BENGALURU: On the auspicious day of Makara Sankranti, thousands of devotees thronged the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Swamy temple on Sunday to witness the unique phenomenon wherein the first rays of the Sun fall on the idol of the presiding deity.
This year, the Sun’s rays passed through an arc between the horns of the Nandi and fell directly on the Shiva Linga inside the cave temple between 5.20 am and 5.28 am. None of the devotees were allowed inside the temple during this time. An LED screen was put up on the temple premises for the devotees to watch the phenomenon. On Makara Sankranti day, the Sun changes its course from Dakshinayana to Uttarayana.
A priest of the temple said, “Devotees are allowed to stand outside and witness the Sun rays touching Lord Shiva. The doors of the temple will be remained close till 12 noon. After the Sun rays touch Lord Shiva, special pujas, ksheerabhisheka and other rituals are performed. The temple will be reopened around 3.30-4 pm and devotees will be allowed to have darshan from 6 pm. The temple will close at 10 pm” .
“We did not get the opportunity to witness the phenomenon for the last two years due to pandemic. Let us all pray for the good health and prosperity of all”, the priest added.
This phenomenon is proof of the technical excellence of the ancient architects. The temple was built in the 16th century by Kempegowda-I, the founder of the city.
Makar Sankranti marks the entry of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Makara, or Capricorn. The festival is known by other names in different party of the country —Pongal, Bihu, Lohri, Maghi and Maghe Sankranti.