Uttarayana Parvakala (Makara Sankramana)
Uttarayana Parvakala (Makara Sankramana)
Uttarayana Parvakala (Makara Sankramana)
Uttarayana -2010
Significance of Uttarayana
One year of Hindu calendar consists of two Ayanas that signifies the
direction of the Sun. It is broadly divided into two periods (Ayanas) of six
months each. The two broad periods are referred to as Uttarayana and
Dakshinayana. All the spiritual and religious activities in Hindu philosophy
take place during these two Sun centric periods. Sun is the focal point and
the movement or transit of Sun around the zodiac forms the basis for
deciding a particular season or a month. Starting from Makara (Capricorn)
raasi to Mithuna raasi (Gemini) travel of the Sun is known as Uttarayana
(Northward journey). Similarly, travel of the Sun from Karkataka (Cancer)
to Dhanus (Sagittarius) is called as Dakshinayana (Southward journey).
In this Universe it is said that Vaikuntam, the abode of Supreme Lord Sri
Maha Vishnu is in the Northern direction (Uttara) and the time of movement
of Sun in the direction of Vaikunta is said to be very holy, celestial and
sacred. This is coinciding with the last day of the Dhanurmasam, most
sacred and celestial period to worship Lord SriMann Narayana. Vaikunta
Ekadasi falls in Dhanurmasam only. The gate to Vaikunta (Swarga Dwara) is
believed to open on the day of Makara Sankranthi. It is believed and said
that, those who die during the six months period of Uttarayana will attain
salvation.
Sun is the most visible personification of the Lord on Earth and is called
Prathyaksha Dhaivam. Purusha Sooktha says that Sun is represented as
eyes of the Supreme Lord SriMann Narayana (Chaksho! Suryo Ajayatha!).
Sun directs our vision towards the pure, holy, sacred, divine and to dedicate
our activities for a higher cause following the northward path. During this
period of Uttarayana, Sun’s power gradually increases and the day will be
longer than the night.
Generally during any Parvakala one has to take sacred bath, perform prayer,
Japa, penace, and give Charity/Dana (donation). Those who have lost their
parents should also give Tharpana to their forefathers. This day one should
desist from sensual pleasures, should not apply oil to the body/head, and
should take only vegetarian food.
Shat thila karma: It is said that on this day one should use Thil
(Sesame) seeds in six ways viz…Thila Snana, Thila Deepa, Thila Homa, Thila
tarpana, Thila Dana and Thila Bhakshana.
Thila Dana: Donating Thil seeds on this day with dakshina is considered
as very sacred and meritorious
Vasthra Dana: As per Masa dharma being Pushya Masa donating clothes
to a Brahmin is sacred and meritorious.
In India we find two different dates being followed for the onset of
Uttarayana, one on 22nd December as per the North Indian calendar and the
other on 14th January as per the South Indian calendar.
Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu
bhargavasarma
PS:
For information and details regarding significance of Makara Sankranthi
festival you may like to read a revised version of the article published at the
following link www.scribd.com/doc/10061172/Makara-Sankranthi