Simha Sankranti is one of those 12 Sankranti(s) which are not just the astrological events of sun transition from one to another rashi, but are important religiously too.
People hold great sentiments and belief in their deity for fulfilling their spiritual and worldly desires while performing the righteous activities such as- taking the holy bath, worshipping the devas, and giving the offerings and tithes.
Overview
Meaning of Simha Sankranti
The word Simha Sankranti can be split into two words- ‘Simha’ and ‘Sankranti’.
Simha is also spelled as Sinha or Singh, and also known as Leo. It is an astrological Zodiac Sign which is denoted by the Lion.
Sankranti marks the shift of Sun from one Zodiac sign to another Zodiac sign (rashi).
Simha Sankranti marks the movement of Sun from Karka rashi to Simha rashi, that is, from Cancer to Leo zodiac.
Names of Simha Sankranti
The significance of Simha Sankranti can be seen in Northern and Southern India the most.
Where people situated in the regions of Northern India celebrate it as Simha Sankranti, the followers in Southern India observe it as Simha Sankramanam.
Other than the above, people in Kumaun region also believe in Sankranti related rituals and traditions. This region is a part of Himachal Pradesh in India.
Day and Date of Simha Sankranti
According to Hindu Lunar calendar, it comes in ‘Bhadrapada’, the sixth month of ‘Panchang’ Hindi calendar.
The day of Simha Sankranti commences Chinga month of Malayalam calendar, Bhadra month of Bengali calendar, and Avni month of Tamil calendar.
Auspicious Muhurat Time of Simha Sankranti
Simha Sankranti is one of the Vishupadi Sankranti(S); others are Vrishabha Sankranti, Kumbha Sankranti, and Vrishchika Sankranti. Simha Sankranti related auspicious muhurat for Daan-Punya falls 16 Ghati(s) before the Simha Sankraman moment.
It specifies that the muhurat for Daan-punya related righteous activities is the time window of 16 Ghati before Sankranti to sankranti.
(Time of Sankraman)
(Duration of Muhurat: 02 Hours 08 Mins)
(Duration of Muhurat: 06 Hours 49 Mins)
God of the Festival
Alike other Sankranti(s), Lord Surya is the God of the event who is revered with great belief.
The followers of Simha Sankranti also offer prayers to Lord Ganesha, followed by the worship to Vishnu, and Narsimha Sawami.
Rituals
Sankraman Punya Snan (Religious Bath)
Many devotees who observe the Simha Sankranti very closely, they consider the Sankramanan Punya Bath as an important custom which is followed this day in holy water of Hindu rivers.
Nariyal Abhishek (Coconut Water Bath)
The ritual of taking the coconut water bath is called “Nariyal Abhishek”. It is also known as Narikela Abhisheka.
Performing a sacred bath in the holy water of certain rivers is not only the ritual but a tradition also. In the case of Simha Sankranti, one other ritual is famous which is- taking a bath with the coconut water. People use fresh coconut water for bathing purpose and believe it to be the holy bath.
Puja
Appada Puja
As per the very old belief and tradition, Lord Ganesha is the first worshipped deity who is welcomed before performing all the worship activities. Devotees worship all the other devas (gods) only after worshipping the Ganesha.
Hoovina Puja
This special puja (worship) is offered to Lord Vishnumurthy which is observed for a month. The prayers end when the sun shifts to Kanya rashi (Virgo Zodiac sign).
Offerings
The followed lord and gods are offered flowers, sweets, and fruits with the chanted mantras and strotas for seeking the blessings.
Significance of Simha Sankranti
Simha Sankranti marks the arrival of the fifth month of Hindu Solar calendar which falls in September.
In Kerala, the Malayalam calendar begins from this Sankranti.
Mythologies
Every tradition, ritual, or observation related to Sankranti has some beliefs behind them. People believe that the holy bath will lead them to salvation (Moksha or uddhaar) by washing their sins. They observe special worship to specific deva (lord or god) for their certain purposes. They believe that their wishes will be fulfilled if they will perform the worship and offerings as per the Panchang muhurat (auspicious time) for shubh kaarya (righteous deeds).
Observations
Visit to Vishnumurthy Temple
The main temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnumurthy sees a huge crowd of the followers who gather with devotion. This temple is in Kulai, near the city of Mangalore. The priests perform all the rituals as per the shubh muhurat of Panchang (auspicious time of Hindu calendar).
Not only the above temple but some other temples are also visited by those who cannot reach there. Such regional temples are in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Celebrations
Right of Olag
This is an observation performed by the common people, in which they offer flowers and fruits to the people belonging to the royal families. The right of olag is observed while Chnad dynasty.
