The transit of the Sun in Leo sign in Bhadrapad month is called Bhadrapada Sankranti. Lord Krishna and Surya Devta are especially worshipped on this day as per the Hindu calendar. Sankranti period is the period of Sandhi Kaal. There is a change in the weather and also nature in this period. Therefore, our sages decided this time to perform certain rituals which will have a positive effect on our entire world and God’s creation.
Bhadrapada Sankranti Muhurat – Puja Punyakal Time
Sun will enter the Leo sign on August 16, 2024, commencing the Bhadrapada Sankranti. Bhadrapada Sankranti will begin on 19:44. The auspicious time of this 30 Muhurati Sankranti it will be after noon.
The earlier the occurrence of Sankranti before sunset the more auspicious it is believed to be. If Sankranti occurs before, i.e. at the time of sunrise then that period is considered auspicious. If Sankranti occurs after sunset then the auspicious period is nullified. If Sankranti occurs at midnight then it is considered auspicious till noon a day before, if Sankranti occurs after midnight then Sankranti is considered auspicious till afternoon the next day.
Sihn Sankranti – Sun transit into Leo sign
Bhadrapada Sankranti is also known as Sihn Sankranti. The Sun transits from the Cancer sign to the Leo sign. Sun’s entry into Leo is considered favorable because as per astrology Leo sign is a favorable position of Sun here as Sun is the owner of Leo sign, therefore, being in the Leo zodiac sign is like being in your own house for Leo.
The Leo sign is the Mooltrikona sign of the Sun, therefore it is very strong in this zodiac. You will be very affectionate and will love another truly. Once you develop affection for another, you will fulfill your role well. Leo sign is a fire element, therefore the effect of the Sun will be more profound in this period.
Bhadrapada Sankranti Puja Procedure
On the day of Bhadrapada Sankranti, Snan in the Ganges is considered to be very virtuous. Besides bathing in the Gange, Snan and Puja are also done at other holy rivers as well as religious places. It is believed that a person who bathes in the holy rivers on the day of Sankranti gets Brahmaloka. Snan on Sankranti eliminates sickness and provides wealth. Once Snan is over, water should be offered to Sun God.
A copper vessel would be ideal to offer water to the Sun God. However, if a copper vessel is not available then any other metal is ok. The urn should be filled with rice, Kumkum, and red coloured flowers. The Sun Mantra should be recited while offering water.
According to Devi Purana and Matsya Purana, observing a fast along with Snan on Sankranti is also good. Any person who observes fast on Bhadrapada Sankranti should remember the worship and name of Shri Narayana and Surya Dev. To observe the fast must resolve to eat only one throughout the day. Charity on this day is also considered extremely auspicious. After bathing, grains, fruits etc. should be donated to the Brahmin or the poor.
Offering sesame, jaggery and rice grains in a flowing water body on the day of Sankranti is considered auspicious. On this day, Suryadev is instantly pleased if one offers khichdi, jaggery and milk to him. Tarpan for forefathers is also carried out on the day of Sankranti. First water should be offered to Sun God and then again water filled with sesame seeds should be offered while remembering the forefathers. This pleases the ancestors.
What to do in Bhadrapada Sankranti
- Shri Krishna should be bathed with Panchamrit.
- One should recite Srimad Bhagavad Gita during this Sankranti.
- Sun should be worshiped with red flowers.
- Laddu Gopal and Shankh Stapna should be done and they should be donated to a Brahmin.
- Offer water to Tulsi and light a lamp in front of it.
What is Bhadrapada Sankranti?
Sankranti means the transit of Sun God from one sign to another. This period of transition is called Sankranti. Sankranti’s transit into Leo is a very important event. A Sankranti is known by the name of the sign which the Sun enters.
For instance, when the Sun transits into Gemini sign from Taurus in Jyeshtha month, this Sankranti is famous as Mithun Sankranti. In this way, the movement of the Sun from the Cancer sign to the Leo sign is called Bhadrapada Sankranti. Rituals like chanting, penance and havan etc. are considered important as per scriptures at this transition time.
Importance of Bhadrapada Sankranti
Surya Sankranti has been related to agriculture, nature and climate change. There are a total of 12 Sankrantis over the whole year. One of these twelve Sankranti is the Bhadrapada Sankranti. It is very important to worship the Sun on the day of Surya Sankranti. In the Vedic scriptures, the Sun God is considered a soul. So, its effect on earth is determined by the month of the year in which it enters. Changes in the climate and atmosphere are also determined by the Sun.
Once Puja-Archanna is done on Bhadrapada Sankranti, different types of delicacies are prepared and offered to Sun God. Sankranti is important and it is widely recognised. But along with this, there are some things that should be avoided on Sankranti as this is also the period of transition. This day is not used in certain Muhurutas. Hence Puja PAth should be done on this day keeping certain things in mind.