The astrology behind Makara Sankranti

BANGALORE: Well-known astrologer SK Jain explains the significance of Uttarayana  “This year, the period of Uttarayana begins at 1.20 AM on January 15. Hence, this day is celebrated as Pongal or Sankranthi in South India and by various other names all over India. This is the time when the sun enters the sign of Makara.On this day, an architectural marvel takes place at Gavi Gangadeshwara Temple in Basavangudi. The sun’s rays fall on the Shiva Linga directly. Last year, this miracle happened at 5.25 pm on January 14. What happens this year, we need to wait and watch.Every year, believers and scientists gather at this temple to look and analyse this phenomenon. This proves that astrology in India has its basis in science. Most of it is already recorded in the puranas. All we have to do is examine the puranas.The Uttarayana period is very auspicious to undertake all events such as marriages, assignments, and travel among other things.  The period of Uttarayana will last for 182 days, 21 hours and 40 minutes. In other words, the period will last for six months, two days, 21 hours and 40 minutes. This timing is arrived by scientific methods used by astrologers. The period ends when the sun enters the sign of Karka.As the sun begins its course towards the Northern Hemisphere, it brings warmth with it.  Hence this moment also denotes the end of Hemanta Rithu (winter season) and the start of  Grishma Rithu (summer season). The change, including the melting of snow in the Himalayas, is scientifically recorded.For some reason, scientists look down on astrology but they have to remember what Nobel laureate Albert Einstein said: “Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind.”One day in the life of a Deva The period of Uttarayana (over six months) is actually one day in the world of Devas. Makar Sankranti denotes the start of their day.Auspicious time The significance of the time and its auspiciousness is reflected in the Bhagavatam, I canto, Chapter 9, 29th sloka, where Bhishmacharya waits on his bed of arrows for Makar Sankranti, the start of Uttarayana, to die. He chose this exact moment to die.”