SANKRANTI IN ASTROLOGY

WHAT IS SANKRANTI?

SANKRANTI IS a Sanskrit term derived from two words - ‘sam’ meaning ‘together’ and ‘kranti’ denoting change or transition’. In Hindu beliefs, Sankranti refers to the movement of Sun from one zodiac sign to another, marking the solar transition. There are twelve Sankrantis in a year, corresponding to the same number of Vedic astrology signs, which happen between 14th – 16th of every month in English calendar or on the first day of Hindu solar calendar.

MOST IMPORTANT SANKRANTI

Among the twelve Sun transits, Makar Sankranti is the most celebrated event when Sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn or Makar, which occurs around January 14th every year. Such is the profound spiritual and social influence of this occurrence that in common parlance, ’Sankranti’ is synonymous with ‘Makar Sankranti’.

This day is commemorated with great enthusiasm across India, symbolizing the end of winter and the beginning of a new harvest season.

Significance of Makar Sankranti

IMPORTANCE OF SANKRANTI IN VEDIC ASTROLOGY

Sankranti is considered a crucial astrological event in Vedic astrology. Sun is the most powerful source of light, life and energy, and a day with no sunrise means, it’s dark and doomed across the globe. Thus, Sun's transition into a new astrology sign has a profound impact on human life, influencing various aspects such as health, wealth, relationships and more.

In Vedic Astrology, Sun is considered the king, and also the most important planet, which is the significator of health, wealth, fame, fortune, power, position and the ultimate enabler. So it’s presence in different signs either in transit or in the birth chart, really makes a difference in an individual’s fortune. Not surprising though, predictions in western astrology is based on sun signs, unlike the Indian system where moon and lagna signs are the primary considerations.

Sankranti Dates

HISTORY & MYTHOLOGY OF SANKRANTI

The origins of Sankranti can be traced back to ancient Vedic times. The Rigveda, one of the oldest Hindu scriptures, mentions the importance of observing Sun's movement and its impact on human life. The festival is associated with various mythological stories, including the churning of the ocean by gods and demons, which resulted in the emergence of the elixir of immortality, Amrit. It is believed that Sun's entry into Capricorn coincides with the time when Amrit was obtained.

Four Types of Sankranti

SANKRANTI – A CELEBRATION OF RENEWAL & HOPE

Sankranti, with its deep-rooted history and mythological significance, remains a cherished festival in India. It is a time for renewal, hope and celebration, reminding us of the cyclical nature of life and the importance of embracing new beginnings. As Sun transitions into a new zodiac sign, it ushers in a new era, bringing with it the promise of a better future.

But Sankranti is more than just a festival - it is a profound confluence of astronomical events, cultural heritage and spiritual significance. From uniting communities through rituals and traditions to marking transitions in nature and human life, Sankranti embodies harmony and renewal. These occasions are celebrated with diverse customs across India, which reminds us of the importance of gratitude, charity and the eternal cycle of change.

Makar Sankranti In Different Names

LIST OF ALL 12 SANKRANTIS

MAKAR SANKRANTI – Sun enters Makar or Capricorn sign in mid-January.

Makar Sankranti, celebrated across India under different names, is the most important Sankranti of all 12 Sun transits. This harvest festival in the Hindu month of Magha is observed by taking a dip in holy rivers, taking sesame based sweets and flying kites. This event marks Uttarayana, or sun’s movement from southern to northern hemisphere.

KUMBHA SANKRANTI - Sun enters kumbha or Aquarius sign in mid-February.

Kumbha Sankranti, also known as Kumbha Sankramanam is celebrated on the first day of Hindu month of Phalguna. It is an auspicious day to take holy dip in river Ganga or other sacred rivers to attain salvation and be considered blessed with humanitarian acts of charity, while worshipping Yama and Surya.

MEENA SANKRANTI – Sun enters Meena or Pieces sign in mid-March.

Meena Sankranti is the last Sankranti of Hindu calendar year in the month of Chaitra. This period is considered Kharmasa or Malamasa, and all kinds of auspicious activities are prohibited as per Hindu beliefs. Spiritual seekers donate sesame, clothes, grains, feed fodder to cow and take bath in holy rivers and focus on enlightenment during this period.

