ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ “
God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
The Vrishabha Vrata is counted amongst the eight auspicious austerities of the Hindu religion.
This vrata is observed when the movement of Sun occurs in the Rishabha Rashi (that is Taurus Zodiac Sign) in the Hindu month of Baisakhi or during the months of mid-May to mid-June as per the Gregorian calendar.
It falls during the Shukla Paksha (growing lunar phase) on the eight day, that is, Ashtami.
The significance of the Vrishabha Vrata also holds mention in the holy Skandha Purana.
This vrata is also known as Vrishabha Sankranti or Vrishabha Sankranam in some of the southern states and also as Brusha Sankranti in the Indian state of Orissa.
Although this vrata is dedicated to Vrishibha, the Bull of lord Shiva, this day is considered to be auspicious for Vishnu devotees.
Special rituals and prayers are offered in several Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva temples in different parts of India.
This vrata can be observed by all and this special day is dedicated for charity and for helping the needy and poor.
Rituals of the Vrishabha Vrata:
- The Vrishabha Vrata is dedicated to the bull Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva. During this day, the devotees bet up before sunrise and meditate about Parameshvara along with His consort Uma, while being seated on the bull (Brishabha). This should be followed by taking a holy bath prior to worshipping.
- In the Vrishabha Vrata, the devotees should make the idol of Rishabharudar from either silver or gold. The idol of the lord is then purified with holy things like Panchamritam. The disciples prepare special food from rice and payasham for offering to their deity. One must pray to Lord Shiva and ask for His blessings. The offerings are then distributed among other worshippers of Lord Shiva.
- On this day visiting a temple of Lord Shiva is also important. The devotees offer prayers and return to their respective home happily. On returning the prasadam is eaten together comprising of sugar-rice, rice, sweets and different fruits. The evening is spent listening to the glories and virtues of Lord Shiva. One who holds the vrata has to sleep on the bare floor that very night.
- The subsequent day after worshipping the lord, the observer of Vrishabha Vrata then donates the idol of Rishabharudar to an earnest follower of Lord Shiva. The Vrishabha Vrata is observed every year.
Vrishabha Vrat
The Vrishabha Vrata is a very powerful vrata and one who piously observers this fast can easily get long life, health, wealth, wisdom and even win the eight great treasures.
This day is also considered to be auspicious for Shraddh Tharpan or Pitru Tharpan and also Dan Punya.
Gau Daan or gifting cow on the day of Vrishabha Vrata is considered to be sacred.
By helping the poor one can grant the blessings of the lord to win all that you desire in your life.
The Vrishabha Vrata has been performed since ancient times and still holds the same importance.
Lord Vishnu completed this vrata to please Lord Shiva and He was in turn bestowed with ‘Garuda’ and other treasures.
Indra also performed the same vrata and got ‘Airavata’ and several other Gods and Goddesses used the power of the Vrishabha Vrata to attain all that they desired.
Lord Sun got his chariot of seven horses, Lord Moon got his special ruby airplane, the God of Water got crocodile, Lord Yamraj got his buffalo and even Lord Kubera got his Pushkar Vimaan after completing this vrata religiously.
The Vrishabha Vrata has also been observed by the Kings and Maharajas to double their fortune and expand their kingdom.
Even in the present times, devotees all over the country observe the Vrishabha Vrata to put an end to all the worries in their life and ask for happiness and prosperity.
Vrishabha Sankranti
In the Hindu Solar Calendar, Vrishabha Sankranti symbolizes a significant shift as the Sun moves from Mesha rashi to Vrishabha rashi, marking the transition from Aries to Taurus Zodiac sign.
Celebrated during the month of ‘Vaishakh’ in various regional calendars such as Marathi, Kannada, Gujarati, and Telugu, and in the North Indian calendar during the Hindu month of ‘Jyeshta’, Vrishabha Sankranti is known as Vrushabha Sankraman in the Southern states of India.
