Solar month or Saur maas in Astrology
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Solar Month or Saur Maas in Indian Vedic Astrology
In Indian Vedic Astrology, a Solar Month, known as Saur Maas (सौर मास), refers to the time it takes for the Sun to transit from one zodiac sign (Rashi) to the next. Each solar month begins with a Surya Sankranti — the moment when the Sun enters a new zodiac sign. This system is fundamental in the solar calendar used for astrological calculations and timing of festivals.
Definition of Saur Maas
A Saur Maas is defined by the Sun's movement across the twelve zodiac signs. Each solar month approximately spans 30 to 31 days, depending on the Sun’s speed and Earth's elliptical orbit.
Names of Solar Months (Saur Maas)
Each solar month is named according to the constellation in which the full moon occurs during that time. Below are the twelve Saur Maas:
- Mesh (Aries) Maas – Begins with Mesha Sankranti
- Vrishabh (Taurus) Maas – Vrishabh Sankranti
- Mithun (Gemini) Maas
- Karka (Cancer) Maas
- Simha (Leo) Maas
- Kanya (Virgo) Maas
- Tula (Libra) Maas
- Vrischik (Scorpio) Maas
- Dhanu (Sagittarius) Maas
- Makar (Capricorn) Maas
- Kumbh (Aquarius) Maas
- Meen (Pisces) Maas
Significance of Saur Maas
Solar months play a vital role in determining the timing of various Hindu festivals, rituals, and agricultural activities. Unlike the lunar calendar, which may vary by location and moon sighting, the solar calendar is consistent and astronomically accurate.
Key Vedic festivals such as Makar Sankranti, Mesha Sankranti, and others are celebrated based on solar transitions. Saur Maas is also used in astrological charts to time events based on the Sun’s strength and influence.
Comparison with Lunar Months
In contrast to Chandra Maas (lunar month), Saur Maas is independent of moon phases. While lunar months govern many religious rituals, solar months are primarily used in predictive astrology and solar transit-based calculations (Gochar).
Conclusion
Understanding Saur Maas is crucial for accurate astrological predictions and aligning with the Vedic concept of time. It provides a solar perspective of timekeeping and is essential in traditional Panchang and Kundli systems.