In India, any auspicious change is marked by a celebration. Holi, symbolized as the victory of good over evil and the festival of colors, is celebrated as the onset of spring and the end of winter. This change in weather and time has a much deeper significance when it comes to Holi. Let’s see what is the astrological significance of this lively festival.
The origin story of Holi
There are two main aspects to Holi: one is the Holika Dahan (the lighting of the bonfire) and Dhuleti (the celebration with colors) which happens the next day. Holi is celebrated on the full-moon day of the month Phalguna (the month that starts with the thirteenth day of February)
Every child growing up in India is aware of the story of Prahlada and how the celebration of Holi started with him. Prahlada was the son of Hiranyakashipu, the chief of asuras (demons). Prahlada was a devotee of Lord Vishnu since birth, whom Hiranyakashipu considered a mortal enemy.
Prahlada’s father tried every trick in the book, and some outside it, to dissuade him from worshipping Lord Vishnu, but Prahlada’s devotion was unwavering. Hiranyakashipu even tried to get his son killed in several instances but miraculously, Prahlada survived every time. It was then that Holika, Hiranyakashipu’s sister, suggested that she sit in a pyre of fire along with Prahlada. Holika was given a boon that fire could never burn her.
On the evening of the full moon in the month of Phalguna, Holika took Prahlada and sat on a pyre while others put it on fire. Again, miraculously, it was Holika who got burnt whereas Prahlada walked away from the fire without a scratch. It is this victory of good over evil that is the reason behind the celebration that happens the next day.
Astrology behind the myth
However, there is a deep astrological significance to Holi which is somewhat reflected in the aforementioned story as well. On the day of full-moon in Phalguna, the sun is in the Purvabhadra Nakshatra (constellation) in the Aquarius zodiac whereas moon is in the Purva Phalguni Nakshatra in the Leo zodiac.
The combination of sun and moon is seen to be the reason behind the presence of life on earth. Even spiritually, sun is considered as our soul whereas the moon is signified as our mind. Sun is also considered as the light of divinity while the moon is represented by devotion. If we consider Sun as equivalent to being a god/ deity, then the moon will be considered as a devotee. Even in the scriptures, the supreme devotees of a lord are considered as moon.
On the day of Phalguna's full moon, the constellation that the moon is in is lorded by Shukra (Venus). And the constellation that the sun is in is lorded by Brahaspati (Jupiter). In the scriptures, it is written that Shukra is Shukracharya, the guru of asuras (demons) whereas Brahaspati is the guru of Devatas (angels). And in this constellation, the zodiac of the moon (signified as a devotee) is Leo, which is a fire sign.
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Hence, on the day of Phalguna’s full moon, the moon (devotee) is under the effect of Leo (fire) but doesn’t suffer anything because it has the full light of the sun (god) falling on it. It is this symbolism that is reflected in Prahlada sitting on Holika’s lap in the burning pyre.
On this day, the energy of the divine (sun) is giving its full attention to their devotee (moon) as full-moon is the day when the complete face of the moon is visible. It means that the gods are looking at their devotees with complete grace. And, with the impact of the Leo zodiac, the asuric (demonic) energies are being burnt whereas the devotee comes to no harm.
Therefore, this day is important for the removal of all negative energies inside us with the grace of divine vision. And despite the churn that leads to the removal of these energies, the positivity and devotion inside of us remain unshaken.
Rituals to enhance the positive impact of Holi
Multiple pujas take place on the day of Holi. In India, several states celebrate Holi with a particular puja according to their regional customs. However, there are some specific pujas that you can conduct on this day.
1. Vastu Shanti Puja: Holi is the perfect day to improve the Vastu of one’s home. Conducting a Vastu Shanti Puja, making delicious food and inviting people over to have a celebration appeases the Vastu Purush and improves the Vastu of the place.
2. Hanuman Puja: Lord Hanuman is considered the supreme amongst all devotees. So, on this day, conducting a Hanuman Puja is quite auspicious. Hanuman Puja is also conducted to save us from any negativity and on this day, the effect of this puja is intensified.
3. Chanting Lord Vishnu’s mantra: Since Lord Narasimha, the god who killed the demon Hiranyakashipu, was a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu himself, chanting the Vishnu mantra - Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaya, is considered the most auspicious. This mantra can be chanted for 10 - 11 rounds of a rosary.
This year, Holi is celebrated on 10th March. The aforementioned pujas have to be conducted on 9th March, the evening of Holika Dahan. That evening is the day of the full moon. The muhurat for Holika Dahan is from 6.30 to 9 pm. Anyone conducting a Holika Dahan in or near their house should make sure that the ritual is done properly.
Since there is a deep spiritual symbolism associated with the day, it would be better to conduct the dahan properly and not as any regular bonfire. Any experienced priest can conduct the small puja that precedes the dahan ceremony.
Celebrations are events that bring our energies outward, where our mind enjoys the mirth and joy of togetherness. But learning about deep symbolism like this makes sure that we celebrate these days with enhanced wonder, enlivening the festival even more.
Based on inputs from Ashutosh Chawla, Head, Jyotish and Vastu, Vaidic Dharma Sansthan.
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