From a satsang with Pt. Balram Persad, Spiritual Leader of SWAHA Om Shakti Mandali
Makar Sankranti, observed annually on January 14th, heralds the commencement of the sun’s northward journey, known as Uttarayan, as it transitions into the zodiac sign of Makar (Capricorn). This festival is distinctively aligned with the solar calendar, a rarity among Hindu observances, which predominantly follow the lunar calendar.
Across India, Makar Sankranti is marked with devotion and fervour. Pilgrims gather in sacred waterways such as the Ganga and at revered sites such as Prayag to immerse themselves in holy waters and offer prayers to Soorya Bhagavan, the Sun God. Acts of religious austerity, selfless deeds and charitable giving are deemed especially meritorious on this auspicious day. Scientifically, this festival signifies the end of winter and the arrival of longer, warmer days, symbolising the transition to a season of harvest and renewal.
The significance of Makar Sankranti forms part of the Hindu scriptures. In the Raamaayan, Sant Tulsidas vividly portrays the festival’s grand celebrations at Prayag, where throngs of devotees convened for worship and where the momentous meeting between sages Bharadwaj Muni and Yajnavalkya occurred.
Central to the observance of Makar Sankranti is the veneration of Soorya Bhagavan, the radiant deity at the heart of the solar system. Revered as the chief among planets, Soorya is the fountainhead of energy and life, casting luminous blessings upon all creation. As the eternal source of light, the sun sustains the biosphere, animates the breath and fuels every heartbeat. Its perpetual effulgence is the force behind life’s processes, from growth to renewal.
In nature, the sun is indispensable, providing the energy that supports life’s fundamental cycles, including birth, growth and reproduction. Its rays nurture the earth, underscoring its role as the true life-giver. Symbolically, the sun represents intellect, wisdom and enlightenment. Through sincere worship of Soorya Bhagavan, devotees invite the Sun of Divine Wisdom to rise within, dispelling the darkness of ignorance and illuminating the soul with inner radiance.
Makar Sankranti is a celebration of the divine resplendent light, offering an opportunity to express gratitude and seek the blessings of Soorya Bhagavan, and to experience that principle as part of our personal spiritual journey.The occasion reminds us of the transformative power of light—both external and internal—to guide, sustain and enlighten.
Leave a Reply