Significance of Dakshinayana
Dakshinayana refers to a six-month period during which the sun moves southward, holding significant spiritual and cultural implications across various traditions. According to Hindu cosmology, it is viewed as a time for offering respect to the Brahmans and performing specific rituals, considered less auspicious than Uttarayana. In Ayurveda, Dakshinayana marks the southern solstice, associated with cooler temperatures and specific dietary guidelines. This transit affects societal norms, influencing events such as marriages and enhancing bodily strength.
Synonyms: Southern solstice
In Dutch: Dakshinayana; In German: Dakshinayana; In Finnish: Dakshinayana; In Spanish: Dakshinayana
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Dakshinayana'
Dakshinayana in Hinduism signifies the Sun's southward transit, a six-month period marked by spiritual significance and specific rituals, yet viewed as less auspicious than Uttarayana, impacting various societal and ceremonial practices.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The term used to signify the practice of offering respect and gifts to Brahmans, enhancing merit and spiritual well-being.[1]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The path of the Sun that results in a quicker motion when it does not rise as high.[2]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) The southern passage of the Sun, which is associated with less auspicious times for events including marriages.[3] (2) Refers to the southward march of the sun, associated with specific effects on various societal groups during eclipses.[4]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The period when the sun enters the Karkata-rashi, referred to as the southern way.[5]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The period when the sun moves southwards, regarded as unlucky compared to the northward journey during Uttarayana.[6]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) A period of time, and the vidvan who dies during this time also reaches Brahman, indicating that the time of death is relevant to the soul's destination.[7]
The concept of Dakshinayana in local and regional sources
Dakshinayana denotes a period characterized by the sun's southward movement, symbolizing a phase that may correspond to the gods' night, reflecting its significance in regional cosmology and timekeeping.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Dakshinayana is a time period, the southward course of the sun, which can be the night for the gods, according to the text.[8]