By Pt. Sanjeev Sharma
Significance of Kumbha Sankranti 2026, Surya worship, Punya Kaal and Maha Punya Kaal

Kumbha Sankranti is the occasion when the Sun moves from Capricorn into Aquarius and a new phase of solar transit begins in the Panchang. This shift is not only an astronomical event but also a spiritual opportunity to purify one’s energy through bath, charity and Sun worship. For those who look to Surya sadhana for career growth, health and mental balance, Kumbha Sankranti 2026 holds special importance.
According to astrological calculations, in 2026 the Sun will move from Makara Rashi into Kumbha Rashi during the month of February and that date is observed as Kumbha Sankranti. From this transit onward, the Sun will remain in Aquarius for about thirty days and then proceed towards Pisces.
| Detail | Time and Date |
|---|---|
| Sun’s transit from Capricorn to Aquarius | 13 February 2026, 04:04 am |
| Name of the Sankranti | Kumbha Sankranti 2026 |
| Sun’s stay in Aquarius | About 30 days, from 13 February to 15 March 2026 |
| Next transit | 15 March 2026, entry into Pisces |
On Kumbha Sankranti, the moment of the Sun’s entry into Aquarius forms the basis for calculating the Punya Kaal and Maha Punya Kaal. These are the periods during which bathing, charity and Sun worship are considered especially fruitful.
In astrology, Surya Deva is regarded as the significator of the soul. The Sun is linked with confidence, leadership, health, reputation and clarity of purpose.
When the Sun is well placed, it supports career success, stable reputation and sound decision making. Because of this, astrologers often advise focused Sun worship around Kumbha Sankranti for those who wish to progress in their professional life.
On Kumbha Sankranti 2026, the Sun will leave Capricorn and enter Aquarius in the early morning.
During the Aquarius transit, the Sun also moves through different nakshatras.
As these nakshatras change, people may sense subtle shifts in thinking, social priorities and working style. Aquarius as a sign is linked with community, service and a broad perspective, so this transit can encourage a more inclusive and socially aware approach to life.
For Kumbha Sankranti, two important time windows are described for bathing, charity and worship.
| Muhurat | Time |
|---|---|
| Punya Kaal | 07:01 am to 12:35 pm |
| Maha Punya Kaal | 07:01 am to 08:53 am |
Punya Kaal is the longer interval in which devotees can choose a convenient time for Ganga snan, river or tirtha bath and virtuous acts of giving. Maha Punya Kaal is shorter but considered more intensely powerful. Acts of snan, daana and Sun worship during this span are treated as especially meritorious.
Those who cannot devote time across the entire Punya Kaal should try at least to bathe, offer arghya and make a resolve during the Maha Punya Kaal.
The observances of Kumbha Sankranti are outwardly simple yet filled with meaning, as each step reflects an effort to bring more light into life.
In Sun worship, red or soft yellow flowers, sandal paste, incense, lamp and a simple offering are considered appropriate. It helps to keep in mind that the Sun’s light is meant not only to brighten the outer world but also to remove inner darkness.
On Kumbha Sankranti 2026, the day carries not only the Sun’s transit but also some auspicious yogas.
Keeping these yogas in mind, devotees may choose to offer worship both to Surya Deva and to Lord Shiva, turning Kumbha Sankranti into a day of balance for body, mind and inner awareness.
In astrology, the Sun is an important factor in Raja Yoga, leadership and self assurance.
Using Kumbha Sankranti as a starting point, regular practice of Surya Namaskar, mantra recitation and thoughtful charity can become a practical way to balance solar energy in life.
Kumbha Sankranti is more than a date in the Panchang. It can serve as a soft call towards inner realignment.
When bathing, charity and worship are accompanied by real change in habit and outlook, the deeper benefits of Kumbha Sankranti begin to appear in everyday life.
On which date and at what time does Kumbha Sankranti 2026 occur
In 2026, the Sun leaves Capricorn and enters Aquarius on 13 February at 04:04 am. From that moment Kumbha Sankranti is considered to have begun and the Sun will remain in Aquarius for about thirty days until it enters Pisces on 15 March.
What are the Punya Kaal and Maha Punya Kaal for Kumbha Sankranti 2026
For Kumbha Sankranti 2026, Punya Kaal runs from 07:01 am to 12:35 pm and Maha Punya Kaal is from 07:01 am to 08:53 am. Snan, charity and Sun worship performed during these periods are described as especially rewarding.
Which religious practices are recommended on Kumbha Sankranti
Recommended observances include an early bath, offering arghya to the Sun, reciting Surya mantras or stotras and giving charity in the form of food, sesame or clothing. Many devotees also visit temples, remember Lord Shiva and spend some time in quiet reflection.
Why is the Sun called the significator of the soul in astrology
The Sun represents consciousness, identity, confidence and the central life force. When strong, it supports courage and clarity. When weak, it may be linked with confusion, fear and low vitality. For this reason, astrological texts refer to Surya as the significator of the soul.
What is the meaning of Saubhagya and Shivavas Yogas on this Kumbha Sankranti
Saubhagya Yoga on Kumbha Sankranti is linked with good fortune and constructive developments, while Shivavas Yoga highlights the auspiciousness of remembering Lord Shiva on this day. Together, with the Sun’s transit, these yogas support prayers for health, balance and steady good luck.
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