ASTRONOMY OF THE SUN’S INGRESS INTO MAKAR CAPRICORN – MAKAR SANKRANTI

Day of Makar Sankranti as per Hindu Solar calendar,Panchang.Makar Sankranti is observed when the Sun transits from Sagittarius to Capricorn and is at 0 degrees of Capricorn makar Rashi.

Typically, it falls on the first day of the tenth solar month in most Hindu calendars. Currently the day of Sankranti falls either on January 14 or January 15 on Gregorian calendar. If Sankranti moment occurs before sunset, then it is observed on the same day otherwise it is observed on the next day.

SUN being the demarcating Factor for the YEAR

The Two Main Periods of the Year is divided by the Movement of the Sun in Northerly or Southerly Direction.

Sun is the key to giving us the Sidereal year and is a timekeeper. Giving us not just the seasons, but also the year. The Vedic Solar year is divided into primarily two Uttarayana Northerly course and Dakshinaya – Southern course.

Thus, Time or Samaya is an important factor. Sun is the original agni ttatva – source of fire Agni, thus lending it to govern by Mars. The Sun’s Northern march is also time for Devas or Gods to wake up from their 6 month slumber!

Chapter 3 Brhat Parasara Hora Sastra –

अयनक्षणवारर्तुमासपक्षसमा द्विज।
सूर्यादीनां क्रमाज्ज्ञेया निर्विशंकं द्विजोत्तम॥ ३३॥

ayanakṣaṇavārartumāsapakṣasamā dvija |sūryādīnāṁ kramājjñeyā nirviśaṁkaṁ dvijottama || 33||

aṣṭau māsāśca svarbhānoḥ ketormāsatrayaṁ dvija ||

33. Half a year, a moment, a day, a season, a solar month, half a lunar month, a year; these are the periods of time allotted from Surya and the others, O best of the twice-born.

Samaya refers to properly appointed time, the appropriate, right or best moment for Graha Jyotiṣa. All spiritual activity based on Sunrise and sunset best moments for doing various activities.Hence this shloka shows that how intricately Sun is linked as a time keeper to our well-being.

Sun’s descent into the phase of Uttarayana which is from Sidereal Capricorn to Cancer, thus its movement is in the northerly direction. This is extremely auspicious as traditionally for thousands of years it has come to be associated with the reaping of the harvest And the Sun will through its course cover the two main seasons, Vasant Ritu Spring season, where the crops for the year are assessed. For centuries, Jyotisha and the colours of the Sun were used to predict the future of the harvest by predicting the rainfall, frost, floods etc. The Spring also houses the mark of new Solar Year, Chaitra Shukla Pratipad. The New Year! From Makar Sankranti onwards, it is a time, when the winter is at its peak and will soon be easing up thus bringing down the harshness of winters, as it is culminating in the Vernal equinox. Longer days and shorter nights! (See the Ritu Seasons chart below).

It is celebrated throughout the country in form of Kite flying to making sweets made of jaggery, sesame(black) and coconut, and savoury items, a dish called Oondhiyu.(Details below)

What’s So great About the Sun entering Makar?

For that we must look at the astronomy coming from the Vedic times. Work of Varaha Mihira, who was a native of Avanti and the son of Adityadasa who an Astronomer was and from whom he received his education as he himself tells us in his Brihat Jataka. Brihat Jataka is one of monumental works in Jyotisha by Varahmihira.

Unfortunately, Varaha Mihira’s work on astronomy, known as the Panchasidhantika, is now lost ….He was one of the 12 gems of the Court of Vikramarka. Now Vikrama Era, as we find from the Hindu calendar, dates from 56 B. C. whereas Varaha Mihira is considered to have flourished in the sixth century after Christ. A lot of the evidence points to that he flourished before a century Before Christ. And he has quoted from Arybhata and other astronomers.

Chapter 3 – On the course of the Sun (āditya-cāra) on Brhat Samhita by Varahamihira

1. At one time, the Sun’s southward course commenced on his reaching the middle of Āśleṣā (the ninth constellation) and its northward course on its reaching the beginning of Dhaniṣṭhā (the twenty-third constellation). This must have been the case as we find it so recorded in ancient books.

2. Whereas at present the one course of the Sun (āditya) commences at the beginning of Cancer, and the other at the beginning of Capricornus. That it is so, and different from what it was at one time can easily be ascertained from actual observation as follows:

3. Either from observing some distant point in the horizon where the sun rises or sets or from observing the ingress or the egress of the end of shadow of a perpendicular rod placed at the centre of a big horizontal circle (the change in the sun’s course can be detected).

