Rituals and Celebrations:
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Puja and Offerings: Devotees perform special prayers and offer seasonal fruits, grains, and sweets to the deities, particularly to Surya (the Sun God) and Ganesha.
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Bathing Rituals: Taking a holy dip in rivers or at home is considered auspicious on this day. It is believed to cleanse one of sins and bring good fortune.
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Charity: People engage in charitable activities, donating food, clothes, and money to the needy. It is a day to express gratitude and compassion.
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Festive Food: Traditional dishes and sweets are prepared and shared with family and friends.
Regional Variations:
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North India: In some parts, fairs and community gatherings are organized. Cultural programs, music, and dance add to the festive atmosphere.
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South India: Known as Vrishabha Sankramana, the day is marked with elaborate pujas and temple visits. Special prayers for prosperity and good health are offered.
Astrological Significance:
Vrishabha Sankranti is considered an auspicious day for new beginnings, investments, and starting new ventures. It is also a time to reflect on personal growth and spiritual development.
The exact date and time of Vrishabha Sankranti vary each year based on the Hindu lunar calendar and the precise moment of the sun's transition into Taurus.
Rituals of Vrishabha Sankranti
Gifting cows is considered to be auspicious on Vrishabha Sankranti. Devotees specially visit Vishnu temples on this auspicious day and pray Lord Vishnu to grant them the wisdom to choose between good and the evil. Holy places throughout the country prepare for Vrishabha Sankranti as devotees take Sankramana Snana on this day. Pitra Tarpan is specially conduced on Vrishabha Sankranti.The second month in Hindu solar calendar begins on Vrishabha Sankranti. Sixteen gharis (moments) before Vrishabha Sankranti are considered auspicious for conducting all kind of daan and punyas (donation and charity). Therefore all kind of daan is done during these auspicious moments of Vrishabha Sankranti. Donating cows is always considered auspicious and this has special relevance on Vrishabha Sankranti.
Brusha Sankranti
Devotees in Odisha (Orissa) celebrate the day as Brusha Sankranti. The day begins by taking of ritualistic bath in rivers and sea. The special bath is known as Sankraman Snana which is undertaken as a mark of respect to the ancestors in the family and also as a mark of respect to the Sun God. Special prayers are offered by devotees of Lord Vishnu to appease him and seek his blessings for the family.Devotees throng the bathing ghats in holy city of Puri, Odisha. Brusha Sankranti Snana is performed with full religious fervor in Puri and devotees seek blessings from Sun God on this religious occasion. The devotees also visit the Jagannath temple to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu.
Vrushabha Sankranti
Vrishabha Sankranti is commonly referred to as Vrushabha Sankraman in some parts of the country. Vrushabha is referred to as bull in Sanskrit. Lord Shiva s carrier Nandi is also a bull and religious scriptures indicate a relation between the two of these.While lord of Gods, Brahma is the creator of the world, God Vishnu (the Paalak ) is responsible for taking care of entire universe and Lord Shiva (also known as Mahesh) is responsible for perishing it. Thereby equilibrium is maintained in the universe and a continuous cycle of living, existing, perishing and then again the re-birth keeps occurring.
Vrishabha Sankranti has great religious significance for the devotees and they make the day special by seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu. People pray and plead that they live a better life without getting entrapped in moh and maya so that they are free from taking re birth and attain moksha (salvation), on Vrishabha Sankranti.
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें