Makar Sankranti Surya Mantra & Gayatri — Word-by-Word Meaning

मकर संक्रान्ति सूर्य मंत्र एवं गायत्री

Every Sanskrit word explained in English

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Word-by-Word Breakdown

ॐ

The primordial sound, the Pranava

सूर्याय

Suryaya

To Surya, the Sun-god

नमः

Namah

Salutations, I bow

आदित्याय विद्महे

Adityaya Vidmahe

May we know Aditya, the son of Aditi (the Sun)

दिवाकराय धीमहि

Divakaraya Dhimahi

Let us meditate on Divakara, the maker of the day

तन्नः सूर्यः

Tannah Suryah

May that Sun — for us

प्रचोदयात्

Prachodayat

Inspire and illumine (our intellect)

ह्रां ह्रीं ह्रौं

Hraam Hreem Hraum

The seed (bija) syllables of the Sun's planetary mantra

सः

Sah

The bija completing the solar mantra

सूर्याय नमः

Suryaya Namah

Salutations to the Sun-god

Complete Translation

Om, salutations to Surya, the Sun-god. May we know Aditya, son of Aditi; let us meditate on Divakara, the maker of the day — may that Sun inspire and illumine us. Om, with the seed-syllables Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah, salutations to the Sun.

Origin & History

Source: Traditional Surya worship mantras (Om Suryaya Namah, the Surya Gayatri and the Surya bija), chanted on Makar Sankranti / Uttarayana

Author: Traditional (the Surya Gayatri from the Gayatri tradition)

Period: Classical / traditional

Makar Sankranti is one of the few Hindu festivals fixed by the solar calendar, falling around 14 January when the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara) and begins Uttarayana, its auspicious northward journey. Across India it is celebrated as a harvest and Sun-worship festival — Pongal, Lohri, Uttarayan, Magh Bihu and Khichdi among its many names. Devotees bathe in sacred rivers at sunrise, offer arghya to Surya with these classic mantras, give charity, and fly kites in the brightening winter sun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Surya worshipped on Makar Sankranti?▼

Makar Sankranti marks the Sun's transit into Capricorn (Makara) and the start of Uttarayana, the Sun's northward course — considered the bright, auspicious half of the year. Since the festival celebrates the Sun's movement, Surya, the source of all life and light, is the presiding deity, worshipped with arghya and these mantras.

What is the significance of Uttarayana?▼

Uttarayana is the six-month period when the Sun travels northward, beginning at Makar Sankranti. It is regarded as highly auspicious for spiritual practice, charity and new undertakings. In the Mahabharata, Bhishma waited for Uttarayana to leave his body, underscoring its sacredness.

Which Surya mantra should I chant on Makar Sankranti?▼

The simplest is 'Om Suryaya Namah'. For deeper practice, add the Surya Gayatri ('Om Adityaya Vidmahe Divakaraya Dhimahi, Tannah Suryah Prachodayat') and the Sun bija mantra 'Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah'. Chant them while offering arghya at sunrise.

What should be done along with chanting on this day?▼

Take a holy bath at dawn, offer arghya to the Sun, chant the Surya mantras, and give charity (dana) of sesame (til), jaggery (gur), grains and warm clothing. Sharing til-gud sweets and helping the needy are traditional acts of merit on Makar Sankranti.

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