As the celestial dance continues, Vrishchika Sankranti emerges as a significant celestial event, marking the Sun’s transition from Tula (Libra) to Vrishchik (Scorpio) zodiac sign. This auspicious occasion holds immense importance in Hindu traditions, signifying not only the shift of the Sun but also the commencement of Karthigai Masal in the Tamil calendar and Vrishchika Masam in the Malayalam calendar. Let’s delve into the auspicious timings, rituals, and the profound significance associated with Vrishchika Sankranti.
A Celestial Transition: Sun’s Journey into Scorpio
On the Chaturthi date of Shukla Paksha in the Kartik Month, Vrishchika Sankranti will be observed on November 17, 2023. The Punya Kaal, considered highly auspicious for worship, prayers, and donations, spans from 06:45 am to 12:06 pm, with Maha Punya Kaal specifically between 06:45 am and 08:32 am. This period is believed to be a time when the blessings of the Sun God are abundantly available.
A Spiritual Prelude: Rituals and Customs
Astrologer Pandit Rishikant Mishra Shastri suggests that worshipping the Sun during Sankranti holds immense benefits. Devotees are encouraged to wake up before sunrise, take a bath, and offer Arghya to the Sun in a copper vessel filled with water mixed with red sandalwood. Adding roli, vermillion, and turmeric to the water is a customary practice. Lighting a ghee lamp with red sandalwood and offering red-colored flowers adds to the sacredness of the ritual. As an offering, devotees may present halwa made of jaggery. This act of worship is believed to remove Surya and Pitra Dosh, leading to the attainment of Surya Loka.
Astrological Insight: Sun’s Journey Ahead
Following Vrishchika Sankranti, at 01:18 am on the Chaturthi date of Shukla Paksha in Kartik month, the Sun will move from Libra to Scorpio. Subsequently, it will enter Anuradha Nakshatra on November 20 and Jyestha Nakshatra on December 03, before transiting into Sagittarius on December 16.
Charity, Shraddha, and Ancestral Offerings
The Sankranti period is hailed as an auspicious time for acts of charity, Shraddha, and offerings to ancestors. Taking a holy bath during this time is believed to ward off sickness and poverty for seven births. Donating food to cows, offering clothes to Brahmins and the poor are considered auspicious practices during this celestial period.
As Vrishchika Sankranti approaches, let’s welcome the radiant energies of the Sun and embark on a journey of spiritual rejuvenation, prosperity, and goodwill.
