Monday, December 22, 2025

Ratha Saptami - the anomalous Uttarayana (Part 15 of the Mahabharata Series)

 In the 15th part of the Mahabharata series, we examine the anomalous Uttarayana event known as 'Ratha Saptami' that occurred post-war. Given that the Uttarayana timing in the 5-year Yuga was manually calculated and didn't align with the Sun's actual celestial movement, a question arises: why did Bhishma adjust the Uttarayana day from Shukla Trayodashi to Shukla Ashtami?

Analyzing Bhishma's verse reveals that the lunar Magha month had advanced, synchronizing with the Kumbha month. It was as if Time itself had accelerated, prompting Bhishma, an expert in temporal calculations, to compensate by subtracting four tithis, thereby declaring Shukla Ashtami as the Uttarayana time.

The Sun was supposed to have changed direction on Shukla Saptami, which didn't align with the then-prevailing calendar. This unusual solar transition is commemorated as Ratha Saptami, observed as a vrata. Panchanga guidebook indicates Ratha Saptami is observed in Kumbha Masa, echoing the Mahabharata period event. Dating the Mahabharata transcends pinpointing the war year; it unravels a temporal anomaly hidden within the epic, revealed through Ratha Saptami.

Please watch the video and share widely.



No comments: