Swami's discourse excerpts on Shankaranthi Festival - a compilation

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SANKRANTI

Purpose

"There are three sacred festival nights for Bharatiyas: Sankranti, Shiva-ratri

and Navaratri. Each of these has special significance. Sankranti enables man to

turn his vision towards the sublime. It is the day when the apparent northward

motion of the sun begins (Uttarayana Kaala). The day is considered auspicious

for man to embark on his journey. towards the goal of a purposeful, sacred and

blissful life."  - Sai Baba, SS, 11/94, p. 288

"This festive day has been celebrated from ancient times as a day of fulfillment

and joy. Every festival is a social occasion, arising in society, flourishing in

society, and promoting the well being of society. Every festival has been

designed to promote the welfare of society. Today's festival is an extremely

important one for Bharatiyas (Indians). It is a festival to celebrate the glory

of the Sun God."  - Sai Baba, SS, 2/98, p. 37

"Today is a sacred festival day. It is a day for the celebration of plenty and

prosperity. This day of Sankranti brings with it an abundance of crop and

wealth. This Pushya month brings with it a cool breeze, a bright sun, golden

fields and trees echoing the songs of birds. The earth shines in the glory of

nature. People admire the beauty of nature, but are not aware of the beauty in

their inner hearts. Make your heart beautiful by adoring it with the sacred

love of God."  - Sai Baba, SS, 2/95, p. 40 &; 41

"Few people understand the true significance of festivals like Sankranti. Man

cannot secure enduring bliss through physical pleasures. He has to discover

that the source of this bliss is within himself. Sankranti enables man to make

this discovery, like a man, who carrying his spectacles on his forehead,

searches for it everywhere and discovers to his joy that it has been with him

all along."  - Sai Baba, SS, 2/96, p. 44

"In this period, farmers and others laboring on the soil enjoy a period of rest.

During this month, farmers enjoy peace of mind and body." - Sai Baba, SS, 2/96,

p. 44 -

"On Sankranti day the farmers rejoice over the fullness of the granaries in

their homes with newly-harvested crop."  - Sai Baba, SS. 2/98. p. 37

"The sun appears cool,

The day gets shortened,

And. is made pleasant by chill wind,

On the fields lit by moonlight,

The crows caw over the grain heaps,

While the farmers sing in joy,

Over the golden harvest.

The flowers express their joy by putting forth their petals

While in every home, filled with grain,

The people welcome the advent of Sankranti. "

(Translation of a Telugu poem sung by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on 14 January

1998 at Prashanthi Nilayam) Sai Baba, SS, 2/98, p. 37

"The sun appeared cool and serene,

The day started getting shorter,

The cold wind blew fiercely,

The fields were filled with golden harvest.

The farmers rejoiced in singing at night,

With moon shining bright.

The buds of flowers blossomed,

Like garlands of pearls,

On the banks of rivers,

Chilies were looking red,

Farmers were bringing home,

The newly harvested grain,

Hailing the advent of the joyous festival of Sankranti. "

(Translation of a Telugu poem sung by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on 14 January

1999 at Prashanthi Nilayam) Sai Baba, SS, 2/99, p. 35

"The Sankranti festival was designed to promote harmony and love in the family,

to make people realise the unity of the Creator and creation, to teach people

their obligations, to instill heroism in them by making the Sun-God their

example, and above all, to make them realise their inherent Divinity. This is

the sacred purpose of the Sankranti festival."  - Sai Baba, SS. 3/92, p. 39

Inner Meaning Of The Sankranti Festival

"The sun moves every month from one sign of Zodiac to the next. Sankranti

-meaning 'sacred changes'- occurs even' month as the sun moves from one house

of the Zodiac to another. But special sacredness is attached to the movement of

the sun to Capricorn (Makara-Sankranti)."  - Sai Baba, SS, 2/98, p. 37

"In the movement of the sun from house to house in the Zodiac, the entry into

Capricorn is most important. Capricorn is a sign of peace and contentment.

According to Gregorian calendar, Sankranti begins on January 13 and 14. This

confers a kind of mental and physical peace."  - Sai Baba, SS, 2/96, p. 44

Meaning Of Himachala In North

"During Uttarayana, the sun travels towards the north. What does this signify?

In the north, we have Himachala (the Himalaaya Mountains), which is said to be

the dwelling place of Eeshwara (Lord Shiva). When Eeshwara is all-pervasive,

how can we limit Him to Himachala? What is the significance of this statement?

The word 'Himachala' is made up of two words: 'Hima' + 'Achala'. 'Hima' means

snow, which is white and pure. 'Achala' is that which is firm and unshakable.

