Vrischika Sankranti
Vrischika Sankranti is also called as ‘Vruschika Sankramanam is a sacred day that marks the movement of Sun from the Tula Rashi to the Vruschika Rashi. In the Gregorian calendar this transition corresponds to the movement of Sun from the Libra Zodiac Sign to the Scorpio Zodiac Sign. It is noted that in the Indian astrology Rashi system, the Vruschika Rashi occupies the 8th position. On Vrischika Sankranti this planetary shift of Sun God helps it to regain energy and occurs during a specific time of the year. The festival of Vrischika Sankranti denotes the beginning of ‘Karthigai Masam’ in the Tamil calendar and the ‘Vrischika Masam’ in the Malayam calendar. This day holds great importance for followers of Hindu community and the rituals of Vrischika Sankranti is observed with immense devotion and enthusiasm.
Vrischika Sankranti 2020 is on November 16 Monday
Rituals observed on Vrischika Sankranti
The day of Vrischika Sankranti is dedicated to worshipping Sun God. Hindu devotees pray to Surya Bhagwan to seek His divine blessings. The day of Vrischika Sankranti is also propitious for Sankraman Snan, Vishnu Puja and Daan. The ritual of ‘daan’ during this day should be performed during the specific timing to gain maximum benefits. On the occasion of Vrischika Sankranti ‘Shradh’ and ‘Pitru Tarpan’ are important rituals of the day.
On Vrischika Sankranti, sixteen ghatis (with 1 day = 60 Ghatis) prior to Sankranti moment marks the beginning of the auspicious time. The best time to perform Punya or Daan activities should be performed between the start of the auspicious time to the actual Sankranti moment. It is believed that donating a cow to a Brahmin Vrischika Sankranti will bring immense virtues to the observer. Reading of Hindu religious scriptures and books like ‘Vishnu Sahasranama’ and ‘Aditya Hrudayam’ is believed to be very favourable. Devotees also chant or recite stotras or Vedic mantras in praise of Sun God.
Significance of Vrischika Sankranti
According to the Hindu Solar Calendar, there are 12 Sankrantis in a year and each of these Sankranti marks the start of a new Hindu month. Of these Vrischika Sankranti is one of the most auspicious day for Hindus, especially for those residing in the eastern regions of India. The word ‘san’ in Hindi symbolises ‘plenty’ and the word ‘kranti’ implies ‘radical change’. Hence the festival of Sankranti is supposed to bring plenty of good changes in our life.
