Happy Pongal and Makara Sankranti to all.
The Sun transits Capricorn from 14 January to 12 February, a period blessed by Bhaga Aditya. Bhaga signifies dignity, majesty, and excellence. Derived from the root bhuj – to enjoy or partake. Bhaga represents the principle that allocates destiny itself, granting us what is rightfully deserved so that it may be enjoyed in due measure.
We should call on the one victorious at early morning, Bhaga the strong,
Aditi’s son, who is the distributor,
to whom even a person who thinks himself weak (and also) even the
powerful, even the king says “Apportion me a portion.”
RV 7.41.2 (Jamison–Brereton)
Bhaga is not merely a giver, but an allocator of fortune. Wealth and success are distributed according to ṛta – cosmic order rather than chance or randomness.
The apsara in the chariot of Bagha is Purvacitti who was amongst the celebrated six in the court of Indra. From the story in the Bhāgavata Purāṇa (Skanda 5) Purvacitti was sent to propagate the line of Agnidhra, son of Priyavrata and grandson of Svāyambhuva Manu, the ruler of Jambūdvīpa. After assuming kingship, he withdrew to a secluded forest to perform austerities, desiring a worthy consort to continue the royal lineage. Observing his intent, Brahmā sent Purvacitti to earth where she encounters Agnidhra in a forest grove. Their meeting is marked by mutual attraction and absence of deception or coercion. From their marriage are born nine sons, who later become the rulers of the nine regions of Jambūdvīpa, thereby structuring the inhabited world. After fulfilling her role, Purvacitti returns to the celestial realms, leaving behind an established lineage and a stable cosmic order.
Unlike the other stories involving the apsaras, this is not a story of temptation or downfall, but of legitimate desire, lineage, and continuity of lineage. This story is a template for graceful enjoyment of allotted destiny.
Transits
As the Sun enters Capricorn, it joins Venus. Capricorn, the natural 10th house, governs karma, responsibility, and duty. This solar transit brings heightened awareness of both our obligations and our rightful share of results.
On 15 January, Mars also enters Capricorn, where it is exalted, forming a powerful combination of authority, discipline, and execution. Venus adds intention and agenda to this dynamic. Mercury follows on 17 January, resulting once again in four planets occupying a single sign, creating intensity and competition for expression.
On the same day, Mars and Mercury engage in planetary conflict (graha yuddha), with Mars prevailing despite Mercury’s speed, owing to Mars’ superior focus and skill which could be decisiveness. This period calls for discernment—choosing battles wisely and exercising care in communication.
Between 27 and 31 January, Mercury and Venus enter another planetary conflict, with Venus emerging dominant. Mercury moves into Aquarius with Rahu on 3 February, followed by Venus joining Rahu on 5 February. During this phase, Mercury and Venus experience strong affliction from Rahu, flanked by the influence of the Sun, Mars, and Saturn. Jupiter’s aspect on Sagittarius offers some mitigation, yet business and practical matters may face delays, confusion, or stagnation. This planetary clustering signals the approach of the upcoming eclipse season.
Venus, Mercury, and Mars remain combust for much of this transit, with Mercury emerging from combustion on 9 February. A key advisory during this time is to monitor speech and reactions carefully, as combustion can heighten sensitivity and feelings of being slighted or misunderstood.
Festivals
This transit is celebrated as Pongal, the three-day Tamil harvest festival, which marks the Sun’s northward journey (uttarāyaṇa) in the sidereal calendar. Homes are adorned with kolam—intricate designs drawn with rice flour, to honour the Sun. Cows are decorated with bells and artwork and worshipped, while birds and animals are fed as acts of gratitude. Families and communities gather to share meals, reinforcing bonds of unity and abundance.
Let us pray to Bhaga Aditya to direct our destiny and bestow the share that is rightfully earned.
ॐ घृणि: भगादित्य
om ghṛṇiḥ bhagāditya