Thus even in Varahmirihira’s times, it was important to fix the starting point of the Solar Year in terms of the Vernal Equinox. And he states clearly that the the present times (his present! which is in question as there is a discrepancy of 500 years, a century before BC or After!) .

From Atharveda Veda Kaanda 19 / Sooktam 7

Garga Rishi! Nakshatrani Devata!

Trishtup-Bhurik Chandaha!

Chitrani sakam divi rochanani sarisrupani bhuvanejavani

turmisham sumatimichaamaano ahaani geerbhi saparyami nakam!1!

suhavamagne krittika rohini chaastu bhadram mrigashirah Sham aardhrah !

punarvasu soonruta chaaru pushyo Bhaanur aslesha ayanam magha mey !2!

punyam poorva Phalguni chottra hasta schittra shiva swaati sukho mey astu!

raadhe vishaakhe suhav anooradha jyeshta sunakshatramarishta moolam !3!

annam poorva raasataam aashadha oorja devy uttaraa aavahantu!

abhijinma raasataam punyameva shravanah shravishtaah kurvatam supushtim!4!

Aa mey maha chatabhishagam vareeya Aa mey dvaya proshtapadaa susharma!

Aa reyvato chashvayujow bhagam ma Aa mey rayim Bharanya aavahantu!5!

The precession of the Equinoxes was known to the Hindu Astronomers and Sages long before the mumers of the European Astronomers namely Ptolemy. Although which way the Earth ocsillates and which side of the Nakshatra of Revati – The fixed star constellation or is it the end of the Revati Constellation. No one seems to be in agreement in a clear and conclusive manner. Although it is acknowledged that it is towards the end of Revati. Unfortunately, the exact distance between the Vernal Equinox and the star Revati is not known and cannot be determined from observation as the star (which the Hindu astronomers say was on the ecliptic) appears somehow to have disappeared. Mr. Kero Latchmana Chatrai M. A. of Poona has spoken of a star, known as the Zeeta Piscium which however is not on the ecliptic as the Revati of the Hindus.

The Sookta describes both astronomical and astrological elements. Twenty-eight Nakshatras are identified starting with Krittika and reference is made to Ayanam occurring in Magha.

A nakshatra Abhijit is shown between Uttarashadha and Shravana. It now has other uses in Jyotish.Rishi Garga starts the list of twenty-seven nakshatra‘s starting with Krittika. Choice of Krittika as the first of twenty-seven is incredibly significant. Today we use Ashwini as the first star. The choice of first Nakshatra must correspond to first day of a solar year, which dictates the weather cycles. Which is the year’s first day? Astronomically speaking, the spring Equinox day in Northern Hemisphere temperate zone.Temperate zone of northern hemisphere of the earth. Vasantha ritu, the spring has always been considered as beginning of a year from Rig-Vedic times.

Rishi Gargya’s sooktha observation is that on spring Equinox day, Sun was in Krittika Nakshatra. Currently, it sands in the Nakshatra of Purva Bhadra. Hence given this shift and movement, it has been taken that to be Vernal Spring Equinox, as Mid March.

SUN AS THE GIVER OF WEALTH AND THE BHAGA ADITYA of MAKAR

The Sacred importance of Sun-God is epitomised in the Samba Purana as follows

Narada spoke: – O Samba, Son of the yadu race, all the three worlds have originated from the Sun God.The entire universe inclusive of Gods, demons and human beings came into existence from the Sun god himself.

The all-encompassing splendour of Rudra, Visnu, Indra, excellent Brahmanas and Gods living in the heaven and the other worldly glory of all other creatures is based upon the Sun-God.

He is the Soul of all beings. He is the soveriegn of all the worlds. He is the God of Gods and he is the lord of all human beings. He is the Soul of the 3 worldsand is the supreme God.The obliations offered into the fire Agni, reaches the Sun God.The Sun gives rains, and the rains produce food and the food produce creatures.

Thus, we see, the importance of Sun’s movement from season to season, from One Direction to another.

