The Hindu solar calendar introduces 12 Sankrantis and each of these Sankramanam events marks the beginning of a new Hindu month.
Holding the eighth position in the Indian astrological system of Rashi, Vrishchika Sankranti is marked as a sacred Sun movement from one zodiac to the next one.
Overview
Meaning of Vrishchika Sankranti
The word Vrishchika Sankranti holds two words in it- ‘Vrishchika’ and ‘Sankranti’.
Vrishchika Rashi is one of the twelve astrological Zodiac Signs. Also known as Scorpio, Vrishchika is denoted also by a scorpion, signifying its name.
Sankranti informs about the proceeding of the Sun from one to another Zodiac (Rashi).
It is observed when the Sun moves from Tula to Vrishchika Rashi or Libra to Scorpio zodiac.
Names of Vrishchika Sankranti
The minute changes in how this Sankranti is called or spelled are found in distinguished regions. In the south region of India, people call it Sankramanam. Some Indian areas call this Sankraman. Where normally it is famous as Vrischika Sankranti, people mention it as Vrishchika and Vruschika Sankranti as well. However, the significance remains the same in most of the zones.
Day and Date of Vrishchika Sankranti
According to the Hindu Lunar calendar, it comes in ‘Margasirsha’, the ninth month of the ‘Panchang’ Hindi calendar.
Auspicious Muhurat Time of Vrishchika Sankranti
Vrishchika Sankranti is one of the Vishupadi Sankranti(S); others are Vrishabha Sankranti, Simha Sankranti, and Kumbha Sankranti. Vrishchika Sankranti related auspicious muhurat for daan-punya falls 16 Ghati(s) before the Vrishchika Sankraman moment.
It signifies 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: 01 Hour 49 Mins)
(Duration of Muhurat: 05 Hours 26 Mins)
God of the Festival
Sankramanam is a special event for the followers of Sun God. The devotees of Surya Devta offer worship this day to please their Surya Bhagwan for seeking blessings.
Rituals
The popular rituals of Vrishchika Sankranti include Sankraman Snan, Surya Namaskar at the bank of the Holy River, visits to temples, Vishnu Puja, and donation giving activities.
The worshippers and admirers of Lord Surya chant the praising Vedic mantras and recite stories to please the Sun God.
People visit the Pandits (Hindu priests) for finding out the most auspicious time for the Daan-Punya giving activities and perform the righteous deeds within the Shubh Muhurat’s time frame.
Pitru Tarpan and Shraddh are also important rituals that are followed by the people of the Hindu community.
Many people donate the cows to a Brahmin too and consider this as a religious gesture of giving.
The devotees do not forget to read the Hindu Holy Scriptures. Aditya Hrudayam and Vishnu Sahasranama are the most read write-ups on the occasion of Vrishchika Sankranti. People find it very favorable for them.
Significance of Vrishchika Sankranti
Vrishchika Sankranti marks the arrival of the eighth month of the Hindu Solar calendar which falls in December.
Vruschika Sankramanam festival also marks the beginning of Tamil calendar’s “Karthigai Masam” and Malayalam calendar’s “Vrischika Masam”.
Mythologies
Vrischika Sankranti is associated with regaining energy and is observed by the Hindu community with great importance, enthusiasm, and devotion.
