Tag: Dhanurmasam

Dhanu, Dhanus or Dhanurmasam is a month in the Hindu calendar, Malayalam calendar and others. It corresponds to the zodiacal sign of Sagittarius, and overlaps with approximately the second half of December and about the first half of January in the Gregorian calendar.

Margasira Ekadasi

Margasira Ekadasi

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Mrigasira or Mrigasirsha or Margazhi or Margasira Ekadasi

Mrigasira or Mrigasirsha or Margazhi (Tamil) is a significant month among all other months. Margasira is also called as Dhanurmasa. The sun transits through the Dhanur Rashi and the period ends with the Makara Sankranti.

Hence it is called as Dhanurmasam / Marghasirsha / Margazhi. It is the most auspicious and the favorite month for Lord Vishnu. Sri Krishna says in Srimad Bhagavadgita: “ Maasaanaam Margasirshah (10.35) i.e, I am Margashirsha month among the different months of the year.

  • The period when the sun starts moving northward from the Tropic of Capricorn to the Tropic of Cancer is called Uttarayana.
  • The opposite period when the sun moves southward is called Dakshinayana.

According to the Hindu Traditional Shastras, one human year represents one day for the celestials. Uttarayana is their daytime and Dakshinayana is the night.

And Dhanur / Margazhi Masa being the dawn of the day (Brahma Muhurtha) for the Gods, singing and chanting the glory of God is considered most auspicious and said to soon bestow the desires of the humans. Thus year of twelve months is the single Nychthemeron of the devatas.

The month ‘Margazhi’ has a unique and auspicious place, especially for the worship of Lord Vishnu. This month is considered the month of Bhakti and Saranagati.

Fasting

It is said in Padmapurana that, in the three worlds, there is no fasting which is even comparable to the Ekadasi fast. Anyone who fasts on Ekadasi day, with full devotion will be blessed by the Supreme Lord. The Padma Purana also speaks in detail about the Vratha undertaken on the Ekadasi day of each of the 12 months in the Hindu calendar.

On this Mrigasirsha Ekadasi day, one has to spend time in the thoughts of Lord Vishnu and recite stotras like Sri Vishnu Sahasra Nama etc.

Dhanurmasa

Dhanurmasa is also called as Chaapamaasa, Kodanda maasa and shoonya maasa. This full month is reserved for deva puja only. We have to restrict other functions and celebrations in this month. This is because the Sun sets in Dhanurashi and it is not good to celebrate any personal events like marriages etc. That is why we must not perform any such functions in this month as this month is dedicated to Gods only and for it is a blank month, it is termed as “Shoonya maasa”.

Katyayini Vratha, Dhanurmasa Vratas are observed by ladies during Dhanurmasa. It is believed that by observing the Dhanurmasa Vrata Goda Devi was blessed with Lord Vishnu as her husband. Hence it is believed that a lady who observes Dhanurmasa Vrata would be blessed. Srimadbhagavatham says that the Gopikas offered cooked rice with Moong dal during their Katyayani vrata.

Tiruppavai

During Dhanurmasa, tributes are paid to Bhudevi (Andal) through the recitation of Tiruppavai; a composition in Tamil. Sri Andal spent her youth pursuing her goal of realizing oneness with Sri MahaVishnu. She successfully achieved her union with Sri Maha Vishnu through Bhakti or devotion.

Tiruppavai is a poem of 30 verses composed by Sri Andal. Unlike the other days when Lord Vishnu starts his day with Suprabhatam, this month he opens his eyes listening to the Tiruppavai pasurams in Tirumala. Tiruppavai means Sri Vratam – Auspicious Ritual – A giver of all prosperity. This is performed in the month of Dhanurmasa.

Vaikunta Ekadasi (Utsavam) Inside Temple

Vaikuntha Ekadasi

According to the Hindu calendar, it is the month of Margashirsha which falls between mid-December and mid-January. Ekadasi that falls on Margashira shukla paksha is called ‘Vaikuntha Ekadasi’. It is believed that fasting on this day bestows our liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Hence one becomes a liberated soul. As per Hindu scriptures, diverting actions of the ten senses and mind from worldly objects towards Mahavishnu is the true sense of observing Ekadasi.

Ekadasi signifies control over one’s senses (ten) & mind (one). One must not let vicious, unwanted thoughts of lust; anger, avarice, etc. enter the mind.

Vaikuntha is the spiritual abode of Lord Vishnu, where he resides with Mahalakshmi, His divine consort. The Vaikuntha Dwara (the gate to Vaikuntha) a special entrance on the northern side of the temple, is opened once in a year on this particular day. It is believed that anyone fasting on this day enters the temple through Vaikuntha Dwara and will attain Moksha/liberation.

On this day, Lord Vishnu opened the gate of Vaikuntham (God’s Abode) for demons despite they were against Him. The demons then asked Lord Vishnu for a boon that whoever hears His story, and sees Lord Vishnu entering through the north door, will reach Vaikuntham too. Fasting on this holy day is considered to help one to be blessed with purity of mind, freedom, and peace. It keeps the negative vibes and thoughts at bay.

Vaikunta Ekadasi is the day when Vishnu took the form of his female energy called ‘Ekadasi’ to slay the demon Muran who ruled Chandravati during Kritayuga and tortured the Devatas. Lord Vishnu fought with demon and wanted to take a rest in a cave. The demon, upon entering the cave, planned to kill the sleeping Vishnu, but as he came closer, a young girl armed with many powerful weapons emerged from Vishnu and killed the demon.

When Lord Vishnu woke up; he was immensely pleased with the girl who destroyed the demon. He named the beautiful girl ‘Ekadasi’.

The Bhagavad Gita conversation between Krishna and Arjuna started on this day. So Gita Jayanti is celebrated on this day. Gita Jayanti is the day when Lord Krishna instructed Arjuna about the essence of spiritual knowledge. The most widely known literature of the world, Srimadbhagavadgita which means the song of the universe was also told to Arjuna on this day.

Sri Dattatreya Jayanti

Sri Dattatreya Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day of this month. On this day, Lord Dattatreya regarded as an incarnation of the Trinity — Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara was born to sage Atri and Anusuya: hence was named Atreya. Dattatreya Jayanti falls every year on the Purnima of the Margashirsha month.

The kick-start of music season also falls in the early Margashira itself. It is also the season of music and art. Classical music and bhajans are more prevalent during this period in temples and sabhas. The entire month is a feast for our ears.

Dhanurmasa Vratam

Dhanurmasa Vratam

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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.

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.

Dhanurmasam

Dhanurmasam

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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.

Worship of Lord Srinivasa - Dhanurmasam

Worship of Lord Srinivasa – Dhanurmasam

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Lord Srinivasa is worshipped as Lord Krishna

During the auspicious month of Dhanurmasam, special rituals are offered to Lord Srinivasa at Tirumala Hill Shrine. For the entire 30 days of Dhanurmasam, Lord Srinivasa is worshipped as Lord Krishna.

Silent Thomala Seva

During the commencement of Dhanurmasam, at the specified time, Srivaru is offered with special Thomala Seva without Seva Kalam by Jeeyar Ghoshti (without reciting any pasurams from Divya Prabhandam unlike normal days). This is also called ‘Mooga Thomala (Silent Thomala)’.

This is because it is at this time, Lord Vishnu wakes – up and this time is Brahmi -Muhurtha for Devathas. The most prominent change in rituals is, Suprabhatha Seva, which is the first ritual of the day, and is performed by reciting verses from Sri Andal’s ‘Tiruppavai’.

While the Srivaishnava Adhyapakas lead by PeddaJeeyar swami, recite verses from Tiruppavai and Sri Tondaradipodi Alwar ’s ‘Tirupallieluchi’, the Vaikhanasa Archaka Swami performs all the rituals connected to pratyushakaalam to the Dhruva Beram.

Sevas with Bilva & Tulasi Leaves

After the above ritual, Dhanurmasa Aradhana, comprising of Thomala Seva, Sahasranama Archana with Bilva leaves, Dhanurmasa Naivedyam, Sathumora are performed.

This is followed by a regular sequence of worship known as ‘Pratahkala Aradhana’, in which regular Thomala Seva, Koluvu, Sahasranama Aradhana with Tulasi leaves, First Bell, Bali, and Sathumora are conducted.

During Sahasranamarchana, Srivari Dhruva Beram is worshipped with Tulasi leaves amidst a recital of 1008 names, for all 11 months in a year except during the 30 days of Dhanurmasa.

In this Margasira month, during Sahasranama Archana as part of Dhanurmasa Aradhana, Srivaru is offered Archana with Bilva leaves. The Lord of Vengadam Hill is Lord Srinivasa and his consort is Goddess Lakshmi Devi, she is known as ‘Bilvavan Alaya’.

And She is praised in Lakshmi chaturvimsati Naamaavali – the 24 auspicious names of Goddess Lakshmi from Varaha Purana as

“namo bilvavanasth Ayaivish Nupatnyainamo namaha ||”.

