Sun’s rays touch Gavi Gangadhareshwara Shiva Lingam on Makar Sankranti, heralding auspicious year
Bengaluru:As part of an age-old celestial phenomenon, the sun’s rays once again illuminated the sanctum of the historic Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple in Gavipuram on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. As observed every year, the sun symbolically sought the blessings of Lord Shiva by touching the feet of Gavi Gangadhareshwara Swamy before transitioning from the southern course (Dakshinayana) to the northern course (Uttarayana).
This rare astronomical alignment, deeply rooted in ancient temple architecture and astronomical precision, is believed to signify the sun receiving divine blessings before embarking on its crucial annual journey. Devotees and scholars regard this event as a unique blend of spirituality, science, and tradition that has been witnessed at this temple since time immemorial.
Based on the exact moment when the sun’s rays touch the Shiva Lingam, predictions are traditionally made about the fortunes of the coming year. According to temple authorities, on October 26, 2026, between 5.02 pm and 5.04 pm, the sun’s rays directly fell on the Shiva Lingam. Using this occurrence as a reference, predictions have been made for the period from Makar Sankranti 2026 to Makar Sankranti 2027 regarding auspicious and inauspicious events in the country.
What is the prediction for the coming year?
Addressing the media after the celestial event, chief priest of the temple, Somesundara Dikshitar, said the moment of sun-touch was highly auspicious this year. “The sun’s rays covered the Shiva Lingam without leaving any dark spots, which is considered a positive sign. The rays remained on the Lingam for nearly six minutes and six seconds. This indicates that there will be no major turmoil or calamities in the country. Lord Shiva appears to be satisfied with the sun’s offering,” he said.
Similar sun-ray marvels across India
India is home to several temples designed to allow sun rays to fall on deities on specific days. The Ram Lalla Surya Tilak in Ayodhya has drawn national attention for showcasing India’s ancient architectural brilliance. Temples such as Gavi Gangadhareshwara in Bengaluru, Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur, and the Sun Temple at Konark stand as testimony to the advanced astronomical knowledge and engineering skills of ancient Indian architects. These phenomena continue to fascinate devotees, historians, and scientists alike.
When nature intervened
In 2021, however, the phenomenon could not be witnessed as planned due to cloud cover. The sun’s rays failed to pass through Nandi and reach the sanctum, disappointing devotees who had waited since morning to witness the rare sight. The incident served as a reminder of nature’s unpredictability even amid precise human calculations.
Despite the city’s rapid urban growth, the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple and other ancient Shiva temples in Bengaluru continue to preserve their sanctity, standing as enduring symbols of the city’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