This festival heralds the beginning of the Vrishabha season and is a momentous occasion in the solar calendar.
It also signals the commencement of Vaigasi Masam in Tamil calendar, ‘Edavam masam’ in Malayalam calendar, and ‘Jyeshto mash’ in the Bengali calendar.
In Orissa, this day is celebrated as ‘Brusha Sankranti’.
The term ‘vrushabha’ in Sanskrit translates to ‘a bull’, associated with Lord Shiva’s carrier, Nandi, in Hindu mythology.
The connection between the bull and religious symbolism holds great importance for devotees, making Vrishabha Sankranti a spiritually significant event.
On this auspicious day, people offer prayers to Lord Vishnu seeking blessings for a joyful and prosperous life, as well as liberation from the cycle of rebirth to attain salvation.
Significance of Vrishabha Sankranti
Vrishabha Sankranti is considered an auspicious day in Hindu mythology, as it marks the beginning of the solar month of Vrishabha (Taurus).
This event is also celebrated as a harvest festival in various parts of India, where people offer prayers and thanks to Lord Vishnu for a bountiful yield.
The significance of this day lies in its representation of growth, abundance and prosperity
It is believed that taking a dip in sacred water bodies on this day can cleanse one’s sins and bring spiritual enlightenment.
In addition, many temples organize special rituals and feasts to commemorate this important occasion.
People also exchange traditional sweets such as kheer or puran poli with friends and family as a symbol of love and unity.
The celebration continues well into the evening, with folk dances, music performances, and firecracker displays adding to the festive atmosphere.
Many cities also hold processions featuring decorated statues or idols of Lord Vishnu riding his vehicle – the bull Nandi – accompanied by devotees singing hymns in praise of the deity.
This community gathering promotes social harmony among different cultural groups within society.
The next morning after Vrishabha Sankranti festivities end sees farmers eager to get back to their land for cultivating new crops during this favorable season.
As observed across centuries by Hindus all over India, Vrishabha Sankranti signifies new beginnings – whether in agriculture or personal life –and stresses on living harmoniously with nature while maintaining strong religious beliefs during times both good or bad.
Rituals on Vrishabha Sankranti
Vrishabha Sankranti, a day of great significance for Hindu followers, is marked by the practice of Daan, considered highly auspicious.
The act of ‘Godan’, which involves gifting a sacred cow to a revered Brahmin, holds particular importance when carried out on this auspicious occasion.
In addition to these rituals, some devotees choose to observe a fast on Vrishabha Sankranti, known as ‘Vrishabha Sankranti vrat’.
Rising before dawn, they partake in a purifying bath and proceed to worship ‘Rishabharudar’, an epithet of Lord Shiva.
A special offering, consisting of payasham and rice, known as ‘Bhog’, is prepared and presented to the deity.
This Bhog is then shared and enjoyed with family members.
Those engaging in the Vrishabha Sankranti vrat traditionally opt to sleep on the ground throughout the night.
On this auspicious day, devotees also make pilgrimages to temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, seeking divine guidance to help them distinguish between right and wrong.
he revered Jagannath Temple in Puri makes special arrangements for this occasion.
A common practice among followers on Vrishabha Sankranti is the Sankramana Snan, a sacred bathing ritual undertaken at Hindu pilgrimage sites.
Through this act, devotees pay homage to the Sun God and honor their ancestors.
Additionally, many choose to perform Pitra Tarpan, a ritual offering aimed at granting peace to departed family members.
Vrishabha Sankranti
Sankranti means the movement of the Sun from one zodiac sign to another zodiac sign.
Similarly, when the Sun enters the Taurus zodiac sign from Aries (Mesh Rashi to Vrishabha Rashi) then it is called Vrishabha Sankranti.
This festival usually falls in the month of April or May during Vaishakha or Jyestha month.
The word Vrishabha means bull, which is also known as the vehicle of Lord Shiva.
This Sankranti is known by different names in different parts of the country such as ‘Jyeshta Mash’ in Bengal and ‘Brusha Sankranti’ in Odisha, etc.
