Why Is Sesame Essential in Magha Month?

The Use of Sesame in Magha Month at a Glance

Throughout the month of Magha, the use of sesame is regarded as essential from both a religious and a physical point of view. Both black and white sesame are an integral part of worship, bathing, charity and diet in this month. The scriptural tradition gives a clear instruction that in Magha month one should never give up eating sesame, applying sesame paste and donating sesame. From Makar Sankranti through Shattila Ekadashi, Mauni Amavasya and Til Dwadashi, the principal festivals of this entire month are regarded as incomplete without sesame.

Use of Sesame	Method	Benefit
Bath	A few black sesame seeds in the bathing water	Purification of the body and protection of the skin
Paste	A paste of ground sesame	Moisture for dry skin
Eating	Laddoos of sesame and jaggery, gajak, revdi	Warmth, energy and nourishment
Tarpan	Water with black sesame offered to the ancestors	Satisfaction of the ancestors
Homa	Oblations of sesame and ghee	Purification of the atmosphere and the mind
Charity	Sesame, sesame laddoos or a vessel filled with sesame	Peace from Saturn and imperishable merit
Lamp	A lamp of sesame oil	Removal of negativity and grace of Saturn

Basic Rules for Using Sesame

• Add a few black sesame seeds to the bathing water every day.
• At least once a week, massage with sesame oil or apply sesame paste.
• Eat sesame and jaggery in limited amounts with meals.
• Always donate sesame on Amavasya and Ekadashi.
• Light a sesame oil lamp on Saturday evenings.

The Sanctity of Sesame in the Scriptures

In the Sanatana tradition, sesame is regarded as a highly sacred substance. According to Puranic belief, sesame arose from the body of Lord Vishnu, so it is used in both the worship of the gods and the rites for the ancestors. The use of black sesame is regarded as essential in shraddha and tarpan, because it is believed that water mixed with sesame reaches the ancestors and satisfies them.

White sesame is used more in worship, while black sesame is regarded as best for ancestral rites and the worship of Saturn. In Magha month both have their own place. The rule of 6 uses of sesame on Shattila Ekadashi is the greatest proof of the importance of sesame in this month.

Type of Sesame	Principal Uses	Related Deity or Planet
Black Sesame	Ancestral tarpan, shraddha, Saturn worship, charity	The ancestors, Saturn and Rahu
White Sesame	Worship of the gods, bhog, homa, sweets	Lord Vishnu and the Moon
Sesame Oil	Lamps, massage, offering to Saturn	Saturn

The Harmony of Saturn and the Sun

In Vedic astrology, sesame is regarded as the favourite substance of Shani Dev and jaggery as the favourite of Surya Dev. Saturn is the son of the Sun but in astrology the 2 are regarded as mutual enemies. This tension between father and son is described in many Puranic stories.

A beautiful story is popular in folk tradition. It is said that Surya Dev once became displeased with his son Saturn and burnt his home with his radiance. Everything turned to ash and only black sesame remained. When Surya Dev arrived at his son's home in the sign of Makara, Saturn welcomed his father with that very black sesame. Seeing his son's humility, Surya Dev was pleased and gave the blessing that whoever worships him with sesame at this time will be freed from troubles.

In Magha month the Sun stays in Makara, the sign of Saturn. This time is regarded as the time of the meeting of father and son. When sesame and jaggery are eaten together, it symbolically ends the mutual conflict between the Sun and Saturn. From an astrological point of view, this means that a balance is established in a person's life between inner strength, represented by the Sun and discipline, represented by Saturn.

Planet	Substance	Qualities	Fruit of the Balance
Sun	Jaggery	Inner strength, radiance and leadership	Self confidence
Saturn	Sesame	Discipline, patience and hard work	Stability
The Union of Both	Sesame and jaggery	Balance of radiance and discipline	Lasting success and family harmony

Bringing Nourishing Oiliness into the Body

Magha month falls in Shishira Ritu, the late winter season. In this season cold and dry winds blow, increasing dryness in the body. The skin begins to crack, the lips dry, the joints ache and Vata dosha increases. In Ayurveda the best remedy for this dryness is snigdhata, nourishing oiliness and sesame is its finest source.

Ayurveda regards sesame as ushna, warming in nature, snigdha, unctuous, strength giving and a pacifier of Vata. The Charaka Samhita describes sesame oil as the best among oils. Sesame is said to be especially beneficial for the hair, teeth, bones and skin.

Modern nutritional science also regards sesame as highly nourishing. Sesame is rich in natural oil, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, protein and fibre. These nutrients protect the skin and bones from the dry winds of Shishira and give energy to the body.

