AYURVEDICREMEDIES Jan 15, 2011 Sat 12:05 AM
Sakranti means to go from one place to another place (to change direction). It also means one meets another. It is the time when the sun changes direction from one constellation (of the zodiac) to another is known as Sankranti.
Importance of the Sun
One lunar year is of 354 days and lunar days (or nights) increases or decreases according to the phases of the moon. Solar year has 365 ¼ days and it remains the same.
Many astrological books are based upon solar calculations. The sun is the most important and the most prominent of our stars and the undisputed lord of our planetary system. The sun always comes first. First day of the week commences with Sunday (Ravi-var).
Science attaches great importance to the sun. The sun is the inexhaustible storehouse and the source of light and energy. Without sunlight creatures and vegetation would cease to exist. People will lose their life sustaining vitality. Lack of nourishing substances would lead to the end of creation. This is why the sun’s existence, movements and positions in the cosmos are so important and that is why the sun earns our respect, admiration and reverence.
Sun-God seems to remind their children that 'Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya', may you go higher & higher, to more & more Light and never to Darkness.
There are 12 signs of the zodiac so are 12 Sakrantis. They are given names according to the position of the sun in relation to the signs of the zodiac. Each of the 12 Sakrantis has its relevant importance but two of these are most prominent.
These two are Mesh Sakranti and Makar Sakranti (Aries and Capricorn).The solar year commences when the sun is in Aries (the first sign of the zodiac). From the point of view of mathematical calculations, the solar year is more scientific than the lunar year.
Makar Sakranti
The second Sakranti of great importance is Makar Sakranti. Transition of the Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn during the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere (Uttarayana) is known as Makar sakranti. The sun at this time journeys northward Thus resulting in days gradually lengthening in the northern hemisphere.
Makar Sankranti signifies that we should turn away from the darkness of delusion in which we live, and begin to enjoy a new life with bright light within us to shine brighter. We should gradually begin to grow in purity, wisdom, and knowledge, as the Sun goes from the Day of Makar Sankranti forward.
Ayurveda greatly admires this magical constellar phenomenon, Since now the sun’s power in comparison to moon is constantly increasing in many folds indicating the start of Adana Kala.
Uttarayana (the Northern Progress of the Sun) involve the six solar sidereal months from Capricorn to Cancer. During this phase, one should take abundant fruits like pomegranate, water melon, orange, grapes and tender coconut water. This phase is known as Adana Kala because much strength is lost from the body due to the hot season. Plantains and bananas should also be taken. Rice, wheat, gooseberry (which is a rich source of Vitamin C ), pineapple, mangoes, cashew, groundnut, carrot, pumpkin,honey, milk and leafy vegetables should also be consumed.
May this festival season brings love, joy and health to all...
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Dr. Anurag Dikshit
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