As per the Hindu Panchang, the Sankranti signifies the starting of the Vrishabha season i.e. when the temperature goes to its peak.
On this day, one must worship Lord Shiva, Lord Sun, and Lord Vrishabha.
In Hinduism, the close bond of ‘Nandi’ and Lord Shiva is highly valued, and therefore, the day is considered to be very sacred.
On this very day, people long for freedom from the circle of birth and death and desire for salvation.
Significance of Vrishabha Sankranti
The importance of water increases everyday in the summer season and therefore, one must strive hard to make provisions for the availability of water to all and one and therefore, it is said that providing water to the thirsty is equivalent to performing Yagna.
Giving donations, serving the needy, and taking a dip in the holy Ganga are considered to be auspicious on this very day.
Due to the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic, moving from one place to another place seems to be almost impossible and therefore, you are advised to mix some drops of Gangajal in bathing water at home and take a bath or you can sprinkle the same on your family members.
Similarly, you can serve food to the needy nearby or underprivileged individuals.
Vrishabha Sankranti: Rituals
- On this day, wake up early in the morning, take a holy bath and remember ‘Rishabharudar’, the name of Lord Shiva.
- Some devotees also resolve to fast on this very day. The fast of this very day is also known as Vrishabha Sankranti Vrat. Those who observe the fast must keep in mind to sleep on the floor on the same night.
- Offer Bhog made up of Payasam and rice to Lord Shiva. After offering Bhog, perform Aarti and distribute the Prasad among family members.
- Devotees should also visit the temples of Lord Shiva on this day and pray to help them differentiate between good and evil. Most of the people visit Jagannath Temple at Puri.
- Some people give donations and especially, donating a cow to a respected Brahmin is considered to be very auspicious.
- Besides this, devotees must perform Shradh rituals for their ancestors.
Vrishabha Sankranti
The festival of Vrishabha Sankranti marks the planetary shift of Sun to the Vrishabha Rashi from Mesha Rashi during the month of ‘Vaishakh.’
As per the North Indian calendar, it is observed during the Hindu month of ‘Jyeshta.’ Vrishabha Sankranti or Vrushabha Sankraman signifies the beginning of the Vrishabha season according to the solar calendar.
It also marks the onset of Vaigasi Masam in Tamil Nadu, ‘Edavam masam’ in Kerala, ‘Jyeshto mash’ in the Bengal and ‘Brusha Sankranti’ in Odisha.
The word ‘vrushabha’ in Sanskrit implies ‘bull.’
In Hindu religion, ‘Nandi’ is Lord Shiva’s mount.
The religious scriptures have mentioned a kind of relation between these two.
Hence, the celebration of Vrishabha Sankranti has immense religious importance.
People worship Lord Vishnu on this auspicious day to be blessed with a happy and prosperous life as well as to get freedom from the continuous cycle of re-birth and attain salvation.
Significance of Vrishabha Sankranti:
As per the Indian Vedic Astrology, Sankranti is personified of being approximately 432 km long and wide.
According to Indian belief, this personification is considered to be inauspicious and hence the Sankranti period is believed to be unsuitable for performing auspicious rituals.
The duration of Sankranti is considered highly momentous for penance, charity and shradh rituals.
Devotees take a dip in the holy rivers, perform Shradh rituals for their forefathers and offer a donation to the needy.
Like other 12 Sankrantis in the Hindu calendar, Vrishabha Sankranti is also favorable for performing Charity.
However, the only specific window is considered most favorable for observing Sankranti related activities.
On Vrishabha Sankranti, the duration between 16 Ghati (with 1 day equals 60 Ghatis) before Sankranti until the main Sankranti moment is the best time for performing out any good activities.
Rituals/ Celebrations:
Hindu devotees do charity as it is considered very fortunate on the day of Vrishabha Sankranti.
