Makar Sankranti - The Worship of Bhagavan Surya

Often, owing to a loss of cultural meaning-making mechanisms, we are unable to understand the deeper significance of our festivals. We celebrate them superficially and fail to understand the traditions in their entirety. What makes most of the utsavas of Bharat beautiful is that they have different manifestations in various parts of the country. Some of them are also celebrated in far-away lands, signifying the spread of Hindu culture. Makar Sankrant possesses immense importance, but the larger meaning and depth is lost on most people. In this piece, we attempt to explore unknown facets and symbolisms associated with the festival of Makar Sankranti.

The Hindu civilization of Bharatavarsha, has recognized the divinity inherent in the forces of nature and worshipped them since time immemorial. This creation is a magnificent manifestation, a reflection of the effulgent Consciousness, that is Brahman. It is the stillness that empowers the rhythmic movements of nature's cycles and it is the seed of silence that empowers man's transformation from human to divine.

Bharat's innumerable festivals are a colourful celebration of this central principle of cosmic consciousness. Life on earth is intimately connected with cosmic cycles. This knowledge is not only found encoded cryptically in our scriptures, but it is the very foundation of our festivals.

Bharatiya itself means "he who revels in light." While this light manifests in the cave of our hearts as pure awareness, it can be seen and experienced in the presence of Surya Bhagavan, the thousand-rayed son of Aditi. He is worshipped as Pratyaksha Brahman for He is the source of nourishment for every being on this planet.

The "harvest festivals" of India are exuberant celebrations that go by different names across the country such as Makar Sankranti in the North and West, Pongal in the South, Magh Bihu in the North East and so on. While each of them have diverse traditions, a common ritual is the worship of Surya Bhagavan. Fresh and scrumptious food cooked from the abundant harvest of the year is offered to Him and Mother Earth as a mark of gratitude.

Sankrantis signify the movement of the sun from one zodiac sign to another. Out of these, Makar Sankranti is specifically celebrated because the earth heralds the bright spring season. The sun transitions into the Makara rashi which in its depiction is a mythical aquatic creature often understood in the modern world as a crocodile.

Interestingly in Hindu lore, the makara is the guardian of thresholds and gateways. It finds prominence in the entrances of ancient Hindu temples and also finds an important place in Buddhist architecture. It symbolises the chaos we need to grow through for the emergence of something new, for the rise of abundance within and around us.

This can also be connected to another aspect of the sun’s transit. In the previous six months, Surya Bhagavan was on a southward journey, traditionally known as Dakshinayana or Sadhana Pada. This is the time where we put in tremendous effort on the spiritual path.

From the day of Makar Sankranti, He begins his journey towards the north. This has been known as Uttarayana or Kaivalya Pada where the seeds of spiritual abundance begin to sprout. Aren’t we aware of the famous story in the Mahabharata where Bhishma Pitamaha waits until the beginning of Uttarayana to shed his mortal body?

The Aditya Hrdayam Stotram, a powerful mantra in praise of Surya Bhagavan was given to Shri Rama by Rishi Agastya during the final battle with Ravana. Here, Bhagavan Surya is praised as the very cause of the change of seasons that sustain life on this planet. He holds that central point whilst the earth moves towards and away from the sun during the winter and summer solstice.

वायुर्वह्निः प्रजाः प्राण ऋतुकर्ता प्रभाकरः॥९॥

vāyurvahniḥ prajāḥ prāṇa ṛtukartā prabhākaraḥ॥9॥

(He who is both wind and fire, the Lord of the created beings, the Prana of all beings, the maker of all seasons and the giver of light.)

The Atharva Veda (13.2.35) states that the sun is the source of all that is static and dynamic in the world.

सूर्य आत्मा जगतस्तस्थुषश्च॥ sūrya ātmā jagatastasthuṣaśca॥

Thus we observe how gratitude to Bhagavan Surya as a way of living lies at the centre of the rituals of the vast variety of harvest festivals celebrated across the nation. Going a step further, if we were to meditate upon the form of Surya on this day, we will realise that He is not only a protector or nourisher, but very much an eternal friend, the witnessing consciousness or light of wisdom present in our own hearts. And who wouldn't agree that flying all those kites and cooking Pongal out in the open helps us absorb great Vitamin D!

Makar Sankranti, with its rich legacy of rituals and symbolisms, encapsulates the essence of Bharatiya traditions. This festival serves as a reminder of our intrinsic connection with the cosmic cycles and the forces of nature. As we partake in these celebrations, let us embrace the deeper meanings and transform our understanding, fostering a sense of oneness with the universe. In doing so, we can truly appreciate the wisdom and beauty of our traditions, carrying forward the legacy of our ancestors with pride and reverence.

Authored by Lakshmi SIvaraman. Published by Brhat.