SIGNIFICANCE OF MAKAR SANKRANTI, AND SIMPLE REMEDIES

TO BE DONE ON THIS DAY.

By BD Choudhury, Kolkata

Hindus have always worshipped nature, & Makar Sankranti is

worshipping of nature. Without the presence of nature, we can not live even
for a moment. Sun is a factor of life, light and growth. It is an integral part
of our life. The arrival of sun in the morning, not just start the routine of
humans but also for all other living beings.

Makar Sankranti, is a Hindu festival celebrated with great vigour & pomp
across India. It is a festival dedicated to the Sun God, It marks the end of
winter & beginning of spring . ‘Makar’ refers to astrological sign of
Capricorn and ‘Sakranti’ refers to transition of the Sun from one zodiac to
another. On this very day of Makar Sankranti, Sun starts its journey from
south to North also known as Uttarayan and enter into the zodiac sign of
‘Makar’ (Capricorn) from Tropic of Cancer also known as Dakshinayan.
The duration of Day & night are same, on this day. But this is not only the
importance of makar Sankranti. There are great astrological changes that
takes place on this very day of makar sankranti.

ASTROLOGICAL IMPORTANCE

On this auspicious day of Makar Sankranti , Sun enters the zodiac sign of
Capricorn, It is also the day when astrologically the father enters the house
of his son Saturn who considers him as his sworn enemy.

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In Vedic Astrology Sun is taken as the father of Saturn and makar is the
zodiac sign controlled by Saturn. As per the vedic scriptures, It is said that
if any father visits his son on this day, all conflicts are resolved, past
bitterness forgotten and new beginnings are made . An act of worship to
Lord Sun can bring about a harmony in father-child relationship on this
day. The other name for Makar Sankranti is Til Sankranti. As per the
vedic astrology it is believed that, when Sun enters in the house of its
enemy, to reduce the inauspicious effect of Sun, items related to Saturn are
donated. Out of these Til is the key factor of Saturn. Likewise it is also an
auspicious day for all those who have been facing the wrath of the
Government. This is the best time to reduce the malefic effects of Sun &
Saturn in ones horoscope.
As per the sayings of the Puran’s this day is also auspicious as on this Day,
following the river Bhagirath, Ganga met with ocean in West Bengal in a
place named Ganga Sagar. Hence taking a dip at Ganges on this day clears
all Sins, of Past & Present birth.
As per Bhagwat Geeta it is said by Shri krishna that if a person dies during
the Uttarayan, the person gets salvation , means Moksha .This is the only
reason that bhism pitamah a great character in Mahabarat left his body
during Uttarayan.
On this day in Hindu culture the wife prays for the long life of husband.

Medicinal Importance of Makar Sankranti

As per the Ayurveda, having Til that is Seasame seeds on Makar

Sankranti, prevents oneself from arthritis disorders. If Til and jaggery is
not taken on this day, then you may get cough during the spring and
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arthritis may affect you during the rainy season. Those who cannot afford
to eat these items should expect to receive them as Daan or Donations. On
This very day of Makar sankrani Til and jaggery that is Guur are eaten
and donated.

What To Do On Makar Sankranti:

1. Black til that is seasame seeds with molasses that is guur are distributed
in temples. It minimizes the bad impacts of sun and saturn in ones life and
horoscope.
2. If Saturn is the problem creator in your life or in your birth horoscope,
then on makar sankranti you must do pooja of Lord Shani .
4. If Sun is malefic in the horoscope then on this day you should donate
items pertaining to sun to those who are needy thereby minimizing the
negative effects of sun.
5. It is a great day to start all kinds of rituals
6. It is also a day to start karma, thereby dharma, artha kama and
moksha may be attained.
7. Its a best day to start prayers.
8. All types of Sadhna done or started on this day yields fast result.
9. Specific Mantra may be chanted & pooja’s done to attract Money &
power in life.

Some simple remedies for this day:

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1. As per your age fly kites , for example if you are 21 years old , fly 21
kites, and be happy to let them get cut off, It is said that with the cutting of
kite , the bad luck vanishes off too.

2. This is one of the best day to do Daan , The best form of Daan is Tula
Daan. IF tula Daan is done on this day , it is stated that the person
overcomes all difficulties , all problems start to get resolved. Finances &
health improves .
3. In the Purans’s it is stated that if Shani is badly afflicted in ones chart,
then they should take ladoos of Guud & til according to their age and move
it across their body from head to feet 21 times , and then the ladoos should
be given away to black cows.
Feeding the fishes on this day is also considered very auspicious.
Taking a holy bath in ganges or other similar rivers are considered very
sacred and relives a person from their sins. Hence lot of people also offer
tarpan & hawan on this sacred day.
Daan that is Charity done on this day is considered very auspicious. One
may give away
1. Til that is seasame seeds to some Brahmin or poor people . It is
considered that sweets made up of Sesame seeds have ‘satvic’ elements..
3. It is considered very auspicious to give away blankets to the poor and
needy. The colour should preferably be black.
As per vedic Astrology Sun gains Paksha Bala during this day. All
auspicious events like marriage, housewarming, initiation, deity worship
and many more are initiated on this day.

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All those who have Pitra Dosha in their horoscopes this day is one of the
best days to remove that Dosha , simply just by praying to Lord Sun , if
possible donations should be made, Holy bath in ganges is a must. Those
staying in Kashi should visit Pitreshwar Ling near Pitri Kund. Recitation
of Shri Vishnu Sahastranaam and Dwadasha Surya Naam Mala is also very
beneficial.

Seeking blessings from one’s own parents by touching their feet is also very
auspicious on this day.

BD Choudhury, Kolkata

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