Celebrating the Sun’s Return: Makar Sankranti and its Observance at Shri Jagannath Temple

JAY JAGANNATH

 

Makar Sankranti, a significant festival observed across India, marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. It is a time for celebration, new beginnings, and expressing gratitude for nature’s bounty. This blog post will delve into the diverse traditions of Makar Sankranti, especially its observance at the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri, where it is celebrated as Uttarayana Yatra.

The Universal Significance of Makar Sankranti

The text emphasizes that Makar Sankranti is a universal festival, celebrated across India and even by Romans and Jews outside India. In South India, it’s known as Pongal and is one of the most significant festivals there.

Key aspects of Makar Sankranti include:

  • Solar Transit: The day marks the sun’s transition from Sagittarius to Capricorn.

  • Uttarayana: This marks the beginning of the sun’s northward journey, considered to be the “daytime” for the gods. The time from Makar Sankranti to Karkata Sankranti (Summer Solstice) is known as Uttarayana, and many rituals and ceremonies are performed during this time.

  • Auspicious Time: Hindus consider this a very auspicious time for rituals, especially marriage ceremonies, initiation rites, yagnas, and construction of homes or temples.

  • Sun Worship: Makar Sankranti marks a time to worship the Sun, as the source of light and life, or Lord Shiva, or sometimes, both.

Customs and Traditions

  • Holy Dip: Taking a bath in rivers, ponds, or the sea during the auspicious time of Makar Sankranti is believed to cleanse sins.

  • Charity: Donating food, particularly khichdi (a rice and lentil dish) for the peace of ancestors.

  • Sweets: Preparing and distributing sweets made of sesame seeds and jaggery.

  • Kite Flying: In many places, kite-flying competitions are held.

The Mythological Connection

  • Ganga’s Descent: The day is believed to be when Ganga, following Bhagirathi, merged into the ocean, via the ashram of Kapila Muni.

  • Yashoda’s Observance: It’s said that on this day, Yashoda fasted to receive Krishna.

  • A Calendar Shift: Some believe that Makar Sankranti was observed on December 31st around 1000 years ago, and has since shifted to January 14.

Sankranti and its Astrological Connections

In Vedic astrology, the sun’s movement through the zodiac is divided into twelve signs. When the sun moves from one sign to another, it is known as a Sankranti. Each sign occupies about one-twelfth of the ecliptic circle. Based on these transits, there are twelve Sankrantis in the Hindu calendar. These are also the start days for the traditional Oriya calendar months.

  • Zodiacal Signs: Each month is associated with a zodiac sign:

    • Mesha (Aries), Brisha (Taurus), Mithuna (Gemini), Karkata (Cancer), Singha (Leo), Kanya (Virgo), Tula (Libra), Bichha (Scorpio), Dhanu (Sagittarius), Makara (Capricorn), Kumbha (Aquarius), and Meena (Pisces).

  • Types of Sankrantis: Based on the sun’s position, the Sankrantis are categorized into seven types: Manda, Mandakini, Dhwankshi, Ghora, Mahodari, Rakshasi, and Mishrita.

  • Significance: The sun’s movement represents changes in the cycle of nature and life. Sankranti is considered a niransha divasa, and therefore, all auspicious work is forbidden on these days.

The Special Significance of Makar Sankranti

In Odisha, the Sankrantis are named after the succeeding months; for example, Makar Sankranti is the Sankranti marking the start of the Magha month.

  • Maha Vishuba and Jala Vishuba Sankranti: The Mesha Sankranti (Vaishakha) and Tula Sankranti (Kartika) are known as Maha Vishuva and Jala Vishuba respectively.

  • Vishnupadi Sankrantis: The Brisha (Jyestha), Brishchika (Margashira), Simha (Bhadra), and Kumbha (Phalguna) Sankrantis are called Vishnupadi Sankrantis.

  • Shadashiti Sankrantis: The Mithuna (Ashadha), Kanya (Ashwina), Dhanu (Pausha) and Meena (Chaitra) Sankrantis are called Shadashiti Sankrantis.

  • Uttarayana and Dakshinayana: Makara Sankranti (Magha) is known as Uttarayan and Karkata Sankranti (Shravana) is known as Dakshinayana Sankranti.

  • Special Days: When a Sankranti falls on a Tuesday, it is considered the Mangala Sankranti and is said to be auspicious, while Chaitra Shadashiti Sankranti is marked by the worship of Ghanta Karna.

Makar Sankranti at Shri Jagannath Temple

At the Shri Jagannath Temple, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Uttarayan Yatra. The day is marked by a special offering of Makara Chaula (a mix of uncooked rice, jaggery, coconut, cheese, banana, and spices) and Tilua Khaja (sesame sweets) to the deities, along with a unique Makara Chauraashi Besha (attire).

Here are the specific rituals:

  • Morning Rituals: The day begins with the Mangala Aarti and the Abakash Niti (morning rituals). Then the deities are adorned with the Patta Paharana and the Makara Chula (a special head adornment). Following that, Karpur Lagi is performed and then the deities are adorned in the Makara Besha.

  • Preparation of Bhoga: The process for preparing the Makara Chaula involves bringing ingredients like coconut, jaggery, spices, milk solids and milk from the temple storehouse. The Sudu Suara prepares the Makara Chaula.

  • Panti Bhoga: Patribadu servitors, with their faces covered, carry the makara chaula in a procession, circling the main temple three times and then offer them to the deities. Mahabhoi servitors carry curd, shakara and pana. Hadapa Nayaka servitors take the betel leaves and spices in a procession to the temple. Mudisatra makes the Prasad Lagi (offering of food) and Pujapanda offers the bhog.

  • Bandapana: After the bhog is offered, the deities are honored with a bandapana ritual.

  • Special Attire: The deities are adorned in their unique Makara Besha.

The Spiritual Significance

The celebration of Makar Sankranti is a testament to the spiritual reverence for the Sun, its life-giving energy, and its transformative influence on earth.

Bringing the Traditions Home

If you are touched by the traditions and spiritual significance of Makar Sankranti, explore the handcrafted items at justkalinga.com. With worldwide shipping, you can bring a piece of this sacred festival into your own home.

Jai jagannath 😊🙏

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

× Jai Jagannath , How can I assist you?