As per Hindu mythology one human year is equivalent to one day of the Gods. And Kark Sankranti or Dakshinayana is also the period when the sun transits to the south. During this period the nights are comparatively longer and the days are shorter. In northern India Dakshinayana will start from June 21st of the year and as in southern India Dakshinayana will start from 16th of July. The month of Aadi marks the beginning of Dakshinayana in Tamil Nadu and the belief associated with it is that Lord Vishnu goes to sleep during this period. The four holy months as per Hinduism falls during the period of Dakshinayana. People who have Pitr dosh in their horoscope get the Pitr Dosh puja done during this time and those who wish peace for the souls of their ancestors perform the Shraads during this time.
The Sun moves into Southern hemisphere during Dakshinayana and the period is considered to be the night-time for Gods. It is usually believed that Lord Vishnu goes to sleep during the Dakshinayana phase. The period is considered auspicious as Pitra make their way to the mother Earth during Dakshinayana. They then wait for their children to perform the ritual of Shradh.
In Hindu mythology Shradh has its own significance as it enables the soul to attain divine peace. Dakshinayana is considered to be the best time to perform Shradh and helps the departed soul becomes oneself with the creator till they attain a new life form.
In Hindu mythology Shradh has its own significance as it enables the soul to attain divine peace. Dakshinayana is considered to be the best time to perform Shradh and helps the departed soul becomes oneself with the creator till they attain a new life form.
Dakshinayana Sankranti - Karka Sankranti - Rituals
Chaturmasam starting from Sravana to Karthiha Masa falls during Dakshinayana. As the name signifies, Chaturmasam is a four month celebration period. Lord Vishnu is worshiped during this period as the months are considered to be auspicious for worship.
Lord Vishnu is especially worshiped during these months and devotees after taking a dip in the river perform the ritual of Pitra Tarpan for their forefathers and other departed souls of their family. As they meditate and chant mantras daily during the ritual period, sattvik or vegetarian food is taken by the devotees.
Lord Vishnu is specially reverted during the festival period and the devotees chant Vishnu Sahsra nama stotram while worshiping Varaha Swamy during the festivities. Varaha Swamy is regarded as the third reincarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Various kinds of charity or Daan are also done during the period. These usually include Anna daan, Taila daan and Vastra daan. The recital of Vishnu Sahasra Nama Sthothram brings peace and prosperity for the devotees during the phase. Worshiping the Sun God brings luck to the devotees during the Dakshinayana phase.
It is generally believed that one day in God’s life equals to a year in a human beings life, and therefore Dakshinayana marks the beginning of night time for the Gods.
Significance of Karka Sankranti
The prime purpose of puja and fasting on Karka Sankranti is to get relief from all the bad aspects of the life. Vishnu temples Lord Varaha Swamy is worshipped on Karka Sankranti. Chaturmasam starting from Shravana to Karthika Masa falls during Dakshinayana. Chaturmasam is a four month celebration period. Lord Vishnu is worshipped during this period. It is believed that one day in God’s life equals to a year in a human beings life. Hence, Dakshinayana marks the beginning of night time for the Gods.
The prime purpose of puja and fasting on Karka Sankranti is to get relief from all the bad aspects of the life. Vishnu temples Lord Varaha Swamy is worshipped on Karka Sankranti. Chaturmasam starting from Shravana to Karthika Masa falls during Dakshinayana. Chaturmasam is a four month celebration period. Lord Vishnu is worshipped during this period. It is believed that one day in God’s life equals to a year in a human beings life. Hence, Dakshinayana marks the beginning of night time for the Gods.
