Chennai: Worship of Sun God is very ancient in India from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, said Kanchi Sankaracharya Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal.
In his Pongal/Makara Sankaranti message, he said this is being done to thank Surya Bhagavan for the harvest and for the well-being of all.
‘Pongal marks new beginning,’ he said and added the festival is celebrated for the health and wealth of people. ‘Surya Namaskaram has a lot of benefits,’ the seer said. He urged people to carry forward Surya Namaskaram.
The Sankaracharya said details about Pongal celebrations were found in ancient inscriptions. He also highlighted the importance of Ratha Sapthami.
He said people should celebrate cattle during Maattu Pongal and seek blessings from elders during Kaanum Pongal.