UTTARAYANA PARVA KALA (MAKARA SANKRAMANA)

One year of Hindu calendar consists of two Ayanas that signifies the direction of the Sun. It is broadly divided into two periods (Ayanas) of six months each. The two broad periods are referred to as Uttarayana and Dakshinayana. All the spiritual and religious activities in Hindu philosophy take place during these two Sun centric periods. Sun is the focal point and the movement or transit of Sun around the zodiac forms the basis for deciding a particular season or a month. Starting from Makara Raasi (Capricorn) to Mithuna Raasi (Gemini) travel of the Sun is known as Uttarayana (Northward journey). Similarly, travel of the Sun from Karkataka (Cancer) to Dhanus (Sagittarius) is called as Dakshinayana (Southward journey).

Uttarayana is a confluence of two words, UTTARA+ AYANA. Uttara means North and Aayana mean travel. Uttarayana means travel of Sun towards North. Zodiacally when Sun enters into Makara Raasi, Uttarayana starts and this moment is called Uttarayana Punya Kala (Parvakala) which is considered as holy and celestial. As per the scripts it is said that when Sun during his transit in Makara Raasi comes opposite to Sravana star the doors of Vaikuntam gets opened (Moksha Dwara)


What is a Parvakala (Punyakala)

The Vedic meaning of Parva is said to be a Knot, a Confluence, and a Celebration. Based on the meanings, the time of confluence of two periods is called as Parvakala. This we observe during Yuga Sandhi (ending of one Yuga and beginning of another Yuga). It is said that Sri Krishna’s Avatara had taken place in the Yuga Sandhi of Dwapara and Kali Yuga. This Sandhi period is said to be very celestial, holy and sacred since the Supreme God himself was present on the Earth. This sandhi period will have features of Krita Yuga (Where Dharma will prevail on four legs). Similarly the time of confluence (Sandhi) of two seasons Dakshinayana and Uttarayana is considered to be very holy, auspicious and celestial and is called as Parva Kala.


Significance of Uttarayana Parva Kala

It is said that Uttarayana represents Devathas and Dakshinayana represents Pithrus, and the significance is to seek the blessings of both at this transit time. Uttarayana is said to be the day time for Devathas.

In this Universe it is said that Vaikunta, the abode of Supreme Sri Maha Vishnu is in the Northern direction (Uttara) and the time of movement of Sun in the direction of Vaikunta is said to be very holy, celestial and sacred. This is coinciding with the last day of the Dhanur Maasa, most sacred and celestial period to worship Sriman Narayana. Vaikunta Ekadasi falls in Dhanur Masa only. The gate to Vaikunta (Swarga Dwara) is believed to open on the day of Makara Sankranthi. It is believed and said that, those who die during the six months period of Uttarayana will attain salvation.

During the days of Mahabharatha, Bheeshma Pitamaha waited on his death bed for the onset of this celestial period (Uttarayana).

Sun is the most visible personification of the Sriman Narayana on Earth and is called Prathyaksha Dhaiva. Purusha Sooktha says that Sun is represented as eyes of the Supreme Sriman Narayana (Chaksho! Suryo Ajayatha!). Sun directs our vision towards the pure, holy, sacred, divine and to dedicate our activities for a higher cause following the northward path. During this period of Uttarayana, Sun’s power gradually increases and the day will be longer than the night.


What is to be done on this day?

Generally during any Parva Kala one has to take sacred bath, perform prayer, Japa, penace, and give Charity/Dana (donation). Those who have lost their parents should also give Tharpana to their forefathers. This day one should desist from sensual pleasures, should not apply oil to the body/head, and should take only vegetarian food.

Shat Thila karma: It is said that on this day one should use Thila (Sesame) seeds in six ways viz…Thila Snana, Thila Deepa, Thila Homa, Thila tarpana, Thila Dana and Thila Bhakshana.

Worshipping Sriman Narayana and Surya Narayana is highly meritorious during this time. Parayana of Vishnu Sahasranama sthothra, Aaditya Hridaya, Purusha Sooktha, Sri Rama Raksha Sthothra and Gayathri Japa, are useful prayers suggested at this time.

Thila Dana: Donating Thila seeds on this day with dakshina is considered as very sacred and meritorious

Vasthra Dana: As per Maasa dharma being Pushya Maasa donating clothes to a Brahmin is sacred and meritorious.

Kushmanda Dana: Donating of Pumpkin on this day is also meritorious.


Calendar date of Makara Sankranthi (Uttarayana)

Invariably Makara Sankranthi falls on 14th day of January in any year. Sometimes due to the following of lunar calendar (Thithi bhedha), Adhika Maasa, it also occurs on 15th January. Research in Astronomy found that, 1500 years back Makara Sankranthi used to fall on 22nd December. This is said to be due to a concept called Precession or Ayanachalan that makes the seasons slide backwards with respect to the stars at the rate of one Indian star in about 950 years. Hence, the change in the calendar date and it is said that January 14th no longer represents the beginning of Uttarayana.