SANKRANTI
Purpose
"There are three sacred festival nights for Bharatiyas:
Sankranti, Shiva-ratri and Navaratri. Each of these has special significance.
Sankranti enables man to turn his vision towards the sublime. It is the day
when the apparent northward motion of the sun begins (Uttarayana Kaala). The
day is considered auspicious for man to embark on his journey . towards the
goal of a purposeful, sacred and blissful life." Sai Baba, SS, 11/94, p.
288
"This festive day has been celebrated from ancient times as a day of fulfillment and joy. Every festival is a social occasion, arising in society, flourishing in society, and promoting the well-being of society. Every festival has been designed to promote the welfare of society. Today's festival is an extremely important one for Bharatiyas (Indians). It is a festival to celebrate the glory of the Sun God." Sai Baba, SS, 2/98, p. 37
"Today is a sacred festival day. It is a day for the
celebration of plenty and prosperity. This day of Sankranti brings with it an
abundance of crop and wealth. This Pushya month brings with it a cool breeze,
a bright sun, golden fields and trees echoing the songs of birds. The earth
shines in the glory of nature. People admire the beauty of nature, but are not
aware of the beauty in their inner hearts. Make your heart beautiful by
adoring it with the sacred love of God." Sai Baba, SS, 2/95, p. 40 &
41
"Few people understand the true significance of
festivals like Sankranti. Man cannot secure enduring bliss through physical
pleasures. He has to discover that the source of this bliss is within himself.
Sankranti enables man to make this discovery, like a man, who carrying his
spectacles on his forehead, searches for it everywhere and discovers to his
joy that it has been with him all along." Sai Baba, SS, 2/96, p. 44
"In this period, farmers and others labouring on the
soil enjoy a period of rest. During this month, farmers enjoy peace of mind
and body." Sai Baba, SS, 2/96, p. 44I
"On Sankranti day the farmers rejoice over the
fullness of the granaries in their homes with newly-harvested crop." Sai
Baba, SS. 2/98. p. 37
"The sun appears cool,
The day gets shortened,
And. is made pleasant by chill wind,
On the fields lit by moonlight,
The crows caw over the grain heaps,
While the farmers sing in joy,
Over the golden harvest.
The flowers express their joy by putting forth their petals
While in every home, filled with grain,
The people welcome the advent of Sankranti. "
(Translation of a Telugu poem sung by Bhagavan Sri Sathya
Sai Baba on 14 January, 1998 at Prasanthi Nilayam) Sai Baba, SS, 2/98, p. 37
"The sun appeared cool and serene,
The day started getting shorter,
The cold wind blew fiercely,
The fields were filled with golden harvest.
The farmers rejoiced in singing at night,
With moon shining bright.
The buds of flowers blossomed,
Like garlands of pearls,
On the banks of rivers,
Chilies were looking red,
Farmers were bringing home,
The newly-harvested grain,
Hailing the advent of the joyous festival of Sankranti.
"
(Translation
of a Telugu poem sung by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on 14 January 1999 at Prasanthi Nilayam) Sai Baba, SS, 2/99, p. 35
"The Sankranti festival was designed to promote
harmony and love in the family, to make people realise the unity of the
Creator and creation, to teach people their obligations, to instill heroism in
them by making the Sun-God their example, and above all, to make them realise
their inherent Divinity. This is the sacred purpose of the Sankranti
festival." Sai Baba, SS. 3/92, p. 39
Inner
Meaning Of The Sankranti Festival
"The sun moves every month from one sign of Zodiac to the next. Sankranti -meaning 'sacred changes'- occurs even' month as the sun moves from one house of the Zodiac to another. But special sacredness is attached to the movement of the sun to Capricorn (Makara-Sankranti)." Sai Baba, SS, 2/98, p. 37
"In the movement of the sun from house to house
in the Zodiac, the entry into Capricorn is most important. Capricorn is a sign
of peace and contentment. According to Gregorian calendar, Sankranti begins on
January 13 and 14. This confers a kind of mental and physical peace." Sai
Baba, SS, 2/96, p. 44
Meaning
Of Himachala In North
"During Uttarayana, the sun
travels towards the north. What does this signify? In the north, we have
Himachala (the Himalaaya Mountains), which is said to be the dwelling place of
Eeshwara (Lord Shiva). When Eeshwara is all-pervasive, how can we limit Him to
Himachala? What is the significance of this statement? The word 'Himachala' is
made up of two words: 'Hima' + 'Achala'. 'Hima' means snow, which is white and
pure. 'Achala' is that which is firm and unshakable. What is the place to
which this description applies? It is pure heart, where Eeshwara is installed.
