Uttarayana - Makara Sankranthi

The Sun’s transit into Capricorn (Makara) constellation that usually occurs on 14/15 January every year and is a very important Hindu festival celebrated all over India in various forms. Uttarāyaṇa, the six-month period when the sun travels towards the north on the celestial sphere starts on Makara Sankranti and ends on Karka Sankranti (around July 14).

This is the Time of Makara Jyothi  in Shabarimala - this time when I was asked why are women between 10-50yrs not allowed to visit the Sannidhanam, I decided to find out and read several articles. Most explanations were negative in nature, I read on and finally found something which was more positive in nature and did not represent religion bias on gender.

Hindu Goddesses are representative of power, Kali, Mohini etc have got the Gods out of trouble with the asuras many a times. So why is that even in temples of these Goddesses Menstruating women are not allowed. I came across an interesting read - It says the Menstrual cycles are associated with the moon (28 days) women’s cycles were influenced by natural moonlight. The principle is guided by the theory that moonlight provided an important synchronizing signal (scientists call these “zeitgebers”) for menstrual cycles that is now lost in our modern environment. The same practices of seclusion during menstruation, similar taboos related to touching food, not entering religious place, etc have been documented world over, however it is only existing and practiced still in India. Menstruating women were considered to be having special powers during menstruation, which if not used properly could cause harm to others. In Hindu Culture Red is an important part of rituals, 'Kumkum' is used in all ceremonies, this color depicts power. Red in color used in ceremonies is apparently indicative of the ancient ritual of using blood.It is believed that during menstruation, women are constantly dissipating energy from their bodies. Most religious chants are meant to balance out the energies in our body. However, this would interfere with the natural losing of energy that must happen in menstruating women to prevent excessive energy build-up. Hence, menstruating women are told to keep away during such occasions, so that their natural processes are not tampered with. Menstruating women become open to receiving and absorbing energy during this time. This means, they can easily absorb other’s energies, including negative energies. Hence, they are asked to stay away from crowds and gatherings. The 40day fasting period includes a cycle period for a woman and hence the abstinence.