Nautapa has its roots in both mythology as well as science. Scientifically, it is the time when the sun is at its scorching best and is considered the hottest time of the summer. Astrology says that when the king of the planets, Surya dev or Sun God enters the Rohini Nakshatra in the first month, the earth’s temperature increases considerably.
The heat is intense for the about 9 days, that’s why the occurrence is termed Nautapa. Science says that during these nine days, the sun’s rays fall directly on the earth.
This year, Nautapa starts on May 25 and will last till June 2. While it is generally believed that this period brings suffering to all living beings on earth.
In scientific term from 21 March to 21 June is summer solstices and it is ‘Summer season’ for the people of northern hemisphere. It is considered that on 21 June the position of Sun will be exactly overhead of tropic of cancer, when there should be the hottest day in northern hemisphere. The astrology is based on the movement of Sun, moon and all planets, the date of Nautapa may vary accordingly.
If seen from the point of view of agriculture, then these 9 days of summer are very special. Farmers have been believing that the more heat there is in these days, the more rain. This causes greater evaporation from the earth’s water bodies, leading to clouds which ensure a good monsoon.