He is the King of the Planets and the Master of the World; the thousand rayed Sun illuminates the Earth Bhu-loka by his three hundred rays. With these rays he produces in Hemanta-Sishir (Winter) Seasons       Samba Purana

The Sun God is referred to as the Āditya (Sanskrit: आदित्य), meaning “of Aditi or related to Aditi”, refers to the offspring’s of Goddess Aditi. Goddess Aditi was the wife of Rishi Sage Kashyap, and she was the mother of the Devas. The father of the Aditya, Sage Kashyapa is a greatly revered Vedic sage and is  one of the seven ancient SaptaRishis in Rigveda. The SaptaRishis are the most prolific and great divine beings with a close connection with Lord Shiva in the form of Dakshinamoorthi.  Kashyap hails from the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, and legends attribute the region of Kashmir to be derived from his name. The name Kashmir, states Christopher Snedden, may be a shortened form of “Kashyapa Mir” or the “lake of the sage Kashyapa”, or alternatively derived from “Kashyapa Meru” or the sacred mountains of Kashyapa.

Adityas are Solar class deities. In the Rigveda, the Ādityas are the seven celestial deities, sons of Āditi, headed by Varuna, followed by Mitra: They are: Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, Bhaga, Anśa or Aṃśa, Dhātṛ or Dakṣa, and Indra. The eighth Āditya (Mārtanda) was rejected by Aditi, leaving seven sons.

One of the forms of Sun God is known as Bhaga (भग) and in Sanskrit means the Lord of the Patron and is situated in the Earth as well as in the bodies of human beings. Bhaga as an Aditya, Sun-God is associated with the Sign Capricorn. It embodies our connection to the earthly existence through our bodies. Bhaga is known as “the giver” because he bestows not just worldly wealth and security but spiritual abundance and devotion as well. He is the male equivalent of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Bhaga is also who brings joy of the Truth. And represents the beginnings of a spiritual seeking. He is the divine enjoyer in man. Bhaga distribute and unite all the different things.Bhaga has his foundation in the universal joy of Ananda. He takes the delight of the creation. The birth of Bhaga in a spiritual aspirant represents the beginning of spiritual experiences.

Bhaga is said to be blind in that he distributes wealth and abundance regardless of the person’s stature or station in life. Ancient texts carry stories that describe his blindness. Bhaga is blinded by the warrior, Vīrabhadra  वीरभद्र, Vīrabhadra) is a super being created by Shiva. as to exact revenge on his wife’s Sati’s father, Daksha. Bhaga Aditya was one of the presiding priests at the yagna organised by King Daksha. But he had not invited Shiva and Sati, his daughter and Shiva, his son-in-law. As he disapproved of his daughter’s choice in husband!

Yet Sati still came and was insulted by Daksha, ultimately, she committed suicide and Shiva went into uncontrollable rage and anger. He sent Virabhadra along with the consort Bhadrakali to destroy the entire yagna of Daksha.

Vīrabhadra was a great warrior who eventually blinded Bhaga, broke Pusha Aditya’s teeth and other gods including Indra and eventually fled the battlefield unable to sustain his power. Vīrabhadra defeated Vishnu and Brahma in the war against Daksha.

Bhaga after being blinded, continued to distribute his services indiscriminately including wealth, rewards, remunerations and joy!

Dakṣam who is form of creator Prajapati,  and the demigods Bhaga, Pūṣā and Bhṛgu Muni — were punished by the soldiers ganas of Lord Śiva, eventually later everything would come to a peaceful end. So this spirit of fighting between one another was not exactly inimical. the Devas and the demigods were so powerful and wanted to show his strength by Vedic mantra or mystic power, thus practicing the fighting skills very elaborately exhibited by the different parties at the Dakṣa yajña.

 Sun in the 10th house of the Natural Zodiac (As akin to Sun in Capricorn) – Blessings of Indra

Sun in Makar Capricorn is also the Sun in 10th house – Blessings of the Lord Indra. As it is akin to the midday Sun, when the Sun is in the 10th house after having risen in the East (The Ascendant) in your Natal Chart. Hence the distributions of resorces, wealth is a vital part of the Surya as a luminary. Indra Devata is always activated as the Sun is in great Dorectional Strength in the 10th house from Lagna. That is said to incur the blessings of Indra. Indra is the King of all the Devas Gods, leader amongst all. Weilder of the Thunderbolt and depicted as riding on the celestial White Elephant called Airavata . Airavata Elephant is known as his vehicle vahana of Lord Indra and is the mightiest of all the vehicles as is his weapon.
Indra fought hard the offenses of Vrita, demonic Asura and fought to reclaim precious water he had stolen from the Earth. Indra charged forth on his glorious Airavata – White Elephant smashed through all 99 of Vritra’s fortresses, and battled Vritra and slayed him.
Pure Water began flowing from his slayed adversary that restored the Earth from its perpetual drought.
Thus, in later Rigvedic traditions, eventually the baton of Great King of thunder, water and lightening is passed from Varuna to Indra
There is another side to Indra – He rules our sensory perceptions and our organs, the Indriyas – thus tempting us with all kinds of distractions and sensual attractions. Naturally, he got cursed from Lord Shiva because of his ‘asuric’ – demigod like quality of covetousness. And he was given a gift of having a thousand of yonis vaginas stuck on his body.
Initially pleased, yet shortly after, that turned into his worst nightmare! And he embarked on deep penance and austerity measures to overcome this curse. Pleased with his dedication he was blessed that all those yonis will convert to chakshu eyes of knowledge. Upanishadic Literature often alludes to Lord Indra being the sole one to understand and achieve the Brahman. Hence, he is the wisest and the most spiritual amongst all the Devas.

