14/01/10

Completed morning program.Venita accompanied to South Delhi.She had to do some odd jobs.
Today is Makar Sankranti. The Sun takes northerly course.It heralds the arrival of summer.The days become longer and nights smaller.Bhishma Pitamah was waiting for this day to leave his body for heaven.It is believed that if one dies when the Sun is in northerly course,he/she goes to heaven.The 1st Mahakumbh of the century also commenced today at Haradwar.It occurs at a gap of 12 years.The last Mahakumbh took place in 1998 when Venita and myself took a dip in Sangam at Allahabad.My younger sister and a nephew also joined us.After that Ardha kumbh took place at Nasik. We took dip in Nasik in 2004.Venita is planning to go to Haradwar for a dip in the Ganga during the Mahakumbh which ends towards the end of April,2010.I have no plan to accompany her as things have changed for me after April,2004.I am advised to protect myself from extreme cold and heat.It is quite cold here these days and sometimes mercury goes below 5 degree Celsius.
The main day of bathing is on 14th April(Baisakhi Day).It is said that on this day a drop of nectar fell in the Ganga at Hari-kia-pauri at Haradwar,when Jayanta,son of god Indra,was taking away the pitcher containing nectar.After churning of the ocean ,14 divine items came out.Among them was a pitcher containing nectar.A fight ensued between gods and demons for it.To save it from the demons, Jayanta took it away.And it is at that time the drops of nectar fell in 4 places,namely,Prayag(Allahabad), Haradwar,Nasik & Ujjain.
In 1998 the configuration of planets was as it was 144 years back at that time. In 2010 the configuration is as it was 535 years back.For details of the Mahakumbh and Ardha Kumbh one has to read Puranas.
Venita has given 'dan' in the name of all children and grand children praying for their well being.
Venita returned at about 1645 hours.We had tea and snacks in McDonald's and thereafter returned home.
Retired to sleep 2230 hours.