on its northward course (from south to north) attain nirvana. This explains the choice made by Devavrata to wait until Uttarayana to die. According to the Hindu tradition the six months of Uttarayana are a single day of the Gods; the six months of Dakshinayana are a single night of the Gods. Thus a year of twelve months is single Nychthemeron of the Gods. This refers to the six months of single day at the North pole and concurrent six months of night at the south pole. References External links Animated illustration of Uttarayana and Dakshinayana Hindu astronomy Hindu calendar Articles containing video clips