‘Godan,’ a practice of donating a holy cow to a Brahmin is believed to be very auspicious on Vrishabha Sankranti.
Devotees also observe known as ‘Vrishabha Sankranti vrat’ or fast.
They wake up before sunrise and take a holy bath.
The devotees worship ‘Rishabharudar,’ an incarnation of Lord Shiva and prepare a special ‘Bhog’ from payasam and rice.
After praying to Lord Shiva, the prasad is distributed among friends and family members.
The observer of the Vrishabha Sankranti vrat should sleep on the floor during the night.
Devotees visit temples of Lord Vishnu on the occasion of Vrishabha Sankranti and pray to Lord.
Devotees seek wisdom to differentiate between good and evil.
Special arrangements are made for this day at Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri.
At several Hindu pilgrimages sites, devotees undertake the Sankramana Snan on this day.
By performing a pious snan, they pay homage to Sun God and their forefathers. Devotees also perform Pitra Tarpan to offer peace to their dead ancestors on this day.
Vrisha Sankranti
In the Hindu solar calendar, the festival of Vrisha Sankranti is celebrated at the beginning of the second month.
This transit of the Sun corresponds to the move from Aries to Taurus.
Vrisha Sankranti occurs during the month of Vaishakh in the Marathi, Kannada, Gujarati and Telugu calendars and in the North Indian calendar, it is celebrated during the Hindu month of Jyeshtha.
Vrishabha Sankranti is also famous in the southern states of India as Vrishabha Sankranam and according to the solar calendar indicates the beginning of Vrisha season.
It is known as Vaigasi Masam in the Tamil calendar, Edavam Masam in the Malayalam calendar and Jyeshto mash in the Bengali calendar.
In Orissa, this day is celebrated as ‘Braj Sankranti’.
‘Vrisha’ is a Sanskrit word meaning an ox ‘.
In Hinduism, ‘Nandi’, the bearer of Lord Shiva is considered an ox and some forms of relationship between these appear in religious texts.
Hence the celebration of Vrisha Sankranti has immense religious significance for Hindu devotees.
People worship Lord Vishnu on this future day to get the blessings of a happy and prosperous life.
They also pray to the Lord to get rid of the continuous cycle of re-birth and attain salvation.
Ritual on Vrisha Sankranti
On the auspicious day of Taurus or Vrisha Sankranti, Hindu devotees donate as it is considered very lucky.
The practice of donating the sacred cow to a Brahmin on the day of Vrisha Sankranti is considered very auspicious.
Some devotees also fast on this day, which is known as ‘Vrishabha Sankranti Vrat’. They rise before sunrise and take a holy bath.
Devotees worship ‘Rishbharudar’, a name of Lord Shiva and prepare a special bhog.
After praying to Lord Shiva, the bhog is distributed and eaten with other family members.
Followers of Vrisha Sankranti fast should sleep on the floor at night time.
Devotees visit the temples of Lord Vishnu on Vrisha Sankranti and pray to their lord to attain enlightenment so that they can differentiate between good and evil.
Special arrangements are made for this day in the Lord Jagannath temple located in Puri.
There are crowds of Hindu pilgrims on this day because on this day devotees take bath in Sankranti.
On the Taurus solstice, people also perform ancestral sacrifices to provide peace to their dead ancestors.
Vrishabha Sankranti
Sankranti in a Hindu calendar is the special occasion that happens when the Sun transits from one Rasi to the next.
There are 12 sankrantis in one year. Sometimes it may go up to 13. Vrishabha Sankranti is the occasion when Sun transits from Mesha Rasi to Vrishabha Rasi.
This marks the beginning of the second month of Jyeshta in the Hindu solar calendar.
It also marks the arrival of Vaigasi Masam in Tamil culture and Edavam Masam in Malayalam.
In southern India, Sankranti is better known as Sankranam.
Devotees worship cows and observe vrat on this day.
Sankranti is generally considered to be an inauspicious time.
New beginnings or other happy occasions are generally avoided during this time.
