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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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.

Andal Tiruppavai

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”.

Dhanurmasam - The Supreme Month of Devotion

Dhanurmasam – The Supreme Month of Devotion

Posted on by

What is Dhanurmasam

In Vedic texts, the ‘Dhanus’ month is called ‘Sahas’. In Sanskrit ‘Dhanus’ stands for a bow. ‘Dhanu’ is also an astrological sign in Indian horoscope systems, corresponding to Sagittarius. It is preceded by the solar month of ‘Vrischika’ and followed by ‘Makara’.

It is also called ‘Margali Masam’ in Tamil. Dhanurmasa occurs in the month of ‘Margasira’ and overlaps approximately the second half of December and about the first half of January. During this period the sun passes from ‘Dhanur Rasi’ (Sagittarius) to ‘Makara Rasi’ (Capricorn).

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.”

Significance of Dhanurmasam

The significance of ‘Dhanurmasam’ is discussed in the ‘Dhanurmasa Mahatmya’ of ‘Pancharatragama’. In ‘Pancharatragama’, the greatness of ‘Dhanurmasa’ is presented in four chapters, as a conversation between Lord Vishnu in the form of a Hamsa (Swan) and Lord Brahma.

The dialogue between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma is narrated by Sage Suta in response to a query by Sage Shaunaka.

Significance of Dhanurmasam

Pancharatragama Chapters

  • The greatness and holiness of ‘Dhanurmasam’ and the rewards one deserves by observing the austerities in the holy month are found in the first chapter.
  • The story of King Satyasandha and the holiness he achieved by observing ‘Dhanurmasa Vrata’ is mentioned in the second chapter.
  • The third chapter talks about the importance of giving alms and the numerous pious deeds a devotee can perform during the ‘Dhanurmasa’.
  • The final chapter talks about feeding the poor. It is said that the best way to reach the feet of Sri Hari is by feeding the hungry and poor during the month.

The Dhanurmasam continues until ‘Bhogi’ when the sun enters ‘Makara Rasi’ from ‘Dhanur Rasi’. Throughout this month, there is an atmosphere of festivity and celebration in the temples of Lord Vishnu. One celestial day of gods is equal to 6 human months called ‘Uttarayana’. Similarly, one celestial night of gods is equal to another 6 months called ‘Dakshinayana’ in a human year. ‘Dhanurmasam’ falls at the end of Dakshinayana.

Once, on the eve of ‘Dakshinayana’, the gods assembled on the ‘Mount Meru’ and prayed to the Lord Vishnu. As He appeared, they told Him that “night” was approaching and sought His permission to leave for their abodes. Then ‘Ratri Devi’, (Patron deity of the night) took the form of a beautiful damsel and prostrated before the Lord.

She pleaded with the Lord that ‘Dakshinayana’ is viewed as inauspicious and no one performs good deeds during this period and that she is universally reviled. She declares that she has decided to undertake penance to obtain the Lord’s grace and in case she fails, she will end the life of infamy.

The merciful Lord took pity on her and blessed her saying the duration of ‘Dakshinayana’ is of 3 seasons (2 months each). Out of them, the first two seasons shall be dearer to Him and within these 2 seasons (four months) there shall be an order in which ‘Kartika’ shall be the dearest followed by ‘Ashvija’, ‘Bhadrapada’, and finally ‘Shravana’. All the pious deeds performed during the four months shall yield immense ‘Punya’.

Hence, hereafter, people started looking forward to the arrival of this period and this erased the stigma attached to her. Thus, these four months have acquired unparalleled significance in the Hindu calendar.

Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita, “Maasaanaam Margasirshoham” which means “I am the ‘Margashirsha’ amongst seasons of the year.”

According to the scriptures, during the ‘Dhanurmasa’, the gods perform special Pujas to Sri Maha Vishnu at the “Brahma Muhurta”. It is believed that worshipping Lord Vishnu at least one day during this auspicious period is worth worshipping Him a thousand years.

Every single step taken for an early morning dip in lakes and rivers is believed to confer the ‘Punya’ of performing an Ashvamedha Yaga. So it is recommended to the devotees of Lord Vishnu to perform pujas and worship Him during the Brahma Muhurtha.

Sunyamasa

Dhanurmasam is also considered ‘Sunyamasa’ and is declared unsuitable for mundane celebrations such as marriages, housewarmings, and purchase of property etc. Because it is the period of the sun entering ‘Dhanur Rasi’ and passing on to ‘Makara Rasi’. According to the Shastras, when the sun is in the ‘Dhanu’ and ‘Meena’ (Sagittarius and Pisces) residing with ‘Brihaspati’, (Jupiter) all activities such as marriage or house warming etc are forbidden.

Only prayers and godly functions are performed during the period. This ensures a festive climate during which everyone is peaceful, pleasant and happy without being burdened with other activities. During this month, devotees perform the holy acts of ‘Surya Namaskars’ and worship of Lord Vishnu in the early hours.

Dhanurmasam Importance

Chanting

Devotees worship the Lord chanting ‘Vishnu Sahasranama’, ‘Purusha Suktam’, ‘Sri Vishnu Suktam’ or ‘Narayana Upanishad’ in the early hours. Some of them also worship Sri Maha Lakshmi, the consort of Sri Maha Vishnu during this time. The Shastras decree that such devotees will be blessed with health, wealth, happiness, and good fortune.

During this month, the devotees wake up in the ‘Brahma Muhurta’ (one and a half hours before sunrise) and offer prayers to the Lord. They feed the poor, give them alms, and offer liberal ‘Dakshina’ to the holy men with the hope of amassing great Punya.

