Vrischika Sankranti वृश्चिक संक्रांती
The Sun enters the Scorpion - the 41-day road to Sabarimala begins.
- Sun enters
- Vrischika (Scorpio)
- Around
- mid-November
- Ayana
- Dakshinayana (southward)
- Worship
- Surya (the Sun)
Significance
Vrischika Sankranti marks the Sun's entry into Vrischika (Scorpio). In Kerala it opens the month of Vrischikam and the start of Mandala Kalam - the 41-day period of austerity leading to the great Sabarimala Ayyappa pilgrimage.
How it is observed
Ayyappa devotees begin their 41-day vratam of fasting, celibacy and daily worship, wearing black or blue and the tulsi and rudraksha mala, before trekking to Sabarimala. Elsewhere the day is kept with the customary solar bathing and charity.
The Sun’s course
Vrischika Sankranti falls in the Sun’s Dakshinayana - its southward, inward half of the year. The year’s two turning points are Makar Sankranti (the turn to Uttarayana, mid-January) and Karka Sankranti (the turn to Dakshinayana, mid-July). See the full Sankranti guide for all twelve solar ingresses of the year.
Frequently asked questions
What is Vrischika Sankranti?
Vrischika Sankranti marks the Sun's entry into Vrischika (Scorpio). In Kerala it opens the month of Vrischikam and the start of Mandala Kalam - the 41-day period of austerity leading to the great Sabarimala Ayyappa pilgrimage.
When is Vrischika Sankranti in Mumbai, MH?
Vrischika Sankranti falls in mid-November; the next one for Mumbai, MH is on 17 November 2026. Being set by the solar calendar, its date barely shifts from year to year.
Which sign does the Sun enter on Vrischika Sankranti?
On Vrischika Sankranti the Sun leaves the previous sign and enters Vrischika (Scorpio), the eighth sign of the zodiac. This falls in the Sun's Dakshinayana (southward) course.
How is Vrischika Sankranti observed?
Ayyappa devotees begin their 41-day vratam of fasting, celibacy and daily worship, wearing black or blue and the tulsi and rudraksha mala, before trekking to Sabarimala. Elsewhere the day is kept with the customary solar bathing and charity.
Last updated 26 July 2026