On the other hand, it is a good time for repentance and shradh rituals. Vrishabha means bull in Sanskrit.
Nandi, the pet of Lord Shiva, is the most famous bull in ancient history.
That is why cows are worshipped on this day and donating cows on this day is considered auspicious.
Lord Vishnu is also worshipped on this day.
Vrishabha Sankranti rituals
- The cow is considered holy in Hindu culture. Worshipping cows and donating them to Brahmins during Vrishabha Sankranti is believed to bring good fortune to the devotee.
- Those observing vrat sleep on the floor at night and get up early in the morning. After the bath, Lord Shiva is worshipped and Bhog is prepared which is distributed among family members.
- Special prayers are held at Lord Vishnu temples. Devotees pray to absolve them of sins and for attaining moksha.
- People also perform Pitra Tarpan on this day for the peace of their ancestors.
- In Hindu pilgrimage sites, a holy bath called Sankrana Snan is performed by believers. It is supposed to do good for the body and mind. They pray to be able to discern between good and evil in life.
Vrishabha Sankranti significance
According to Vedic astrology, Sankranti is seen as a being which is 432 km in length and width.
While it is considered an inauspicious time for performing good deeds, doing penance and charity during this time will bring good results.
Only a certain time period is suitable for performing such deeds during Sankranti days.
On Vrishabha Sankranti day, this period is between 16 ghatis before Sankranti, till the main Sankranti moment.
The devotees who observe vrat and pray sincerely at this time will attain peace, happiness and prosperity in life.
It is believed they are blessed by the gods themselves and will move one step closer to attaining Moksha.
Cow worship during Vrishabha Sankranti
Cows are revered animals in Hindu culture.
In the olden days, the fortunes of a farmer depended as much on his cattle as they did on the weather.
Cows especially are extremely valuable to a farmer.
In addition to their usage for tilling the fields, cow dung is one of the best fertilizers to improve the quality of the soil.
Cows milk is famed for its nutritious quality, while cow urine is considered to have many medicinal properties.
On Sankranti day, the cattle sheds are thoroughly cleaned and the cows are adorned with flowers and bright clothes.
Kumkum is smeared upon them and they are taken for puja at local temples.
Vrishabha Rasi characteristics
Vrishabha means the bull.
Vrishabha Rashi is the second sign in the Zodiac after Meesa Rasi.
Status, comfort, wealth and security are the characteristics of this sign.
The bull is a very powerful animal with tremendous capacity to breed.
This means, the individual has the capacity to push through arduous tasks and find success in the end.
There is no end to the creative spark and the physical eagerness to satisfy that spark in the individual.
When one goal is attained, the individual immediately moves to the second one.
No planet is debilitated in Vrishabha Rasi.
It is owned by Venus and the Moon is exalted here.
This suggests high levels of consciousness and sensitivity.
Vrishabha Sankranti celebration in Odisha
Vrishabha Sankranti goes by the name Brusha Sankranti in Odisha.
This day is of great significance for the people of Odisha.
Special pujas are held at the iconic Puri Jagannath temple which is witnessed by devotees in their thousands.
They throng the Puri bathing ghats to carry out the Brusha Sankranti snan.
Others carry out ritualistic baths in rivers and the sea in remembrance of deceased ancestors.
Vrishabha Sankranti : Worship Methods
On the day of Vrishabha Sankranti special rules of worship and fasting have been explained.
Individuals on this day must indulge in fasting, donations, and charity according to their allowances.
By doing this one receives fortune and fame in their life.
On the day of Vrishabha Sankranti one must worship the Rudra form of Lord Shiva and the Sun with complete and proper worship methods.
After waking early in the morning one must offer Arghya to the Sun.
By doing this, the graceful blessings of Lord Suryanarayan will always remain in your life and the ill effects caused by the Sun will be removed from your horoscope.
If we talk about this day’s importance, then on this day the father planet Sun leaves its exalted zodiac sign, Aries and enters the zodiac sign of Taurus.