It is said, 'Eeshwara Sarva Bhootaanaam,' which means Eeshwara is the
indweller of all beings. So. in order to see God, you do not need to go
anywhere. Turn your vision inward. We cannot call an unsteady and impure heart
as Himachala. Only the heart, which is pure, peaceful, sacred, unpolluted and
unwavering, can be called Himachala. So, when you turn inward you are
Himachala." Sai Baba, SS, 6/99. pp. 161 & 162
The North is described as 'Himachala'. From the ancient
times, the Himalayas were regarded as the abode of the Divine (Eeshwara). 'Himachala'
symbolizes a heart, which is pure and cool as ice (Hima) and steady as a
mountain ("Achala"). The message of Sankranti is that people should
direct their vision towards 'Himachala' in this symbolic
Meaning
Of Sankramana
"Men today are plagued by a whole battery of
troubles from birth to death. How can they hope for happiness amidst this sea
of troubles? They have to change their vision, their thoughts, words and
conduct. This is the meaning of 'Sankramana'. Unless you purify yourself, what
can any number of Sankrantis mean to you?" Sai Baba, SS, 2/96, p. 46
Importance
Of Makara Sankranti
"The sun moves into a house of the zodiac every month.
In a year it goes round the twelve houses of the zodiac. Of these, the main
houses are four. The first is Makara Sankramana (the zodiac sign of
Capricorn). The second is Karkata (or Cancer). The third is Tula (Libra). The
fourth is Mesha (Aries). Of these four, the most important is Makara
(Capricorn). The entry of the sun into Capricorn has physical, ethical, social
and moral significance." Sai Baba, SS, 2/96, p. 43
Meaning
Of Uttaraayana
"When the sun enters the sign of Capricorn, it
begins its northward motion (Uttara=north, Aayana =movement)." Sai Baba,
SS, 2/98, p. 37
"Uttarayana
is a quality of the 'Nayana' (eye). It is a matter of Drishti (attitude, point
of view). It is not Ayan or half-year term. When your Drishti is on Brahman,
it is Uttarayana. When it is on Prakriti, it is Dakshinayana (southward). When
you have developed Uttama (noble) Gunas (qualities), everybody is Uttarayana
whatever the Panchanga (astrology) may say."
"This astrological Uttarayana comes to you whether you
strive for it or not. It is part of the law of nature. But for the real
Uttarayana, you must make efforts, tremendous efforts." Sai Baba. SSS,
Vol. II. p. 141
Importance
Of Uttaraayana
"According to Bharatiya culture, Uttarayana is
considered to be very sacred." Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 161
This day marks the entry of the sun into the sign of
Capricorn in its northward journey (Uttarayana). Bhishmacharya, lying on abed
of arrows after he fell wounded waited for the commencement of Uttarayana to
give up his spirit to the Lord. He lay on the bed of arrows for 56 days. This
signifies the sacredness of this day. This is the moment for filling one's
heart with divine feelings." Sai Baba, SS, 2/98. p. 39
Significance
Of Uttarayana
"Man's vision should not be confined solely to
external objects and worldly things, which are transient and perishable. Man
has been given this vision so that he may see the pure. sacred Divine
Consciousness abiding in his heart. Uttarayana (northward movement of the sun)
is appropriate occasion for developing this inward vision. This is the royal
road for the spiritual aspirant to realise the Supreme. It is, therefore, not
enough to recognise the northward movement of the sun in this period. Every
effort should be made to direct the vision towards the Indwelling Self."
