- By Kashish Rai
- Sun, 12 Jan 2025 12:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Makar Sankranti 2025: Makar Sankranti marks the astrologically significant transition of the sun from the Tropic of Capricorn (Dakshinayan) to the Tropic of Cancer (Uttarayan). As the sun embarks on its northerly journey, it heralds the beginning of longer days and the end of winter. This celestial event is considered a pivotal moment in Hindu astrology, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The sun's transition into Uttarayan is believed to bring positivity, prosperity, and spiritual growth, making Makar Sankranti a highly auspicious occasion. Hindus celebrate this event with great fervour, performing rituals and donating sacred ingredients to seek blessings and a fruitful year ahead.
Dr. Shri Krishna Kinkar ji - Shri Krishna Charit Manas (Bhagavat) Kathavachak And Spiritual Orator shares the profound significance of the Uttarayan transition, holding great importance in Hindu philosophy and astrological traditions below:
Sun’s Transition - Uttarayan And Its Spiritual Significance
When the Sun sets off on its Uttarayan, or northward journey, we are reminded of the complex connection between cosmic movements and our spiritual growth. Uttarayana, which starts on Makar Sankranti, is more than just an astronomical phenomenon; it is a cosmic call for transformation, rebirth, and enlightenment. Jagadguru Shri Priyadarshi Ji Maharaj's "Shri Krishna Charit Manas" (Rasayan Mahakavya) likely reflects this shift in Krishna's teachings on self-realisation, spiritual growth and gaining freedom. Uttarayan, which represents the rise of the Sun, can also signify the upward trajectory of the soul by means of devotion, wisdom and alignment with divine truth, which will ultimately free the devotee from ignorance and the cycle of rebirth.
Uttarayan's Cosmic Significance
The six-month period known as Uttarayan, which translates to "northward movement," is when the Sun moves closer to the northern hemisphere. According to the Vedic tradition, this time frame is very fortunate since it symbolises the rise of light, warmth, and energy. Longer days and the progressive triumph of light over darkness are represented by the transition, which also represents the soul's awakening and its path to enlightenment.
During Uttarayana, nature itself becomes a helpful force for spiritual endeavours, as our scriptures elegantly explain. Prana, the life force, is thought to be enhanced by the Sun's energy alignment with the northern hemisphere, which makes it the perfect time for spiritual endeavours, self-discipline and meditation.
An Opportunity For Spiritual Rejuvenation
In terms of spirituality, Uttarayana symbolises a turning point from self-centredness to self-realisation, from ignorance to knowledge and from lethargy to action. Just as the Sun sets on its trip north, we are encouraged to discover our higher purpose by going within.
Uttarayana is described in the Bhagavad Gita as the period when souls pursuing emancipation can enter heaven. It is believed that a soul that leaves the physical plane during this time is given moksha, or freedom, free from the reincarnation cycle. It highlights the sanctity of this time and exhorts us to use it for our spiritual growth.
The Pathway Of Light
The Sun's trip north is symbolic of a journey towards the greater self. It is an opportunity to welcome the beneficial emotions of wisdom, love, and forgiveness while letting go of the bad ones of the past, including fear, anger, and resentment. Uttarayana helps us to transcend the material and connect with the divine by training us to synchronise our inner energies with the cosmic rhythm.
Practices that demonstrate this spiritual harmony and transcend mere rituals include sun salutations, fasting, and thanking the Sun God during Makar Sankranti. They serve as a reminder to honour and radiate the Sun's life-sustaining energy in our thoughts and actions.