365betÓéÀÖ

Significance of Winter solstice

Winter solstice is an important astronomical event recognized in various traditions. In Jainism, it marks the time Sagaradatta visited the temple. The Arthashastra links it to dakshinayana, the shortest day of the year. Purana describes it as a six-month worship period resulting in snow-covered regions. Kavya emphasizes the sun's southernmost position and its northward journey beginning afterward. In Shaivism, around December 22, it is significant for the practice of wearing Rudraksha beads, indicating its broader cultural importance.

Synonyms: Midwinter

In Dutch: Winterzonnewende; In Finnish: °Õ²¹±ô±¹¾±±èä¾±±¹Ã¤²Ô²õ±ð¾±²õ²¹³Ü²õ; In Spanish: Solsticio de invierno; In German: Wintersonnenwende

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Winter solstice'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the Winter solstice marks dakshinayana, the shortest day, when the sun begins its northward journey, symbolizing a significant period for spirituality, including wearing Rudraksha beads, following a time of worship interrupted by winter.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) The time of year when the sun is at its southernmost point, marking the start of the northward journey.[1]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry� and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry�.

Significance in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

From: Kautilya Arthashastra

(1) The period marking the shortest day of the year, associated with dakshinayana.[2]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Jain concept of 'Winter solstice'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, the Winter solstice marks a significant annual event, notably linked to the moment Sagaradatta visited the temple, underscoring its importance within the spiritual calendar and astronomical understanding of the faith.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) A significant annual astronomical event mentioned as the time Sagaradatta went to the temple.[3]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Winter solstice in local and regional sources

History Books

The Winter solstice marks a significant point in the year, linking the mahavrata to the vishuvat, or solstices, affirming its importance in understanding seasonal cycles and cultural practices associated with this time.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) This is the time when the mahavrata is connected with the middle day of the year, vishuvat clearly denote the solstices.[4]