Why the Day Matters
In Vedic astrology the Sun god holds a special place — he is regarded as the only deity who can be seen directly, every single day, which is why his worship carries unique weight. By astrological reckoning, the Sun shifts from one zodiac sign to the next each month, and the day he enters the sign of Gemini is celebrated as Mithun Sankranti. This year that auspicious date falls on June 15.
The day is considered highly rewarding for charity, worship and acts of merit. It is believed that donations made on Sankranti draw the direct blessings of the Sun god and usher prosperity into the home. For this reason devotees use the occasion not only to please the gods but also to honour their forefathers, performing special rituals and tarpan in their memory.
What the Acharya Advises
According to Acharya Anand Bhardwaj of Ujjain, certain donations and remedies performed on Mithun Sankranti please one's ancestors, lessen the effects of pitra dosh, and also bring the special grace of the Sun god. He has outlined five specific practices worth following on this day.
Five Remedies That Could Brighten Your Fortune
1. Donate Something Sweet
If a household is plagued by constant quarrels and tension, giving away sweet items on this day is held to be auspicious. Offer mishri, jaggery or sugar to Brahmins, to children, or at a temple. The belief is that this brings sweetness back into relationships and keeps peace and contentment within the home.
2. Donate Water
While charity takes many forms, the donation of water is given pride of place on Mithun Sankranti. In the heat of this season, offering water is said to earn the favour of the gods as well as one's ancestors. It brings peace to the departed and grants the giver happiness, mental calm and spiritual merit.
3. Donate Copper
Copper is regarded as a metal dear to the Sun god, which makes donating it especially auspicious on this day. Offering copper to someone in need or to a Brahmin is believed to win the Sun's grace and to fill life with respect, good health and positive energy.
4. Donate Green Moong Lentils
Giving away green moong dal is also recommended on this occasion. It is linked to the planet Mercury, and donating it is said to strengthen Mercury — with direct benefits for intellect, speech and business.
5. Donate Grain
On Mithun Sankranti, the donation of grain is placed in the category of mahadan, the greatest of gifts. It is believed that giving grain on this day keeps prosperity flowing in the home, ensures food and wealth are never in short supply, and earns the blessings of one's ancestors.