• Strength of the bones: The calcium and magnesium found in sesame are beneficial for the bones.
• Protection of the skin: Sesame oil and sesame paste moisturise the skin and protect it from cracking.
• Energy and warmth: Sesame and jaggery together give the body warmth and energy in the cold.
• Digestion: Sesame in limited amounts improves digestion.
• Nourishment of the hair: Massaging with sesame oil nourishes the hair.

Caution in Eating Sesame

Just as sesame is beneficial, it is equally necessary to eat it with care. Sesame is warming in nature, so eating too much of it can increase heat and Pitta in the body.

• Eat sesame in limited amounts. 1 to 2 spoons or 1 to 2 laddoos, a day are enough.
• Those who suffer from excess Pitta, acidity or heat rashes on the skin should eat it with care.
• Those who are allergic to sesame should not eat it.
• People with diabetes should watch the amount of jaggery and seek a doctor's advice.
• Pregnant women should eat sesame only on a doctor's advice.

Sesame Dishes of Magha Month

In Magha month, many traditional sesame dishes are made across India. Along with taste, these dishes are symbols of both nourishment and tradition.

Dish	Ingredients	Speciality
Sesame Laddoos	Sesame, jaggery and ghee	The most popular prasad and gift in charity
Gajak	Thin layers of sesame and jaggery	A famous sweet of North India
Revdi	Sesame with jaggery or sugar	A small round sweet
Tilkut	Pounded sesame and jaggery	A special prasad of Bihar and of Sakat Chauth
Sesame Chikki	Sesame and jaggery	Crunchy and nourishing
Sesame Chutney	Sesame, chilli and salt	Tasty with meals
Sesame Jaggery Roti	Flour, sesame and jaggery	For feeding cows and for bhog

In Maharashtra at this time, people share sesame and jaggery with the words "Til gul ghya, god god bola," meaning "Take sesame and jaggery and speak sweetly." This tradition teaches that the sweetness of sesame and jaggery should come not only into the mouth but also into speech and relationships.

The Importance of Donating Sesame in Magha Month

Donating sesame in Magha month is regarded as one of the most meritorious forms of charity. It is believed that a person who donates sesame in Magha month gains imperishable merit and that their home never runs short of food.

• Donating black sesame on Amavasya, for the peace of the ancestors.
• Donating black sesame and sesame oil on Saturday, for the peace of Saturn.
• Donating a vessel filled with sesame on Ekadashi, for the grace of Vishnu.
• Feeding a cow a roti of sesame and jaggery, for the satisfaction of all the gods.
• Distributing sesame laddoos to the poor, to help them in the cold.

Rules for Using Sesame in Magha Month

Do	Do Not
Add black sesame to the bathing water	Do not eat too much sesame
Use black sesame in ancestral tarpan	Do not offer broken or spoiled sesame in worship
Donate clean and pure sesame	Do not donate old or insect damaged sesame
Share sesame and jaggery and resolve to speak sweetly	Do not discriminate while sharing sesame
Decide the amount of sesame according to your health	Do not eat sesame if you are allergic to it

A Great Balance Held Within a Tiny Seed

The sesame seed is very small in size but within it lies a great store of nourishment, warmth and spiritual power. The use of sesame in Magha month teaches that the great balances of life are built from small daily habits. A few sesame seeds in the daily bath, one laddoo with a meal and a handful of sesame in charity, these small acts together bring balance to body, mind and fortune.

For the person who uses sesame with faith and discernment throughout Magha month, the radiance of the Sun and the discipline of Saturn blossom together in life. Like sesame and jaggery, strength and sweetness come together beautifully in that life.

FAQ

Why is sesame so important in Magha month? In Magha month the Sun is in Makara, the sign of Saturn and sesame is Saturn's favourite substance. In Shishira Ritu, sesame also gives the body warmth and nourishment.

What is the difference between black and white sesame? Black sesame is used mainly in ancestral tarpan, shraddha and the worship of Saturn, while white sesame is used more in the worship of the gods, bhog and sweets.

Why are sesame and jaggery eaten together? In astrology, sesame is regarded as dear to Saturn and jaggery as dear to the Sun. Eating them together symbolises the balance of the Sun and Saturn and gives the body energy in the cold.

How much sesame should be eaten daily in Magha month? Sesame is warming in nature, so 1 to 2 spoons or 1 to 2 laddoos a day are regarded as enough. Take care if you have Pitta problems or an allergy.

What are the benefits of donating sesame in Magha month? It is believed that donating sesame in Magha month brings imperishable merit, satisfies the ancestors, eases the troubles of Saturn and keeps the home from running short of food.