Article by Vinayak Bhatt
We can correlate *Makar Sankranti, the transition of the Sun into Capricorn (Makara Rashi), with bathing in different sacred teerths (holy pilgrimage sites) based on an individual’s **Ascendant (Lagna)* in Vedic Astrology. Here’s an interpretation of how specific teerths can resonate with each Lagna and the spiritual significance:
Aries Lagna (Mesh Lagna)
– Preferred Teerth: Pushkar Teerth (Rajasthan)
– Reason: Aries is ruled by Mars, and Pushkar Teerth is closely associated with Brahma, the creator, and fiery energy. Bathing here can help balance their aggressive nature and provide purification and divine blessings.
Taurus Lagna (Vrishabha Lagna)
– Preferred Teerth: Prayagraj (Sangam) (Uttar Pradesh)
– Reason: Taurus is ruled by Venus, representing harmony and abundance. Bathing at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati symbolizes merging material desires with spiritual growth.
Gemini Lagna (Mithun Lagna)
– Preferred Teerth: Haridwar (Ganga Teerth) (Uttarakhand)
– Reason: Gemini is ruled by Mercury, associated with communication and intellect. Bathing in the Ganga at Haridwar purifies mental clutter and enhances clarity.
Cancer Lagna (Karka Lagna)
– Preferred Teerth: Chandrabhaga River, Odisha
– Reason: Cancer is ruled by the Moon, symbolizing emotions and water. Bathing in sacred waters like Chandrabhaga soothes emotional turbulence and fosters inner peace.
Leo Lagna (Simha Lagna)
– Preferred Teerth: Narmada River, Madhya Pradesh
– Reason: Leo is ruled by the Sun, and Narmada is considered a fiery and purifying river. Bathing here on Makar Sankranti enhances spiritual power and removes ego-driven obstacles.
Virgo Lagna (Kanya Lagna)
– Preferred Teerth: Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu)
– Reason: Virgo, ruled by Mercury, thrives on purity and discipline. Bathing in the sacred waters of Rameshwaram washes away sins and aligns them with their natural inclination toward dharma.
Libra Lagna (Tula Lagna)
– Preferred Teerth: Dwarka (Gomti River)(Gujarat)
– Reason: Libra is ruled by Venus, and Dwarka represents balance, harmony, and devotion to Krishna. Bathing here on Makar Sankranti aligns them with spiritual and material balance.
Scorpio Lagna (Vrishchik Lagna)
– Preferred Teerth: Kashi (Varanasi, Ganga)(Uttar Pradesh)
– Reason: Scorpio is ruled by Mars and Ketu, representing transformation. Bathing in the Ganga at Kashi enhances spiritual awakening and dissolves karmic debts.
Sagittarius Lagna (Dhanu Lagna)
– Preferred Teerth: Gaya (Phalgu River) (Bihar)
– Reason: Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of dharma and ancestors. Bathing in the Phalgu River and performing rituals for ancestors enhances their spiritual journey.
Capricorn Lagna (Makara Lagna)
– Preferred Teerth: Kurukshetra (Saraswati River) (Haryana)
– Reason: Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, resonates with discipline and karma. Bathing at Kurukshetra helps mitigate karmic burdens and provides divine protection.
Aquarius Lagna (Kumbha Lagna)
– Preferred Teerth: Ujjain (Shipra River) (Madhya Pradesh)
– Reason: Aquarius, ruled by Saturn and Rahu, benefits from Ujjain’s spiritual energy. Bathing in the Shipra River aligns them with cosmic vibrations and enhances their connection to dharma.
Pisces Lagna (Meena Lagna)
– Preferred Teerth: Kanyakumari (Triveni Sangam) (Tamil Nadu)
– Reason: Pisces is ruled by Jupiter and represents spirituality and moksha. Bathing at the Triveni Sangam at Kanyakumari connects them with divine energies and helps them achieve higher consciousness.
Significance of Makar Sankranti in This Context
– Makar Sankranti marks the Uttarayana, the sun’s northward journey, which is auspicious for spiritual growth.
– Bathing in sacred rivers or teerths during this period amplifies the purification of body, mind, and soul, aligning individuals with their karmic and spiritual purpose.