The sages have thoughtfully made the use of sesame seeds a part of the tradition on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. It is said that from this day onwards the day becomes longer by a mole. According to Ayurveda, it is favorable for autumn. Sesame has special importance from the point of view of human health, that is why in Hindu religion, presence of sesame has been made mandatory in all religious and auspicious functions, worship or havan, even in marriage ceremonies etc. Black sesame is nutritious and best. Sesame seeds contain four of the six juices of Ayurveda; bitter, sweet and astringent juices are found simultaneously in sesame seeds. The World Health Organization has given sesame the title of ‘superfood’.

What are the benefits of consuming sesame seeds?

Sesame seeds and jaggery also have scientific importance on the day of Makar Sankranti. At the time of Makar Sankranti, there is winter season in North India and the nature of sesame and jaggery is hot. Eating jaggery and sesame laddus keeps the body warm in winter. Besides, it works to increase the immunity of the body. Sesame seeds contain many types of salts like calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium which help the heart muscles to work actively. Sesame contains dietary protein and amino acids which promote bone growth of children. Apart from this, it is also very beneficial for the muscles. Many nutrients like Vitamin B6, Magnesium are found in black sesame. Which helps in maintaining good mental health. Consuming black sesame seeds sharpens the brain. Polyunsaturated fats and antioxidants are found in sufficient quantity in black sesame. Eating it also removes the risk of anemia and also increases the level of hemoglobin in the body. These are also considered a good source of iron.

What is the religious significance of sesame?

On the day of Makar Sankranti, Sun God is worshiped with black sesame seeds. Also black lentils, rice, ghee, salt, jaggery and black sesame seeds are donated. Laddus made of black sesame seeds and jaggery are eaten and also donated. According to the scriptures, by donating sesame seeds one gets the blessings of both Sun God and Shani Dev. Like Mother Ganga, sesame seeds also originated from the body of Lord Vishnu, hence sesame seeds are considered to have special significance. During the presence of Sun in Shanidev’s house, Saturn should not trouble him, hence donation and consumption of sesame seeds on Makar Sankranti is considered beneficial. It is also believed that a person who worships Lord Vishnu with sesame seeds daily in the month of Magh, all his troubles go away. That is why sesame seeds must be eaten in some form or the other on this day.

Are Shani and Surya Dev happy with sesame seeds and jaggery?

According to astrology, black sesame is related to Shani Dev and Surya Dev is related to jaggery. On the day of Sankranti, Sun God goes to Saturn’s house Capricorn, in such a situation, laddus made of black sesame and jaggery are considered a symbol of the sweet relationship between Sun and Saturn. Both Sun and Saturn are considered strong planets and in such a situation, when laddus made of black sesame seeds and jaggery are donated, both Sun God and Shani Dev are pleased. Accepting it as Prasad brings happiness and prosperity in the house by his grace.

There is also a popular story about black sesame seeds related to Sun God and Shanidev. According to the story, Surya Dev did not like his son Shani Dev. For this reason he separated Shani from his mother Chhaya. Due to separation of mother and son, Sun God was cursed with leprosy. Then Yamraj, the second son of Suryadev, freed him from leprosy by performing rigorous penance. After getting cured of the disease, Surya Dev got angry and burnt the house of Shani Dev and his mother Kumbh. After this, on the persuasion of Yamraj, Surya Dev’s anger subsided and he again reached Shani Dev’s house. When they reached there they saw that everything had been burnt, only the black sesame seeds had remained intact. When Surya reached home, Shani welcomed him with the same black mole. After this, Surya gifted him the second house ‘Makar’. After this, Suryadev told Shani that when he would come to his new house in Capricorn, his house would again be filled with wealth and grains. Also said that whoever worships the Sun with black sesame seeds and jaggery on the day of Makar Sankranti, all his troubles will go away. He will get the blessings of both Sun and Saturn and the troubles related to Saturn and Sun will go away. Therefore, black sesame and jaggery are considered to have special significance on Makar Sankranti.