occasion of Makara Sankranti, marking the sun's entry into the Capricorn zodiac sign (Makara Rashi) and the beginning of its northward journey (Uttarayana). The puja is performed to seek good health, prosperity, spiritual enlightenment, success, and protection from negative influences. It also signifies gratitude towards the Sun, the source of all life and energy.
Key Rituals
- Holy Dip (Snan):** Taking a sacred bath in holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, or any natural water body is considered highly meritorious. If not possible, bathing with water mixed with a few drops of Gangajal at home.
- Arghyam Offering:** Offering water (Arghyam) to the rising sun. This involves standing facing the sun, holding a pot (ideally copper) filled with water, rice, red flowers (like hibiscus), and a pinch of kumkum, and slowly pouring the water while chanting Surya Mantras.
- Surya Namaskar:** Performing Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar) as a form of physical and spiritual devotion to Lord Surya.
- Surya Puja/Archana:** Performing formal worship of Lord Surya, which may include chanting His names, offering flowers, incense, lamp (diya), and preparing special food items.
- Japa (Mantra Chanting):** Reciting Surya Beej Mantras, Gayatri Mantra, or Aditya Hrudayam Stotram.
- Til-Gud Offering and Consumption:** Sesame seeds (Til) and jaggery (Gud) are central to Makara Sankranti. Offerings of Til-Gud Ladoos or Chikki are made to the deity and then consumed as Prasad. These are believed to have warming properties beneficial during winter.
- Charity (Daan):** Giving alms, food, clothes, or money to the poor and needy, especially sesame seeds, jaggery, blankets, and newly harvested grains, is considered highly auspicious on this day.
- Preparation of Khichdi:** Many traditions prepare 'Khichdi' (a dish made of rice and lentils) as a special offering and meal, symbolizing abundance and a new harvest.
- Lighting Lamps:** Lighting oil lamps or Diyas, especially with sesame oil, to invoke blessings and dispel darkness.
Common Offerings
Water (for Arghyam)
Red flowers (especially Hibiscus)
Sesame seeds (Til)
Jaggery (Gud)
Rice and other grains (new harvest if available)
Ghee (clarified butter)
Sweets made from Til and Gud (e.g., Til Ladoo, Til Chikki)
Fruits
Incense sticks (Agarbatti)
Lamp (Diya) with oil or ghee
Associated Mantras
Mantra 1
Mantra Text
Om Hram Hreem Hroum Sah Suryaya Namah ||
Meaning
Salutations to the Sun God, the dispeller of darkness and source of all energy.
Benefits
This is the Surya Beej Mantra, chanted for health, vitality, success, and removal of obstacles. It strengthens the Sun's positive influence in one's life.
Mantra 2
Mantra Text
Om Ghrini Suryaya Namah ||
Meaning
Salutations to the illuminating Sun.
Benefits
A simple yet powerful mantra for general well-being, improved eyesight, and inner radiance. It invokes the benevolent energy of the Sun.
Mantra 3
Mantra Text
Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah, Tat Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat ||
Meaning
We meditate on the adorable glory of the Divine Light of the Vivifier, Savitri. May he enlighten our intellects.
Benefits
The Gayatri Mantra is a universal prayer to the Sun (Savitur) as the giver of light and life. It is chanted for spiritual enlightenment, wisdom, clarity of thought, and purification of mind.
Auspicious Days
Makara Sankranti (usually January 14th or 15th)
Regional Variations
Makara Sankranti is celebrated with immense diversity across India. In South India, it is known as 'Pongal' (Tamil Nadu) or 'Sankranti' (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka), focusing on harvest and cattle worship. In Punjab, it is celebrated as 'Lohri,' marked by bonfires and traditional dances. In Assam, it's 'Magh Bihu,' involving community feasts. In Gujarat, it's 'Uttarayan,' famous for kite flying. In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, it's often called 'Khichdi' or 'Tilwa Sankranti,' emphasizing the consumption of khichdi and til-gud. Despite regional names and customs, the core essence of honoring Surya and celebrating the harvest remains consistent.
Related Pujas
Surya Arghyam (daily offering to the Sun)
Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations)
Aditya Hrudayam Stotram recitation (a hymn dedicated to the Sun God)
Rathasapthami Puja (another significant festival dedicated to Lord Surya, observed in Magha month)