SUN ADITYA CREATOR OF SEASONS & GIVER OF WEALTH

We may have fathomed by now that the Sun indeed is the giver of Seasons. Being born in a season has special significances. And each of these six seasons is linked with the Sun’s connection through a special Constellation, Fixed Star and is named after. Meanwhile here is a short description of the seasons, in the Vedic Context and what they signify to be born in one of the 6 seasons, as per Jataka Bharnam.

Sidereal Solar Year where the Sun goes through all the 12 Zodiacal signs Rashis, giving the seasons, is divided into two main parts. One is the Uttar Ayana, which is the Sun’s travel through the Northerly direction from sign of Capricorn till its ingress into Cancer.

Natives born in this Uttara Ayana is said to remain happy, happiness from sons and wife, enjoys long life, is of righteous or moral conduct, generous or liberal and has patience and endurance.

Jataka Bharnam

While the start of the Dakshinaya movement in Southerly direction, marking the Sun’s ingress into Cancer to Capricorn and all signs covering them.

Natives born is Yamayayana or Dashinayana is excessively proud, agriculturist, keeps cattle like cows(!), buffaloes, etc, is hard hearted, deceitful and intolerant.   Jataka Bharnam

Makar Sanskranti – The Festival – Ways to Celebrate!

Makar Sankranti is known as Uttarayan in Gujarat, India. Uttarayan is a significant festival in Gujarat spread over 2 days. The first day of Sankranti is known as Uttarayan and the next day of Uttarayan is known as Vasi Uttarayan. The day is considered highly auspicious and is dedicated to Lord Surya. In the western part of the country, which encompasses the states of Maharashtra & Gujarat, it is celebrated over two days. Kite-flying and eating Undiyo ane muthia on the terraces, is a given. Often the meal is centred around the Undhiyu which is spicy baked mix of winter vegetables (Recipe below), sweet rice pudding, Chikki (squares of blocks which is made from sesame seeds, peanuts and jaggery).

Kids and adults alike are exposed to the winter Sun, by the recreational game of Kite flying is a massive tradition and exists still.

All parts of the country have different tastes, but all have a similar sort of celebration meal.

Some of favourite recipes are given below, and of course they can be altered to one’s environment, diet, lifestyle. It is worth still giving it a shot and trying to make it on your own!

Ingredients for Sweet Rice+Banana+Cocnut pudding – Serve Warm or Cold with Shavings

of Chocolate!

Kashyapa is revered in the Hindu tradition, and numerous legends and texts composed in the medieval era are reverentially attributed to him in various Hindu traditions. Some treatises named after him or attributed to him include:

• Kashyapa Samhita, also called Vriddajivakiya Tantra or Jivakiya Tantra, is a classical reference book on Ayurvedic paediatrics, gynaecology and obstetrics. It was revised by Vatsya. The treatise is written as a tutorial between the medical sage Kashyapa and his student named Vriddhajivaka, and mostly related to caring for babies and diseases of children.
• Kashyapa Jnanakandah, or Kashyapa’s book of wisdom, is a 9th century text of the Vaishnavism tradition.
• Kasyapa dharmasutra, likely an ancient text, but now believed to be lost. The text’s existence is inferred from quotes and citations by medieval Indian scholars.
• Kasyapa sangita, likely another ancient text, but now believed to be lost. A treatise on music, it is quoted by Shaivism and Advaita scholar Abhinavagupta, wherein he cites sage Kasyapa explanation on viniyoga of each rasa and bhava. Another Hindu music scholar named Hrdanyangama mentions Kashyapa’s contributions to the theory of alankara (musical note decorations).
• Kasyapasilpa, also called Amsumad agama, Kasypiya or Silpasastra of Kasyapa, is a Sanskrit treatise on architecture, iconography, and the decorative arts, probably completed in the 11th century.