Makara Sankranti is one of India’s most revered festivals and it marks the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara Rashi), signifying the onset of longer days and the end of winter solstice. This celestial shift holds deep puranic significance plus it conveys the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. According to the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah, blessed with the boon of choosing his moment of death. He waited for the auspicious period of Uttarayana (the sun’s northward journey) to leave his mortal body, acknowledging it would grant him moksha (liberation).

Similarly, the Skanda Purana mentions that during this time, Lord Surya visits his son Shani. It nurtures unity and respect despite their differences. Devotees honor this occasion by offering prayers to the Sun God, bathing in sacred rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna, and sharing til-gur (sesame and jaggery) sweets, which embody harmony and goodwill. Makara Sankranti, thus, transcends mere celebration as it embodies spiritual growth, cosmic balance, and communal harmony.

The Dwadasa Adityas refer to the twelve manifestations of Lord Surya. Each avatar of Adityas governs a specific month in the solar calendar and symbolizes a unique aspect of solar energy. These twelve manifestations sustain life on Earth by controlling time, seasons, and various forces of nature. The Brahmanda Purana and Vishnu Purana extensively describe the importance of the Dwadasa Adityas. They emphasize their roles in upholding dharma (cosmic order) and bestowing divine blessings on devotees.

Dwadasa Aditya Surya Narayana Maha Homam is a very powerful and significant Vedic ritual. Puranic legends highlight how offering prayers to Lord Surya removes Graha Doshas or planetary afflictions and bestows good health. In the Mahabharata, it is mentioned that the Pandavas worshipped Surya Narayana to overwhelm hardships during their exile. Similarly, Sage Agastya instructed King Dasharatha to perform Surya Homam to be blessed with progeny, leading to the birth of Lord Rama. The Dwadasa Aditya Homam, thus, is revered for fulfilling desires. It grants courage, and adores life with glory. Devotees receive divine energy that facilitates material success and inner peace which connects with the cosmic order blessed by Lord Surya by performing this Homam on Makara Sankranti.

The Dwadasa Aditya Surya Narayana Maha Homam performed on Makara Sankranti holds immense significance in Vedic tradition and Puranic texts. According to the Brahmanda Purana, Lord Surya Narayana, in his twelve avatara known as Dwadasa Adityas, governs the twelve months of the solar calendar. Each avatar represents a unique aspect of cosmic energy. Performing this sacred ritual on the auspicious day of Makara Sankranti, when the Sun transits into the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara Rashi), amplifies its benefits to great extents. The Sun’s northern journey (Uttarayana) begins on this day plus it exemplifies spiritual awakening and the dispelling of darkness. This Homam invokes the blessings of all twelve Adityas. It brings prosperity, longevity, and spiritual growth, as described in the Surya Purana.