Once Indra and other Devas last Swargaloka to Asuras. They then worshipped Lakshmi with 24 names. She was happy with their worship and conferred swargaloka(heaven), and also said

tEmAmanEnastOtrEnastutvAsthAnamavApnuyu: |

aKhanDai: bilvapatrairmAmarchayantinarAbhuvi || (Varaha Purana)

Bilva Leaves – Greatness

Those who worship me with the auspicious bilva leaves, will be conferred their lost place along with immense wealth by my grace. And hence in Tirumala, it is rightfully followed by worshipping Lord Venkateswara, who is holding Goddess Lakshmi on his right bosom, with bilva leaves.

Also, Vaikhanasa Bhrighu Samhita states that –

nandyAvartam cha padmam cha tulasIvishNuparNikA |

bilvam cha karavIram chapadmamkumudamEvacha |

ashTavaipunyapushpANigrAhyANituyathAkramam ||

  • The eight types of auspicious flowers that are suggested by Vaikhanasa Bhrighu Samhita used in worshipping Lord Vishnu are – Nandivardhanam ( Jasmine),
  • Padmam (Lotus),
  • Tulasi (Basil),
  • Vishnu Parnika (Orania),
  • Bilvam (leaves of wood apple),
  • Ganneru (oleander),
  • Kumudam (Red Lotus),
  • Bilva (Belpatra), and
  • Metta Tamara.

And hence in Tirumala, it’s an age-old custom to use Bilvapatram during Dhanurmasa, along with other types of flowers.

End of Dhanurmasa Aradhana(Worship)

At the end of Dhanurmasa Aradhana, Srivari Mulavirat is adorned with flower garlands and there will be no separate adornment of flowers in the regular Thomala Seva.

Also, two specially made parrots with leaves, one from Srivilliputtur Andal Sannidhi is adorned on the left bosom of Srivaru, and another one provided by the TTD garden department is also adorned on the left side near Shankham.

Also, a diamond-studded parrot is adorned on the right bosom of Srivaru throughout Dhanurmasam.

Dhanurmasam At Tirumala

Dhanurmasam At Tirumala

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Dhanurmasam

‘Dhanurmasa’ is considered as highly auspicious for the devotees of Lord Vishnu. The beginning of Dhanurmasa is marked by the transit of the Sun into ‘Dhanur ’ rasi.

This is also called ‘Dhanus Sankramana’. According to Sanatana Dharma, Devas wakeup early in the morning during this month. They perform special prayers to Sri Maha vishnu during the auspicious period of ‘Bramhi Muhurtha’, which is one and a half hours before sunrise.

Srikrishna in Bhagavad Gita says – ‘Maasaanaam Maarga Seershoham….’ – ‘I manifest more in Margashirsha Masam among the different months of the year ’.

Worshipping Lord Vishnu on a single day during Dhanurmasa is equal to worshipping Vishnu with devotion for 1000 years. Special worship is conducted in all ancient Vishnu shrines throughout South India and some parts of North India.

The holy festival ‘Vaikunta Ekadasi’ is celebrated on an Ekadasi during the bright half of Dhanurmasam.

Worship of Lord Srinivasa – Dhanurmasam

Naivedyam

During the Dhanurmasa Naivedyam, special food offerings like Jaggery Dosa, Mudgannam (Katte Pongali), Sundal, Seera are offered every day to Lord Srinivasa.

Goda Kalyanam

The holy month of Dhanurmasa concludes with the Bhogi festival on the 30th day and Goda Kalyanam ritual is performed in Tirupati Sri Govindaraja Swami temple Andal Sannidhi.

Also, flower garlands from Sri Andal Sannidhi are sent to Tirumala and are adorned on the Dhruva Beram of Srivaru, during Madhyamika Aradhana.

Those who worship Lord Vishnu in this holy month of Dhanurmasa will be conferred with the choicest blessings of Lord Srinivasa and by his eternal grace, devotees are blessed with health, wealth, peace and prosperity in this world and attain Vishnu Loka prapti at the end of their lives.

Vaikunta Ekadasi

During the Dhanurmasam, Margasira Sukla Ekadasi, or Vaikunta Ekadashi is celebrated with religious fervor.

Adhyayanotsavam

The annual Adhyayanotsavam celebrations are observed for 23 days during Dhanurmasam. ‘Adhyayana’ in Sanskrit means practice and is synonymous with repetition, or recitation of any subject matter.