Dhanurmasa Vratam
Dhanurmasa Vratam is observed in Dhanurmasam by unmarried girls as they believe that by observing the Vratam, Goda Devi was able to get Lord Ranganatha as her husband.
- During Dwapara Yuga, Sage Narada tells the gopikas (milkmaids) to undertake “Katyayani Vratam”, to get the blessings of Lord Krishna.
- During the vratam, Goda Devi sang Tiruppavai pasurams (auspicious songs). Goda converted Villiputtur into Vrindavan to perform the vratam along with the gopikas to get the blessings of Lord Krishna.
- During the vratam, she sang one pasuram each day – for 30 days.
Legends behind Dhanurmasam
“Dhanurmasam” or “Margali Masam” has acquired a unique significance of auspiciousness in the spiritual calendar for devotional activities, especially worshipping Lord Sri Mahavishnu. The month derives its name from the star Mrugasira occurring on/or immediately after the Pournami (full moon day).
It is also known as Dhanurmasam, since during this month, the sun transits through Dhanur Rasi (Sagittarius). It is also called “Chapa Masa” – signifying the divine bow “Dhanush”. It falls during the mid-December to mid-January period of the English Calendar each year.
Dhanurmasam is considered the month of Bhakti and is an important month for all spiritual seekers, as it is a very good period for worshipping Lord Vishnu.
Dakshinayana & Uttarayana
God’s day is equivalent to 6 months called [“Uttarayana”] and God’s night equals the other 6 months called [“Dakshinayana”] in a year according to humans. Dhanurmasam falls at the tail end of it. Dakshinayana or God’s nighttime, heading towards Uttarayana at the end of it.
This month is considered the auspicious early hours of dawn for the Devas. It is called the “Brahma Muhurtham” for the Devas, and hence it is recommended that we perform our prayers and worship, during the early morning hours, around two hours before sunrise.
Katyayini Vratam
Katyayini Vratam is also observed and it is believed that a lady who observes the Vratam would get a good husband.
Anantha Vratam
Anantha Vratam, also known as Ananta Chaturdasi or Ananta Padmanabha Vratam, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In Mahabharata, Sri Krishna advises Yudhishtara to observe Ananta Vratam for 14 years to get back his lost kingdom.
The day of Ar(u)dra star in Dhanurmasam (Dec-Jan) is of special significance in Siva temples too. Some also sing the Tiruvempaavai written by the poet, Saint Manick Avasakar to invoke the blessings of the Lord Siva during the thirty days of Margasira.
This Vratam is performed between the two full moon days of Margasira and Pushyami.
There is the significance of doing this ritual in Margasira. Margam means a way, and Seersham means head and best.
Vratams observed during Dhanurmasam (December – January)
Dhanurmasam – Importance
Worshipping Vishnu on a single day during this auspicious period is equal to worshipping Vishnu with devotion for 1000 years.
Every single step was taken towards the nearby lake, river, etc., for morning dip during this month brings forth merit equal to performing one Ashvamedha Yaga.
Story of Sri Andal, Margali Nomu & Tiruppavai
The history of Dhanurmasa Vratam which is also known as “Pavai Nomu” / “Margali Nomu” mentioned in the early scriptures. During Dwapara Yuga, Sri Narada Maharishi tells the Gopikas to perform the “Katyayani Vratam”, to get the blessings of Lord Sri Krishna, hence were first followed by the Gopikas of Vrindavan and they were blessed with His presence and all the troubles of the people of Vrindavan have been removed.
Women and girls observing Pavai Nomu woke up before sunrise, bathed in the Kalindi river made an image of Goddess Katyayani with the clay found on the river bank and offered prayers to the Goddess to get a good husband.
It is also believed that Sri Andal [also known as Goda Devi], one of the twelve Alwars, on the advice of her father, Sri PeriAlwar, performed Pavai Nomu to merge with Lord Sri Ranganatha [Lord Vishnu]. The story of this was sung by Godadevi in the form of “Tiruppavai Pasuras” (meaning Auspicious Songs). Goda also sang “Nacchiyar Tirumoli” – a work of 143 Pasuras, depicting her devotion towards the Lord.
During the Vratam, she sang one Pasuram each day – for 30 days. She regarded the presiding deity of the temple Sri Vatapatra Sai (Alilla Kanan) as the Lord Krishna, Sri Villiputtur as Vrindavan, the temple as Nanda Gopa’s home, her friends as Gopikas and she as one Gopika.
As a result, she found her Sri RanganathaSwami [Lord Vishnu]. Today women and girls undertaking Pavai Nomu during Margali take a bath in the morning, draw big rangolis and keep a pumpkin flower with a little dung as a holder, light oil lamps in front of their houses.
In later days, Sri Ramanujacharya made this Vratam popular and gained the name “Tiruppavai Jeeyar” or “Godaagrajulu”.
