Why is Sankranti considered a special date in Sanatan Dharma? Know how many types of Sankranti are there and what is their significance? Why is it considered important to donate on Sankranti?

The action of the Sun entering one zodiac sign from another is called "Sankranti". Every month of the year, the Sun God enters a zodiac sign, and the month in which the Sun enters a new zodiac sign, that particular event is termed as Sankranti. In our Sanatan Dharma, there are 12 zodiac signs which are: 1. Aries 2. Taurus 3. Gemini 4. Cancer 5. Leo 6. Virgo 7. Libra 8. Scorpio 9. Sagittarius 10. Capricorn 11. Aquarius 12. Pisces. When the Sun transits in the Aries sign, it marks the beginning of the Aries Sankranti, and the Aries Sankranti marks the start of the Sanatan Panchang, which falls in April according to the Gregorian calendar. However, we do not consider the Aries Sankranti as the beginning of the New Year because our Panchang is based on the movement of the moon and the stars. But if we look at the Sun calendar, then our New Year starts from the Aries Sankranti. In this way, the sun transitions through the twelve zodiac signs in the twelve months. Hence, throughout the year, there are a total of 12 transitions. In the Padma Purana, the transitions occurring in the Sagittarius, Gemini, Pisces, and Virgo signs are referred to as Shadashiti, while those occurring in the signs of Taurus, Scorpio, Aquarius, and Leo are called Vishnupadi transitions. The Puranas clearly state that the merit obtained from donations and virtuous deeds performed during the Shadashiti transition is multiplied by eighty-six thousand, while the merit obtained from donations during the Vishnupadi transition is multiplied by one lakh. Additionally, the merit obtained from donations made during the commencement of Uttarayan (northern solstice) and Dakshinayan (southern solstice) is multiplied by millions of times. Therefore, Makar Sankranti is also considered a special transition in the Puranas. On this day, performing acts of charity and virtue leads to the attainment of inexhaustible fruits.

Characteristics of Makar Sankranti: -

Makar Sankranti is considered highly auspicious because it marks the entry of the Sun into the Capricorn zodiac sign, initiating the period of Uttarayan, or the northern solstice. The Sun is divided into two parts - Uttarayan and Dakshinayan. During Dakshinayan, certain specific rituals such as Pran Pratishtha (consecration of life) are not performed because the full benefits of these rituals are not attained when the Sun is in Dakshinayan. It is not considered auspicious for the Sun to be in Dakshinayan; it is said to be the direction towards the realm of hell. However, during Uttarayan, various special Vedic rituals such as Pran Pratishtha (consecration of life) are prescribed. This is because the full benefits of rituals performed during the Sun's Uttarayan are attained. The Sun's presence in Uttarayan is considered extremely auspicious. Performing rituals during this auspicious time fulfills all the desires of the practitioner, and it is also said to lead towards the realm of heaven in the northern direction.

How to worship on the day of Sankranti: -

The day of Sankranti is primarily associated with Lord Surya, so one should abstain from daily chores and rituals in the morning, bathe, and purify oneself. After purification, one should meditate on Lord Vishnu and Surya while placing rice grains and flowers in a copper vessel, offering arghya to Lord Surya. If possible, offering arghya to the Sun daily is recommended, as it dispels the darkness of one's life and continuously illuminates the path towards progress. After offering arghya, one should worship Lord Vishnu and Surya with devotion according to their customs and traditions. After completing the worship, one should give donations to orphans and the needy because donating on this day absolves one from all sins.

Importance of donation on Sankranti: -

Donating on Sankranti is described in the Puranas as providing inexhaustible benefits, and each Sankranti is said to have its own significance for giving donations. Giving donations to orphans, the needy, and the impoverished-on Sankranti brings happiness and peace. Donating on Sankranti is said to yield benefits equivalent to performing the Ashwa Megha Yagya and donating to cows. Additionally, Lord Surya blesses individuals with success in all endeavors on this day, alleviating all their troubles in life. Those who donate with faith on this day find their entire lives filled with joy. It is stated in the Puranas that the fruits of donations given on this day are eternal and never diminish.

On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, donating sesame seeds and jaggery is believed to bring wealth and increase one's respect and honor. Giving food donations on this day is highly meritorious; therefore, wherever possible, arranging meals for the poor and orphans is recommended. Providing poor children with stationery, books, or educational materials on this day leads to a continuous increase in their knowledge and strength.

Writer :- Kuldeep singh