What Is Bhishma Pitamah’s Connection to the Energy of Dhanu Sankranti?

Hey there! If you missed my previous blog on the vibrant celebrations and rituals of Dhanu Sankranti, go check it out—I promise it’s a fun read! But today, let’s dive even deeper into the magic of this festival. Did you know Dhanu Sankranti also has a legendary connection to Bhishma Pitamah from the Mahabharata? Intrigued? Let’s unravel this fascinating link and discover some more amazing facts about this special day. Grab a warm drink, and let’s get started!

Dhanu Sankranti is celebrated all over India, but in Odisha, it has a charm like no other! The state brings its unique traditions, vibrant rituals, and joyous festivities to the forefront, making this festival truly special.

At the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri, the day begins with a beautiful ritual known as the Sakala Dhupa. This ritual involves offering a special dish known as Gopal Bhog to Lord Jagannath. Gopal Bhog is a delicious mix made from rice, jaggery (a type of unrefined sugar), and lentils. The preparation of Gopal Bhog is a communal effort, and devotees take pride in creating this rich dish, which is later shared among family and friends as Prasad (blessed food). 

Image: Lord Jagannath – Photo by Puneet Sharma

In addition to temple rituals, Dhanu Sankranti brings vibrant fairs and carnivals to villages across Odisha. These events are lively gatherings where locals come together to celebrate. The atmosphere is buzzing with excitement as people visit stalls selling a variety of items, including:

🍚Sweets: What’s a festival without food, right? Traditional treats like Pitha (rice cakes), moong dal khichdi (spiced lentil rice) and other festive snacks are popular during this time. The dishes are usually prepared with jaggery, ghee, and sesame—ingredients that keep you warm and energized during the winter months.

🎍Crafts: Artists showcase their handmade crafts, allowing visitors to purchase unique items that reflect local culture.

💫Festive Treats: Stalls are filled with delicious food options, inviting everyone to indulge in the flavours of the season.

It is believed that worshipping the Sun God on Dhanu Sankranti can bring radiance and success to one’s life, just like the brilliance of the sun. Listening to the Bhagavat Katha (stories of Lord Vishnu) and performing acts of charity on this day are said to yield immense positive results.

As the sun enters Sagittarius, it is also said that the weather undergoes a shift. In some parts of the country, rains might occur, and the winter chill could intensify. Dhanu Sankranti is considered highly sacred, and it is believed that devotees who perform prayers and rituals with devotion on this day have their life’s troubles removed and their wishes fulfilled.

Did you know that Dhanu Sankranti holds a fascinating connection to one of the most revered figures from the Mahabharata—Bhishma Pitamah? Let’s take a little trip back to the great epic. 

Bhishma Pitamah was known for his unwavering commitment to dharma (righteousness) and was blessed with the boon of Iccha Mrityu, the ability to choose the time of his death. During the Mahabharata war, Bhishma Pitamah was struck down by arrows and lay on a bed of arrows (Sharshayya) during the inauspicious period of Kharmas. Despite his intense suffering, he chose to wait patiently for the arrival of Uttarayana, the sun’s transition into the northern solstice, which is considered an auspicious time in Hindu tradition.

Interestingly, Dhanu Sankranti marks the period leading up to Uttarayana, a time of transitions and new beginnings. He finally left his mortal body after the sun moved into Capricorn (Makar Rashi), a moment celebrated as Makar Sankranti.

Even if you’re miles away from Odisha or traditional temples, you can still soak in the vibes of Dhanu Sankranti.

🌿Gratitude to the Sun: Begin your day by offering water to the rising sun, expressing gratitude for its life-giving energy.

🌿Spiritual Practice: Meditate or chant Vishnu mantras to align with the positive energy of the day.

🌿Cook with Love: Prepare a dish using seasonal ingredients like jaggery and ghee, and share it with family or friends.

🌿Reflect on Transitions: Take a moment to think about the transitions in your life and how you can navigate them with grace, much like Bhishma Pitamah.

What makes Dhanu Sankranti truly beautiful is its universal appeal. At its core, this festival is a reminder of transitions and new beginnings. Whether it’s learning something new, embracing a healthier lifestyle, or simply being kinder to yourself, this day is the perfect cue to take a step forward.

So, as the sun journeys through Sagittarius, why not let its energy inspire you? Channel your inner adventurer, dive into something you’ve always wanted to do, and let this celestial festival become your personal Sankranti—a transition toward a brighter, happier you.

Have you ever celebrated Dhanu Sankranti? If yes, tell me all about your memories in the comments! If not, maybe this is the year to embrace it. Let’s make this winter solstice season extra special! 🌞✨

2 thoughts on “What Is Bhishma Pitamah’s Connection to the Energy of Dhanu Sankranti?”

  1. Aptly highlighted the importance of Dhanu Sankranti and the traditions of Odisha.

    Nice overview on Culture, Festival, Food & Handicrafts, all together brings Odisha on the our mobile screens.

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 I’m really glad you enjoyed the post and found it a good glimpse into Odisha’s beautiful traditions and culture. It’s always a joy to bring such vibrant festivals, food, and crafts to life for my readers. Keep visiting for more such stories—there’s so much more to share! ✨

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