The Sun on this day stays in Rohini Nakshatra for 15 days and for the first nine days it gives off intense heat.
This is the reason why the first nine days are intensely heated.
Due to the orbit of the Sun, these nine days are also called Navtapa, and this is the reason why the donation of water under such conditions is considered highly significant.
If you want, you can install a drinking bowl outside of your house at this time, and arrange water for those in need; this will be a very auspicious thing to do.
Importance Of Donation On Vrishabha Sankranti
Donations on the day of Vrishabha Sankranti are given high prominence.
On this auspicious day you can donate cows, sesame, land, jaggery, clothes, gold, honey, silver, salt, matki, and muskmelon etc.
Apart from these things, one can also donate items that would help people find relief from the intense heat such as umbrellas, water bottles, pots etc.
You can also install a water cooler.
By doing these donations you will always attain the blessings of the Sun and all troubles will get eliminated from your life.
Did You Know?
Vrishabha Sankranti is celebrated in different parts of India and is recognized by different names.
In South India it is known as Vrishabha Sankraman and according to the Tamil Calendar it marks the start of Vaigasee season.
According to the Solar Calendar, it marks the start of a new season as well.
In the Malayalam Calendar it is known as Edam Masam, in the Bengali Calendar it is called Jyotto Mash and in Odisha it is recognized as Brash Sankranti.
Attain Surya’s Graces With These Special Remedies!
- Stay away from activities that are amative in nature and try to sleep on the floor as much as possible.
- Give donations to needy people.
- Worship Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and the Sun.
- Do Tarpan for the peace of your ancestors.
- Donate a cow, or donate essential items for the cow in a cow shelter.
Nautapa On Vrishabha Sankranti
As we have discussed above, during Vrishabha Sankranti the Sun comes and stays in Rohini Nakshatra for 15 days.
In the first nine days the atmosphere receives intense heat and it is known as Nautapa.
If rain and cool winds don’t come in those nine days then it is said that the upcoming days will receive abundant rain.
Global Effects Of Vrishabha Sankranti
- The government benefits during Vrishabha Sankranti.
- Stability and wealth comes in the country and lives of people.
- The health of people gets better.
- International harmony increases and grains stock rises.
Immense Benefits For 4 Blessed Zodiac Signs!
Cancer:
From Vrishabha Sankranti the natives of Cancer are going to receive the most benefits.
During this time, all your work will be completed, you will get in touch with new people, and from such contacts you will gain definite benefits.
Love will increase between you and your partner and in career you will gain favorable outcomes and promotion as well.
You will also have financial gains and your health will stay in the best shape.
All-in-all Sun Transit in Taurus will give you benefits from all sides!
Leo:
The father planet Sun, is the ruling lord of the zodiac sign of Leo and the period of this Sankranti is going to be pious and beneficial for you.
With Vrishabha Sankranti strength will be there in your life, and those natives who are searching for a job will receive positive news.
Working natives in their careers will receive a big position and you will also attain big benefits from the government as well.
Fame and fortune will rise, and financial gains will be therefore you, Leo natives.
Apart from this, your health will stay optimum as well!
Virgo:
For Virgo natives this period of Vrishabha Sankranti is going to be beneficial as well. During this period, you will indulge yourself in work related to religion and spirituality and your reputation will increase as well.
You will go on pilgrimage and natives living overseas will also receive a lot of beneficial outcomes.
Working natives could get a transfer, and this period will be ideal for pursuing higher studies.
Pisces:
The last zodiac sign for which the period of Vrishabha Sankranti will be favorable is Pisces.
During this period, you will get favorable outcomes in your career, and you will develop a new passion for writing.
You will be honest regarding your work, and your money will increase as well.
Your concentration will rise and you will travel in this period.
Those travels that are done for business will give you benefits.
For Pisces students, this period will be favorable and natives will enjoy a great time with their partners as their relations will be fabulous!