What is the place to which this description applies? It is pure heart, where

Eeshwara is installed. It is said, 'Eeshwara Sarva Bhootaanaam,' which means

Eeshwara is the indweller of all beings. So. in order to see God, you do not

need to go anywhere. Turn your vision inward. We cannot call an unsteady and

impure heart as Himachala. Only the heart, which is pure, peaceful, sacred,

unpolluted and unwavering, can be called Himachala. So, when you turn inward

you are Himachala."   - Sai Baba, SS, 6/99. pp. 161 &; 162

The North is described as 'Himachala'. From the ancient times, the Himalayas

were regarded as the abode of the Divine (Eeshwara). 'Himachala' symbolizes a

heart, which is pure and cool as ice (Hima) and steady as a mountain

("Achala"). The message of Sankranti is that people should direct their vision

towards 'Himachala' in this symbolic sense. It does not mean looking at the

north with the physical eyes. It calls for inquiring into the truth of the

spirit with the inward eye of wisdom (Jnana-drishti). Sankranti signifies this

internal vision." - Sai Baba, SS, 11/94, p. 289

Meaning Of Sankramana

"Men today are plagued by a whole battery of troubles from birth to death. How

can they hope for happiness amidst this sea of troubles? They have to change

their vision, their thoughts, words and conduct. This is the meaning of

'Sankramana'. Unless you purify yourself, what can any number of Sankrantis

mean to you?" - Sai Baba, SS, 2/96, p. 46

Importance Of Makara Sankranti

"The sun moves into a house of the zodiac every month. In a year it goes round

the twelve houses of the zodiac. Of these, the main houses are four. The first

is Makara Sankramana (the zodiac sign of Capricorn). The second is Karkata (or

Cancer). The third is Tula (Libra). The fourth is Mesha (Aries). Of these four,

the most important is Makara (Capricorn). The entry of the sun into Capricorn

has physical, ethical, social and moral significance." - Sai Baba, SS, 2/96, p.

43

Meaning Of Uttarayana

"When the sun enters the sign of Capricorn, it begins its northward motion

(Uttara=north, Aayana =movement)." - Sai Baba, SS, 2/98, p. 37

"Uttarayana is a quality of the 'Nayana' (eye). It is a matter of Drishti

(attitude, point of view). It is not Ayan or half-year term. When your Drishti

is on Brahman, it is Uttarayana. When it is on Prakriti, it is Dakshinayana

(southward). When you have developed Uttama (noble) Gunas (qualities),

everybody is Uttarayana whatever the Panchanga (astrology) may say."

"This astrological Uttarayana comes to you whether you strive for it or not. It

is part of the law of nature. But for the real Uttarayana, you must make

efforts, tremendous efforts."  - Sai Baba. SSS, Vol. II. p. 141

Importance Of Uttarayana

"According to Bharathiya culture, Uttarayana is considered to be very sacred." 

- Sai Baba, SS, 6/99, p. 161

This day marks the entry of the sun into the sign of Capricorn in its northward

journey (Uttarayana). Bhishmacharya, lying on abed of arrows after he fell

wounded waited for the commencement of Uttarayana to give up his spirit to the

Lord. He lay on the bed of arrows for 56 days. This signifies the sacredness of

this day. This is the moment for filling one's heart with divine feelings." -

Sai Baba, SS, 2/98. p. 39

Significance Of Uttarayana

"Man's vision should not be confined solely to external objects and worldly

things, which are transient and perishable. Man has been given this vision so

that he may see the pure. sacred Divine Consciousness abiding in his heart.

Uttarayana (northward movement of the sun) is appropriate occasion for

developing this inward vision. This is the royal road for the spiritual

aspirant to realise the Supreme. It is, therefore, not enough to recognise the

northward movement of the sun in this period. Every effort should be made to

direct the vision towards the Indwelling Self." - Sai Baba, SS, 2/2000, last

cover page

Significance Of Sankranti

"Sankranti promotes in one and all a feeling of happiness. Sankranti promotes

mental transformation. It illumines the minds of people. It induces the

unfoldment of inner feelings. It brings about the manifestation of the

invisible Atma within everyone. Sankranti is pregnant with such immense

significance. It influences not only the mind but also the powers of the

nature. Nature is the projection of the mind. The world is rooted in the mind

('Manomoolam idam Jagat'). When the mind is turned towards the heart, and the

heart is filled with the Divine, the mind will cease to be a source of trouble.

