What is Dhanurmasam
When the Sun transits into Dhanus Raasi, as per the solar calendar of the Hindus, the following month is called Dhanurmasam. It usually starts on 16th December and ends on January 13th or 14th on Bhogi festival day.
It is the last month before the onset of Uttarayana. Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 10 declares, “Of months, I am Margashirsha.”
Special significance – Worshipping Sri Maha Vishnu
Thus, this month has a very special significance in the Hindu calendar for devotional activities, especially for worshipping Sri Maha Vishnu. This worship to Lord Vishnu in Dhanurmasam is to be done in Brahma Muhurtam or Arunodaya Kaala i.e., before the Sunrise when the stars are still twinkling (at least 96 meters before the Sunrise).
During this month, a special dish – Huggi, (prepared with rice and moong dal in equal proportions) is offered to Lord Vishnu as Naivedya. Since this is a twilight zone between winter and monsoon, health significance is attached to prescribing the food items during the month.
Since this month is set apart for worship, marriages, and other such functions are not performed during the month. It is only to give more focus and attention to divine worship rather than mundane materialistic activities.
How is the month observed at Tirumala?
In Tirumala temple, the priests recite Tiruppavai, a set of 30 songs composed by Goda Devi (Andal), in place of the usual Suprabhatham.
Please click here for information on events observed in Tirumala during Dhanurmasam
Dhanurmasa – 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.