MESHA SANKRANTI – Sun enters Mesha or Aries sign in mid-April.

Mesha Sankranti , also known as Maha Vishuva or Pana Sankranti is the spring harvest festival. It marks the beginning of Hindu new year in the month of Baishakh and is celebrated in different states under different names such as Baisakhi, Bihu, Ugadi, Vishu, Puthandu etc. Sun acquires maximum strength for astrological results during this transit.

VRISHABHA SANKRANTI – Sun enters Vrishabha or Taurus sign in mid-May.

Vrishabha Sankranti, also called Vrushabha Sankraman starts with the Hindu month of Jyeshtha. On this day, traditionally ‘Gau Daan’ or gifting of the sacred cow to family members and near ones are considered highly auspicious. Other rituals include bathing in holy rivers and performing Pitru Tarpan for forefathers and Shanti Puja.

MITHUNA SANKRANTI – Sun enters Mithuna or Gemini sign in mid-June.

Mithuna Sankranti, also known as Raja Sankranti or Swing festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashadha. The day is considered mother earth’s annual menstrual cycle, also known as Raja Parba or Ambubachi. The event, which also symbolizes the advent of monsoon, is more religiously observed in eastern and north-eastern states of India.

KARKA SANKRANTI – Sun enters Karkat or Cancer sign in mid-July.

Karka Sankranti is celebrated in the Hindu month of Shravana, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. On Sankranti, believers take holy dip in sacred rivers, offer charity, fast and pray to Lord Vishnu. This day also marks the end of 6-month of Sun’s northern journey, i.e. Uttarayan and beginning of Dakshinayan, when it is believed that Gods go to sleep for six months.

Importance of Mesha Sankranti

SIMHA SANKRANTI – Sun enters Simha or Leo sign in mid-August.

Simha Sankranti, celebrated in the Hindu month of Bhadra is also the New Year in Malayalam calendar of Kerala. As Sun gains in strength by entering its own house - Leo, believers worship Sun God, Lord Vishnu and Lord Narasimha on this day. Further, devotees donate wheat, red clothes, red sandalwood, copper, jaggery etc to strengthen Sun.

KANYA SANKRANTI – Sun enters Kanya or Virgo sign in mid-September.

Kanya Sankranti heralds the Hindu month of Ashwin, and the day is celebrated as Viswakarma Puja at factories as the deity is known as the ‘God of architect’. Believers also take bath in holy rivers and offer ‘tarpan’ to bring peace to souls of ancestors. Donating to the poor is also considered auspicious on this day.

TULA SANKRANTI – Sun enters Tula or Libra sign in mid-October.

Tula Sankranti, also known as Garbhana Sankranti is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartika. This transit has special significance in Karnataka, where it is called 'Tula Sankrama', and people congregate on the banks of river Kaveri to take a holy dip during the entire month, pray to Sun, Goddess Laxmi and Kaveri. Astrologically, Sun gets debilitated in Tula.

VRISHCHIKA SANKRANTI – Sun enters Vrishchik or Scorpio sign in mid-November.

Vrishchika Sankranti is celebrated in the Hindu month of Agrahayana. On this day, believers take a dip in sacred rivers and perform ‘Tarpan’ in remembrance of ancestors, as also donate to those in need. As Scorpio symbolizes mystery, transformation and emotional energy, Sun’s transit here brings spiritual growth and introspection among people.

DHANU SANKRANTI – Sun enters Dhanu or Sagittarius sign in mid-December.

Dhanu Sankranti is celebrated in the Hindu month of Pausha, which is considered a Kharmasa or Dhanurmasa, and hence no auspicious activities are performed during this period. The festival is most prominently observed in Odisha, where people flock to Jagannath Temple in Puri to participate in ‘Pahili Bhog’. That apart, Dhanu Jatra is held for 11 days at Bargarh, which showcase theatrical plays on the life of Lord Krishna. The famous sweet, ‘Dhanu Muan’ is offered to Lord Jagannath.