The mind is the master of the senses. When the senses are controlled, the mind

is under control. Only the master of mind can attain Maadhava (the Divine)." -

Sai Baba.SS, 2/96, p. 45

Symbolism Of The Sun And The Himalayas

"The sun, in entering on its northward journey, hailed the Himalayas in north as

beauteous abode of Lord Shiva. The heart should be regarded as the abode of the

Lord and the vision should be turned to experience the Divine. The human heart

itself symbolizes (he Himalayas as the abode of purity and peace. The sun's

northward journey is a pointer to the path man should take to realise God. The

sun is the supreme example of selfless and tireless service. The world cannot

survive without the sun. Life on earth is possible only because of the sun. Sun

teaches man the lesson of humble devotion to duty, without any conceit. The sun

is the supreme example for everyone that one should do one's duty with devotion

and dedication. Doing one's duty is the greatest Yoga, as pointed out by Krishna

in the Gita." - Sai Baba, SS, 3/92, p. 40

Symbolism Of The Offering Of The Cow-dung Balls

"In the Dwapara Yuga the cowherds and cowherdesses used to experience boundless

joy in the presence of Krishna, forgetting themselves in their devotion to the

Lord. On Sankranti Day, they used to employ cow-dung as a sacred means for

cleansing purposes. They also demonstrated also the inner significance of the

Sankranti celebration. They placed three balls of cow-dung in front of their

houses, fixing three pumpkin flowers on their top and went round singing and

dancing in adoration of Krishna. What is the significance of these three balls

of cow-dung? People are inclined to despise cow-dung. But in the eyes of the

Gopikas they were sacred. In olden days, people used to sprinkle water mixed

with cow-dung in front to their houses. The cow-dung helped to destroy the

bacteria in the atmosphere. The cow-dung was considered a symbol of health and

happiness. The first cow-dung ball represented Krishna, who was worshipped as

Gopala (the protector of cows). Krishna was adored as the bestower of joy and

health. The second cow-dung ball was placed as a symbol of Govardhana Hill,

which Krishna lifted and thereby demonstrated His divinity. The third cow-dung

ball symbolized the cow, which is the source of health and joy for the people

as the giver of milk. (Govardhana and 'Go' (cow) were worshipped in this

manner." - Sai Baba, SS. 3/92, p. 38

Symbolism Of The Offering Of Pumpkins

"Among vegetables, the pumpkin has a place of honour as the largest in size. The

Gopikas looked upon the pumpkin as the symbol of large-heartedness. Hence,

pumpkins were offered as fitting gifts on Sankranti Day. What is the gain from

this offering? Tin pumpkin does not rot quickly. It can be preserved for a long

period. Any number of edible preparations can be made from it. It can also be

used in combination with many other vegetables. Because of its distinct

qualities, the offer of a pumpkin also meant making an offering of one's

virtues." - Sai Baba, SS, 3/92, p. 38

Why Is Sankranti Considered Holy?

"Sankranti is a holy day for many reasons. It was the day on which Adi Shankara

took Sanyasa (renounced all worldly ties and donned the ochre robe).

On this day, it is the usual custom to offer to people a mixture of jaggery and

sesame (til). Jaggery is sweet and is a symbol of love. 'Til' is also known as

'Sneha', which means friendship. Therefore, the offer of jaggery-til mixture

means offering to people love surcharged with friendliness. Develop harmony

towards everyone.

Because Sankranti was deemed the most important festival, it was the day on i

which the newly wed bridegroom visited the bride's home. It was the day on

which many people called on others as a mark of goodwill. There were rejoicings

in every home because of the get-together of kinsfolk." - Sai Baba, SS, 3/92,

pp. 38 &; 39

Spiritual Significance

"In the nine paths of devotion, beginning with listening to sacred things and

ending with total surrender of the self (Atma-nivedanam). the last is the most

important. After 'Atma-nivedanam' (total surrender), there is no need for any

other effort. Sankranti gives call for this total surrender." - Sai Baba, SS,

2/96. pp.44 &; 45

Sankranti Belongs To The Entire Humanity

"Sankranti is intended to bring about various changes in man's attitude so that

he may sanctify his life. It is a festival not intended for Bharatiyas alone.

Its message has a meaning for everyone in the world. It has a message for

people of all climes, creeds and countries." - Sai Baba. SS, 3/92, p. 40

"Dr. Subba Rao (in his speech prior to Swami's discourse) said 'Sankranti is a

kind of family festival'. Yes. This is so. But the whole world is one family

('Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'). The (Sankranti) festival relates to the entire

wo'rld. It is not confined to one's kith and kin. Sankranti is related to the

entire mankind. Whether people realise it or not. Sankranti promotes a feeling

of happiness in one and all." - Sai Baba, SS, 2/96, p. 45

Sankranti Prasadam

"Unless you purify yourself, what can any number of Sankrantis mean to you? You

tasted sweet Prasadam this morning. After some time. its taste is gone. It is

not sweet food that is important. You must fill your life with holy thoughts.

That is the purpose of sacred festivals." - Sai Baba. SS, 2/96, p. 46

Sai Baba's Messages On Sankranti

"Sankranti should be hailed as the harbinger of unity and peace. This was the

immemorial message of the Vedas. 'Let us live together in harmony and strive

together." - Sai Baba, SS, 2/96, p. 47

"Kraanti (change) and Shaanti (peace) both reside in the heart. You need not

search for them in the outside world. Discover them within you. This is your

duty. Serve your parents and society. Lead a godly life, dedicating all your

actions to God. Live in love." - Sai Baba, SS, 3/92, p. 40

Sourced: http://www.sairam.ar.cx or http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam

>From the book - An Exposition by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba – Compiled and

Edited by Suresh C Bhatnagar

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