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On the occasion of Magha Masam
The eleventh month in the Hindu calendar is Magha. It is considered a pious month for taking holy baths in rivers and seas. During Magha Masam, Lord Vishnu is offered prayers with devotion and reverence.
It is believed that Maa Parvati Mata had incarnated as Sati during this month. Once Parameswari adorned a south-faced conch and was resting on a lotus flower in the river Sarayu. Daksha while taking a holy bath in the river saw the flower and plucked it. When he touched the conch, it turned into a beautiful girl named ‘Sati Devi’.
There is a story about Garuda, the Divine Eagle and the Vehicle of Lord Vishnu. He was blessed with liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death in this month. Auspicious festivals like Vasantha Panchami, Ratha Saptami, and Maha Shivaratri fall during the Telugu month of Magha.
Maha Maghi
The Purnima Day during Magha Masam is considered very auspicious because the Moon transits from the star Magha with his enchanting brilliance of sixteen hues. The Pournima Day in Magha Masam is also called Maha Maghi and it is the most auspicious day for taking baths in holy rivers, giving donations, ‘japas’ and recitation of sacred mantras. Brihaspati enters Simha Rasi on this day and he is worshipped. Jubilant celebrations are conducted in temples during this month.
Magha Puranam
In this month, devotees read Magha Puranam. The great sage Suta narrated the significance of Magha in Padma Purana. In the 12th chapter, he explained the importance of taking a bath in Prayaga, Trayambakeswar and the river Godavari. He said that during this month one should bathe in holy waters in the early morning and pray to Lord Vishnu.
Devotees read the Magha Purana and light lamps in the temples of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
Slokam
Taking a bath on Purnima Day in sacred waters is regarded as the most significant event and while taking a bath one should recite the following sloka.
“Dukha daridra nasaya,
Sri Vishno stroshanaayacha
Pratah snanam Karomyadya
magha papa vinasanam
Makaraste rave Maghe
Govinda Achyuta Madhava
Snanenanena me deva
yadhokta falado bhava”
I am taking this holy bath in the month of Magha to please Lord Vishnu for removing my sorrows, sin and poverty. Lord Govinda, Lord Achyuta, Lord Madhava bless me with great benevolence.
