Vrischika Sankranti 2023 Date, Time, Rituals & Importance
Vrischika Sankranti, also known as Vruschika Sankramanam, is a holy day that commemorates the transition of the Sun from the Tula Rashi to the Vrischika Rashi. This transition corresponds to the movement of the Sun from the Libra Zodiac Sign to the Scorpio Zodiac Sign on the Gregorian calendar. In the Rashi system of Indian astrology, Vruschika Rashi occupies the eighth position. On Vrischika Sankranti, a specific time of the year, this planetary shift of the Sun God restores its vitality. Vrischika Sankranti marks the commencement of ‘Karthigai Masam’ in the Tamil calendar and ‘Vrischika Masam’ in the Malayalam calendar. This day is of great significance to the Hindu community, and the rituals of Vrischika Sankranti are celebrated with great devotion and zeal.
Vrischika Sankranti Date 2023
Friday, 17 November 2023
Rituals of Vrischika Sankranti
- Vrischika Sankranti is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God. Hindu devotees supplicate Surya Bhagwan for His divine bounties through prayer.
- Vrischika Sankranti is also an auspicious occasion for Sankraman Snan, Vishnu Puja, and Daan. On this day, the ‘daan’ ritual should be performed at a specific time to receive the greatest benefits.
- On Vrischika Sankranti, ‘Shradh’ and ‘Pitru Tarpan’ are essential rituals.
- On Vrischika Sankranti, the auspicious time begins sixteen ghatis (1 day = 60 Ghatis) before the Sankranti moment.
- Punya or Daan activities should be performed between the beginning of the auspicious time and the actual moment of Sankranti.
- It is believed that donating a cow to a Brahmin on Vrischika Sankranti will bestow upon the observer immeasurable virtues.
- It is believed that reading Hindu religious scriptures and literature such as ‘Vishnu Sahasranama’ and ‘Aditya Hrudayam’ is extremely beneficial.
- In honor of the Sun God, devotees also chant or recite stotras or Vedic mantras.
Significance of Vrischika Sankranti
People in the Hindu community who celebrate Vrischika Sankranti do so with complete devotion and great zeal. They view the day as ideal for a sacred bath, acts of charity, and other holy activities. One of the most essential steps is to perform an elaborate puja to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
You must be wondering why the holiday is observed. According to the Tamil calendar, Vrischika Sankranti marks the commencement of the Karthigal Masam, a day considered holy due to the movement of the sun from the sign of Tula (Libra) to Vruschika (Scorpion).