Dakshinayana Punyakala is the day
when sun enters the Karkata Rashi or Karka Rasi (Cancer Zodiac) as per Hindu
Astrology. It is also known as Dakshinayana or Karka Sankramana or Karkataka
Sankranti. It marks the beginning of the night of Devas. In Hinduism, a human
year is equal to one day of gods and the next 6 months up to Uttarayana is
night time of Gods.
In simple terms, Dakshinayana Punyakala
marks the southern transit of the Sun. The Uttarayana period ends with
Dakshinayana Punyakala. The Dakshinayana period will end on Makar Sankranti or
Uttarayana day.
Legend
Legend has it that Lord Vishnu
goes into sleep during the period - the Devashayani Ekadasi marks this day. The
Chaturmasa is also observed during this period.
Karkataka Sankranti day is chosen by many Hindus to perform Shraddha or Pindapradana for dead relatives and ancestors. In some regions Lord Varaha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is worshipped on the day.
Dakshinayana is the part of the
year is marked by the transition of sun from the Rashi (zodiac) of Mithuna
(Gemini) into Karkataka (Cancer). This period of the year comprising six solar
months lasts until the sun’s transition into Makara (Capricorn).
Click the link below to watch video highlights of the Ganga puja
at Sringeri during Dakshinayana punyakala.
https://www.sringeri.net/2020/07/16/news/dakshinayana-punya-kala-puja-2020.htm