About Vrischika Sankranti:

Vrischika Sankranti or Vruschika Sankramanam is a sacred day which marks the movement of Sun from the Tula Rashi to the Vruschika Rashi. The transition corresponds to the movement of Sun towards the Scorpio Zodiac Sign from the Libra Zodiac Sign. According to the Indian astrology system, Vruschika Rashi occupies the 8th position. During Vrischika Sankranti the planetary shift of Sun helps it to regain energy and occurs during a particular time of the year. The festival of Vrischika Sankranti marks the beginning of ‘Karthigai Masam’ in the Tamil calendar, Ôgrôhayôn in Bengali, and the ‘Vrischika Masam’ in the Malayalam calendar. This day holds great importance for followers of Hindu community, and the rituals of Vrischika Sankranti is observed with immense devotion and enthusiasm.

Rituals and Celebrations:

Vrischika Sankranti is dedicated to Sun God. Devotees pray to Lord Surya to seek his divine blessings. The day of Vrischika Sankranti is also auspicious for Sankraman Snan, Vishnu Puja, and Daan. The ritual of ‘daan’ or charity during the occasion of Vrischika Sankranti should be performed during the specific Muhurat or period to obtain the maximum benefits. On the occasion of Vrischika Sankranti ‘Shradh’ and ‘Pitru Tarpan’ are important rituals. On Vrischika Sankranti, sixteen Ghatis (1 day = 60 Ghatis) before Sankranti moment marks the beginning of the auspicious time. The best time to perform Charity or Daan Punya should be conducted at the start of the auspicious Muhurat till the Sankranti period. It is said that donating a cow to a Brahmin on Vrischika Sankranti brings lots of virtues to the devotees. Reading Hindu religious scriptures, texts, and books such as ‘Vishnu Sahasranama’ and ‘Aditya Hrudayam’ are believed to be very favourable. Devotees chant and recite Vedic stotras and Vedic mantras in praise of Lord Surya.

Significance of Vrischika Sankranti:

According to the Indian Solar Calendar, there are twelve Sankrantis in a year, and each of these Sankranti marks the beginning of a new Hindu month. Vrischika Sankranti is one of the most auspicious days for Hindus who are residing in the eastern regions of India. The word ‘san’ in Hindi symbolizes ‘plenty,’ and ‘kranti’ implies ‘radical change.’ Hence the festival of Sankranti is supposed to bring plenty of good changes in our life.