Sai Baba, SS, 2/2000, last cover page
Significance
Of Sankranti
"Sankranti promotes in one and all a feeling of happiness. Sankranti promotes mental transformation. It illumines the minds of people. It induces the unfoldment of inner feelings. It brings about the manifestation of the invisible Atma within everyone. Sankranti is pregnant with such immense significance. It influences not only the mind but also the powers of the nature. Nature is the projection of the mind. The world is rooted in the mind ('Manomoolam idam Jagat'). When the mind is turned towards the heart, and the heart is filled with the Divine, the mind will cease to be a source of trouble. The mind is the master of the senses. When the senses are controlled, the mind is under control. Only the master of mind can attain Maadhava (the Divine)." Sai Baba.SS, 2/96, p. 45
Symbolism Of The Sun And The Himalayas
"The
sun, in entering on its northward journey, hailed the Himalayas in north as
beauteous abode of Lord Shiva. The heart should be regarded as the abode of
the Lord and the vision should be turned to experience the Divine. The human
heart itself symbolizes (he Himalayas as the abode of purity and peace. The
sun's northward journey is a pointer to the path man should take to realise
God. The sun is the supreme example of selfless and tireless service. The
world cannot survive without the sun. Life on earth is possible only because
of the sun. Sun teaches man the lesson of humble devotion to duty, without any
conceit. The sun is the supreme example for everyone that one should do one's
duty with devotion and dedication. Doing one's duty is the greatest Yoga, as
pointed out by Krishna in the Gita." Sai Baba, SS, 3/92, p. 40
Symbolism
Of The Offering Of The Cow-dung Balls
"In
the Dwapara Yuga the cowherds and cowherdesses used to experience boundless
joy in the presence of Krishna, forgetting themselves in their devotion to the
Lord. On Sankranti Day, they used to employ cow-dung as a sacred means for
cleansing purposes. They also demonstrated also the inner significance of the
Sankranti celebration. They placed three balls of cow-dung in front of their
houses, fixing three pumpkin flowers on their top and went round singing and
dancing in adoration of Krishna. What is the significance of these three balls
of cow-dung? People are inclined to despise cow-dung. But in the eyes of the
Gopikas they were sacred. In olden days, people used to sprinkle water mixed
with cow-dung in front to their houses. The cow-dung helped to destroy the
bacteria in the atmosphere. The cow-dung was considered a symbol of health and
happiness. The first cow-dung ball represented Krishna, who was worshipped as
Gopala (the protector of cows). Krishna was adored as the bestower of joy and
health. The second cow-dung ball was placed as a symbol of Govardhana Hill,
which Krishna lifted and thereby demonstrated His divinity. The third cow-dung
ball symbolized the cow, which is the source of health
and joy for the people as the giver of milk. ( Govardhana and 'Go' (cow) were
worshipped in this manner." Sai Baba, SS. 3/92, p. 38
Symbolism
Of The Offering Of Pumpkins
"Among vegetables, the pumpkin has a place of
honour as the largest in size. The Gopikas looked upon the pumpkin as the
symbol of large-heartedness. Hence, pumpkin were offered as fitting gifts on
Sankranti Day. What is the gain from this offering? Tin pumpkin does not rot
quickly. It can be preserved for a long period. Any number of edible
preparations can be made from it. It can also be used in combination with many
other vegetables. Because of its distinct qualities, the offer of a pumpkin
also meant making an offering of one's virtues." Sai Baba, SS, 3/92, p.
38
Why
Is Sankranti Considered Holy?
"Sankranti is a holy day for many reasons. It was the
day on which Adi Shankara took Sanyasa (renounced all worldly ties and donned
the ochre robe).
On this day, it is the usual custom to offer to people a
mixture of jaggery and sesame (til). Jaggery is sweet and is a symbol of love.
'Til' is also known as 'Sneha', which means friendship. Therefore, the offer
of jaggery-til mixture means offering to people love surcharged with
friendliness. Develop harmony towards everyone.
Because Sankranti was deemed the most important
festival, it was the day on i which the newly wed bridegroom visited the
bride's home. It was the day on which many people called on others as a mark
of goodwill. There were rejoicings in every home because of the get-together
of kinsfolk." Sai Baba, SS, 3/92, pp. 38 & 39
Spiritual
Significance
"In the nine paths of devotion, beginning with
listening to sacred things and ending with total surrender of the self (Atma-nivedanam).
the last is the most important. After 'Atma-nivedanam' (total surrender),
there is no need for any other effort. Sankranti gives call for this total
surrender." Sai Baba, SS, 2/96. pp.44 & 45
Sankranti
Belongs To The Entire Humanity
"Sankranti is intended to bring about various
changes in man's attitude so that he may sanctify his life. It is a festival
not intended for Bharatiyas alone. Its message has a meaning for everyone in
the world. It has a message for people of all climes, creeds and
countries." Sai Baba. SS, 3/92, p. 40
"Dr. Subba Rao (in his speech prior to Swami's
discourse) said 'Sankranti is a kind of family festival'. Yes. This is so. But
the whole world is one family ('Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'). The (Sankranti)
festival relates to the entire wo'rld. It is not confined to one's kith and
kin. Sankranti is related to the entire mankind. Whether people realise it or
not. Sankranti promotes a feeling of happiness in one and all." Sai Baba,
SS, 2/96, p. 45
Sankranti
Prasadam
"Unless you purify yourself, what can any
number of Sankrantis mean to you? You tasted sweet Prasadam this morning.
