The Year or ''Samvatsara'' is divided into two ''ayana'' or solstices, depending upon the position of the Sun with respect to the Earth i.e. ''Uttarayana'' or ''adana kala'' and ''dakshinayana'' or ''visarga kala''. Each ''ayana'' includes three ''ritus''. This is known as ''ritu'' cycle of six seasons. Six ''ritus'' are divided on the basis of the predominant effect of Sun and Moon. Air motivates the Sun and the Moon. ''Vata'' is responsible for differentiation of ''ritus''<ref>Ch.Su. 12</ref>.The ''uttarayana'' or northward position of the Sun and its act of dehydration/undernourishment brings about three seasons, including ''shishira, vasanta'' and ''grishma''. The ''dakshinayana'' or southward position of the Sun and its act of hydration/nourishment gives rise to other three seasons, including ''varsha, sharada'' and ''hemanta''. | The Year or ''Samvatsara'' is divided into two ''ayana'' or solstices, depending upon the position of the Sun with respect to the Earth i.e. ''Uttarayana'' or ''adana kala'' and ''dakshinayana'' or ''visarga kala''. Each ''ayana'' includes three ''ritus''. This is known as ''ritu'' cycle of six seasons. Six ''ritus'' are divided on the basis of the predominant effect of Sun and Moon. Air motivates the Sun and the Moon. ''Vata'' is responsible for differentiation of ''ritus''<ref>Ch.Su. 12</ref>.The ''uttarayana'' or northward position of the Sun and its act of dehydration/undernourishment brings about three seasons, including ''shishira, vasanta'' and ''grishma''. The ''dakshinayana'' or southward position of the Sun and its act of hydration/nourishment gives rise to other three seasons, including ''varsha, sharada'' and ''hemanta''. |