Significance of Thai Pongal / Makara Sankraanthi / Makara Vilakku / Utthraayana Punya Kaalam

Pongal is celebrated on the 1st day of Thai masam and is therefore also called Thai Pongal. It is also called Makara Sankaranthi, since it is celebrated on the first day of Thai when the Sun enters the Makara Rasi (Capricornus).

It marks the beginning of Uttarayan, the sun’s transition northwards for a six-month period. The period is referred to as Uttarayan Punyakalam and is considered auspicious. The Devas wake up after a six-month long slumber during this period.

Pongal, in essence is Thanksgiving Day for the sun god. He is celebrated for being the primary source of energy that promotes ample growth and a plentiful harvest of fruits, grains and vegetables. Thus it is a farmer’s festival and therefore transcends religion.

Pongal is celebrated for four days in some parts of India. Bhogi Pongal, Thai Pongal also known as Surya Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal are the four festive days. There is an interesting story attached to the Bhogi pongal.

It is believed that Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain on his little finger on Bhogi, which is considered the first day of Pongal to protect the cattle and people from Indra, the rain god.

While Tamil Nadu celebrates the day as Pongal, it is celebrated in different states in different names. North Indian Hindus and Sikhs call it Maghi and is preceded by Lohri. It is called Poush sôngkrānti in Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka and Telangana, Sukarat in central India, Magh Bihu by Assamese, and Thai Pongal or Pongal by Tamils. In Kerala, Sabarimala Ayyappa Mandala Vratham (fasting) observed by Lord Ayyappa devotees for 41 days concludes with the witnessing of the Makarajyothi in the north-east horizon on Ponnambala Medu. Makarajyothi appears on the holy Makara Sankaranti day.

Devotees are encouraged to sponsor Sri Surya Bhagavan Moola Mantra Puja and Archana to get blessings from Surya Bhagavan on this auspicious day at the Parashakthi temple. Also, devotees are encouraged to sponsor Ayyappa Padi Pooja (18 Steps Pooja) to get blessings from Ayyappa on this auspicious day at the Parashakthi temple

2025 Yearly Sponsorship Devi Parashakthi Abhishekam (weekly) - $1,008 Devi Parashakthi (Moolavar) Gold Kavacha Dhaaranam (monthly) - $1,008 Devi Parashakthi (Utsavar) Gold Kavacha Dhaaranam (monthly) - $1,008 Devi Vaarahi Homam - Yajaman (monthly) - $1,008 Sri Shani Bhagavan Gold Kavacha Dhaaranam (monthly) - $1,008 Sri Surya Bhagavan Gold Kavacha Dhaaranam (monthly) - $1,008 Daily Neivedhyam for all Deities – twice a day (one month) - $1,008 Devi Parashakthi Flower Fund - $1,008 Sri Kaalabhairava Archana (weekly) - $750 Sri Panchamuga Anjenayar Archana (weekly) - $750 Satyanarayana Kalasha Puja (monthly) - $501 Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam (monthly) - $501 Sri Kaalabhairava Homam (monthly) - $300 Devi Vaarahi Homam (monthly) - $300 Sri Kaalabhairava Archana on Krishna Paksha Ashtami (monthly) - $180 Devi Parashakthi (Moolavar) Gold Kavacha Dhaaranam (one-time) - $108 Devi Parashakthi (Utsavar) Gold Kavacha Dhaaranam (one-time) - $108 Temple Loan Repayment Seva (monthly recurring) - $108