After some time. its taste is gone. It is not sweet food that is important.
You must fill your life with holy thoughts. That is the purpose of sacred
festivals." Sai Baba. SS, 2/96, p. 46
Sai
Baba's Messages On Sankranti
"Sankranti should be hailed as the harbinger of unity
and peace. This was the immemorial message of the Vedas. 'Let us live together
in harmony and strive together." Sai Baba, SS, 2/96, p. 47
"Kraanti (change) and Shaanti (peace) both reside in
the heart. You need not search for them in the outside world. Discover them
within you. This is your duty. Serve your parents and society. Lead a godly
life, dedicating all your actions to God. Live in love." Sai Baba, SS,
3/92, p. 40
Glimpses
of Sankraanti celebrations at Prasanthi Nilayam (1992)
"The 'Makara Sankraanti' festival, which is celebrated
with great enthusiasm by the people of Tamil Nadu, especially in the villages,
as 'Pongal Thirunal' and 'Uzhavar Peruvizha' (the great Harvest Festival of
Farmers) had special significance for Sai devotees from Tamil Nadu who
gathered at Prasanthi Nilayam, this year to receive the blessings of Bhagavan
on this sacred day.
They were able to celebrate it in the Divine Presence of Bhagavan who allowed the Sevaks from Tamil Nadu to decorate the Mandir premises and also the pathway leading to the Poomachandra Auditorium with buntings, Sarvamata (all religions) symbol flags, festoons, sugarcane stalks and turmeric plants, plantain trees and coconut palms brought in two lorry loads for the occasion. Sugarcane stalks were tied around every pillar in the premises along with turmeric plants reflecting the auspiciousness of the occasion when the sun transits into Makara Raashi (Capricorn) and begins its northward journey. In front of the Mandir, near the Ganesha idol, vegetables such as pumpkins, bananas, snake gourds, brinjals, etc. had been spread on mega-size plantain leaves in a typical Tamil Nadu style as an offering to the Lord. Six sets of decorated triple mud pots mounted one over the other were kept to demonstrate the importance of 'Pongal Paanai' (the pot in which sweet Pongal with freshly harvested rice is prepared) surrounded by fresh vegetables, sugarcane, turmeric plants, etc. There were festoons of mango leaves and coconutsil the Mandir premises. Colourful Rangoli (Kolam) adorned the floor in front of the Ganesh idol.
The devotees from Tamil Nadu numbering about 3000,
who had come in sped buses and other vehicles a day earlier, were allowed to
enter the premises and sitting separate group for Bhagavan's Darshan. Bhagavan
was greeted with special devotion songs by the students of the Sri Sathya Sai
Institute of Higher Learning, when He emerged from His interview room at 7.00
a.m. Veda chanting by the students followed. Bhagavan arranged for the
distribution of sweet 'Athirasam' to the devotees.
Bhagavan came near the Ganesha idol, inspected closely the
special 'Pongal' decorations done by Tamil Nadu Mahila Sevaks, and lighted the
two 'Kuthuvilakku' lamps to mark the inauguration of the Pongal festival.
Major General S.P. Mahadevan expressed his gratitude to Bhagavan on behalf of
the Tamil Nadu devotees.
All the devotees present at the Mandir, not only those from
Tamil Nadu, were immensely pleased when it was announced the Bhagavan would
give His Sankraarui discourse in the evening in the Poomachandra Auditorium.
The large number of devotees gathered in the Nilayam
(nearly 30,000) were blessed with another Divine 'Prasadam' by Bhagavan in the
form of 'Paayasam' along with their lunch. In the afternoon, the Auditorium
was overflowing with devotees eager to listen to Bhagavan's Sankraanti
message. Bhagavan's discourse was followed by a cultural programme by the Bal
Vikas students from Tamil Nadu. The programme consisted of rural folk dances
and a 'Villuppattu' dealing with the life of Bhagavan. The 1992 Sankraanti
festival became a memorable and blissful event for Tamil Nadu Sai
devotees." Editor, SS, 3/92, pp. 41 & 42
From the book - Festivals at Prasanthi Nilayam and Their Significance - An Exposition by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba - Compiled and Edited by Suresh C Bhatnagar