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How sesame (Til ) can be used in Makar Sankranti to remove negative energy

TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Last updated on - Jan 13, 2020, 21:00 IST

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The relation between Makar Sankranti and til

The first festival of 2020 is here, which marks the beginning of the harvest season when new crops are worshipped and shared with relish. Popularly known as Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Sankranti, Uttarayana or Pongal, the festival celebrates cultivation across India. In North India, the festival has a significance and ‘Til’ (sesame) plays a key role in it. Duly mentioned in the holy Bhagwat Gita and Mahabharata, Makar Sankranti or Til Sankranti is one of the 12 Sankranstis that are listed in the Hindu calendar. If experts are to be believed, it holds a special place among them as it is the most auspicious one. Sankranti and til (sesame) are synonymous to each other and this seamless co-relation is scientific and mythological too. Sesame holds special significance during Makar Sankranti. It is revered as the grain par excellence and is eaten and given away in daan too. It is believed that by donating sesame, you remove negativity from your home and welcome prosperity. Not only this, the relation has a deeper meaning too, scroll below to know more.

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What Indian mythology says?

According to Hindu mythology, the God Yama blessed the sesame seeds and hence they are regarded as the symbols of immortality. If historians are to be believed, the sesame seed originated when drops of sweat trickled from Vishnu and fell on earth.

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Why is it valued so much?

According to health experts, sesame is a rich source of vitamins, minerals and healthy oils. It is suggested to consume sesame during winter on a daily basis because it contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, copper, zinc, fibre, thiamine, vitamin B6 and folate that helps protect the body during adverse weather conditions. It is also a good source of protein. Also, it is one of the oldest oilseeds known to humanity. It is known for its crunch and taste and has also been a part of rituals since ancient times as it is considered to be one of the purest forms of grains.

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Benefits of sesame

During winters, sesame seeds keep the digestive system healthy and is also helps in healthy functioning of the intestines. The copper and anti-oxidants content help relieves pain and swelling associated with arthritis. It is often suggested that asthma patients should consume sesame because the magnesium found in it gives relief against all sorts of respiratory diseases. Health experts suggested that those suffering from cholesterol issue should consume sesame, as they are high in the monounsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid, which helps in lowering the bad cholesterol and increasing the good cholesterol.

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Why black sesame is auspicious?

In Hindu religion, daan of black sesame seeds is considered ‘Mahadaan’ and it is believed that this donation on Makar Sankranti removes all negativity from house and life. In remote areas, it is used a trick to remove black magic too. On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, every member of the family has to take bath and then take a handful of black til along with rice and lentil in a bowl/plate, offer it to the Lord Sun and chant prayer. Later in the day, til, rice and lentil is donated in the temple.

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Bottomline

While we follow trends, it is important to look back and understand the reason and logic, as the evidence strengthens the beliefs and also gives you the answer to Why? So, this Makar Sankranti, indulge in til for a healthy body and lifestyle.

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