Thread by @sureshseshadri1

Significance of #MakaraSankranti - Thread

Kranti is a Sanskrit word that signifies "transformation." Sankranti means "whole and complete transformation." Sankramana or Sankranti symbolises the shift of the month when the Sun travels from one zodiac sign (Rashi) to another.

The day of Sankranti is dedicated to Surya Deva, and it is regarded as a crucial day for Surya Deva worship. Although the Hindu calendar has twelve Sankranti, Makara Sankranti is the most important of them all because of its sacred significance.

Many people mistakenly believe and celebrate Makara Sankranti as Uttarayana Day. The astronomical and religious events Makara Sankranti and Uttarayana are two different astronomical and religious occasions.

Thousands of years ago (specifically in the year 285 C.E., according to Lahiri Ayanamsha), the day of Makara Sankranti coincided with the day of Uttarayana.

The Uttarayana is a combination of the words Uttara and Ayana, which respectively indicate north and six months. As a result, according to the concept of Uttarayana, it occurs on the Winter Solstice.

Surya's transit in Makar Rashi is significant, and Uttarayana is notable because Surya begins His Northern voyage (i.e. begins migrating into the Northern hemisphere) after finishing His six-month Southern journey.

It's also a misconception that Makara Sankranti is a prominent harvest celebration. Makara Sankranti's day continues to move away from the winter solstice. Makara Sankranti fell on January 9 in the year 1600, and it would fall on January 23 in the year 2600.

Makara Sankranti would be commemorated on March 23, far later than the winter season in India and the Vernal Equinox, after 5000 years, i.e. in the year 7015.

On Makara Sankranti, we invoke Lord Sun, the Sole Nourisher of All Life, who represents the Light of Spiritual Knowledge, Divinity, Power, and Glory, and express our devotion and appreciation to him.

In contrast to the previous winter months of lethargy, Makara Sankranti ushers in a life of tremendous activity, both material and spiritual. From Pushya Purnima to Magha Purnima, taking a holy plunge in temple tanks, lakes, rivers,

and oceans where the waters have been exposed to the beneficial rays of the sun is considered exceedingly auspicious and beneficial, much as lighting the lamp was required and auspicious in the month of Kartika.

Magha Snana is the name given to it. Similarly, during Makara Sankranti, kite flying celebrations are promoted so that people might be exposed to the beneficial rays of the Northward oriented Sun.

During this time, the Sun's beams (electro-magnetic vibrations) are particularly beneficial, especially for spiritual growth.

Bullocks and cows are decorated and worshipped to show our appreciation for their eternal and selfless dedication to humans in agriculture and dairy production. The newly harvested crops are revered, shared, and cooked with. During Sankranti, sweet Pongal and Khichidi are made.

It's worth noting that both Pongal and Khichdi are complete meals in and of themselves — a combination of rice (carbohydrate) and lentils (protein). Other medicinal elements include jaggery, ghee, spices like pepper and cumin, turmeric, ginger, and dry fruits, among others.

Apart from that, Til and jaggery ladoos are traditionally prepared for eating and distribution among relatives, friends, and well-wishers.

As a result, Makara Sankranti is also referred to as Til Sankranti. Til, also known as sesame, is one of the oldest known oil-seeds. It is referred to as the "seed of immortality," and its oil is referred to as the "queen of oils."

It has the highest oil content and provides a wide range of nutritional and therapeutic benefits. It has antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities, as well as high stability and preservation capabilities.

Til seeds give the energy required to combat the cold, and their oil content aids in the fight against dry conditions. It also neutralises bad energy in the environment.

Similarly, during the winter season, jaggery is high in iron, as well as other minerals and vitamins, and it activates digestive enzymes. Til and jaggery, when consumed together, strengthen the immune system, offer warmth, and protect the body from seasonal diseases.

With the words "Ellu Bella thindu olle mathadu,(Kannada)" til and jaggery (ellu-bella) are exchanged among friends and family. "Eat til and jaggery, and talk good words!" it says. Vak-tapas is denoted by this (penance of speech).

Til is related with Saturn, and it aids in the smooth and effective functioning of the heart-nadi, which is regulated by Saturn.

Spiritual Knowledge is reigning god Surya Deva. The Sun enters Makara Rashi during this Sankramana. The governing deity of Karma is Shani dev, who is the Deva of Makara Rashi. As a result, Surya's entry into Makara denotes KARMA PERFORMED WITH THE AID OF THE RIGHT KNOWLEDGE.

तिलवत् स्निग्धं मनोऽस्तु वाण्यां गुडवन्माधुर्यम्
तिलगुडलड्डुकवत् सम्बन्धेऽस्तु सुवृत्तत्त्वम्।

May the mind b affectionate like sesame, may there be sweetness in thy words as in jaggery. May there be goodness in the relations as is in the relation of sesame n jaggery

🙏

@skbit1990
@DrUgrabhatah
@AjitsinhJagirda
@nair_hena08
@neerangautam
@shytigress
@chimnibai
@_ankahi
@SoniaGurnani19
@Ravichiruvolu1
@ArunDeshpande20
@JaganNKaushik
@nrajabpcl
@SortedEagle
@VeerannaAthani
@LoveBharatvarsh
@witnessconscio1
@bs_hariharan3
@Rajesh201963

@threadreaderapp please unroll