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

Pujas and Vratas during Dhanurmasa

Dhanurmasa – Importance

Worshipping Vishnu on a single day during this auspicious period equals worshipping Vishnu with devotion for 1000 years.

Every single step was taken towards the nearby lake, river, etc., for morning dip this month brings forth merit equal to performing one Ashvamedha Yaga.

Pujas and Vratas during Dhanurmasa

The observance of ‘Dhanurmasa Vratam’ has been in vogue since time immemorial. It is also called ‘Pavai Nombu’ or ‘Margazhi Nombu’. The ‘Dhanurmasa Vrata’ was first narrated by the Lord Brahma to sage Narada. The reference to ‘Dhanurmasa’ can be found in ‘Brahmanda Purana’,’ Aditya Purana’, ‘Bhagavata’, and ‘Narayana Samhitas’.

It was Sage Narada who first prescribed the “Katyayani Vratam” to Gopikas to deserve the blessings of Lord Krishna who on the completion of the Vrata, gave His Darshan to the Gopikas and removed all their troubles. It is also believed that Andal, one of the twelve Alwars, on the advice of her father, Perialwar, performed ‘Pavai Nombu’ to achieve oneness with Sri Ranganatha (Lord Vishnu). The story was sung by Godadevi in the form of Tiruppavai Pasuras (meaning auspicious songs).

GodaDevi - Dhanurmasam - The Supreme Month of Devotion

GodaDevi

Godadevi is the daughter of Vishnu Chitta. She regarded the presiding deity of the temple, Sri Vatapatra Sai (Alilla Kanan) as Lord Krishna, Villiputtur as Brindavan, the temple as Nanda Gopa’s home, her friends as Gopikas, and she as one Gopika. She takes a vow to marry none other than God Ranganayaka.

She wakes up early in the morning during the Dhanurmasa and worships Lord Vishnu. She composes all her experiences and feelings in the form of ‘Pasuram’. In this way, she composed 30 Pasurams and dedicated them to the Lord Vishnu.

Pleased with her devotion, Lord Vishnu invited her to Srirangam. When she told the same to her father, he took her to Srirangam. As soon as her wedding is celebrated with Sri Ranganatha, she kneels at his feet and attains eternity. ‘Dhanurmasam’ is the most pleasing month to the Lord Vishnu. It is considered auspicious to bathe in the rivers, worship the Lord and recite the names of the Lord during the transition of the sun to Makara.

Tiruppavai in Dhanurmasa

In Dravida, ‘Tiru’ means ‘holy’ and ‘Pavai’ means ‘Vrata’. The Hindu Puranas declare that Tiruppavai is the essence of the Vedas and the Upanishads. During the ‘Dhanurmasa, as part of the waking up ritual at Tirumala, the priests recite Tiruppavai instead of the usual Suprabhata. ‘Bilva Patras’ instead of ‘Tulasi’ is used while reciting the ‘Sahasranama’ (thousand names of the lord) of the Lord.

Andal Tiruppavai

Dhanurmasam – The tradition of Gobbis

Young girls who have come of age get their wishes fulfilled by decorating the front porch of their houses with colourful rangoli and worshipping ‘Gobbimmas.’ Gobbimmas are the balls made of cow dung.

Dhanurmasam - The tradition of Gobbis

They are decorated with turmeric powder (Pasupu), red vermilion powder (Kumkuma), flowers and different types of grains.

 

Worship of Lord Srinivasa - Dhanurmasam

Worship of Lord Srinivasa – Dhanurmasam

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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 wake up 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.

During Dhanurmasa Naivedyam, Jaggery Dosa, Mudgannam (venpongal), are offered to the Lord in Tirumala.

Importance and significance of Dhanurmasam

As per Hindu Scriptures, Dhakshinayana (the movement of the Sun towards the south) is the nighttime for Devas (demi-gods). Dhanurmasa is the last month of Dhakshinayana. Gods wake up in the early morning (Dhanurmasa) Brahma Muhurtha- about one and half hours before the Sunrise- and offer special prayers to the Lord.

Pujas offered to the Lord even on a single day during Dhanurmasa is very auspicious. Dhanurmasa is also called Margali masam.

Sri Krishna has declared that “Maasaanaam maargaseershoham” in Srimad Bhagavat Gita- “I manifest more in the month of Maargaseersham (dhanurmasa) among the different months of the year”. So Dhanurmasa gets importance. Further Andal (Goda Devi) performed Paavi Nombu- a vrata to get the Lord as her consort in this month.

In fact, her Tiruppavai prabandham describes her Vrata during Dhanurmasa in full detail. Some even call Dhanurmasa Tiruppavai month (During Dhanurmasam, lectures on Tiruppavai are arranged at many places all over South India). Dhanurmasa is said to be the most sacred one for observing worship, vratas and spiritual activities to obtain salvation.

Worship of Lord Srinivasa – Dhanurmasam

Naivedyam

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

Food Offerings or Naivedyam, Tirumala

Goda Kalyanam

The holy month of Dhanurmasa concludes with the Bhogi festival on the 30th day and the 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 fervour.

On the Vaikunta Dwadasi, the Sacred Chakrathalwar is taken in procession to the Temple tank called Swami Pushkarini for a Holy bath-Tirumanjanam. This is performed commemorating Swami Pushkarini Theertha Mukkoti. (But at present due to COVID-19, these rituals are done in the temple only).

Swami Pushkarini - During Dhanurmasam

It is believed that on this Dwadasi day, all the Holy theerthas on earth congregate in Swami Pushkarini. Hence, devotees take a bath in Swami Pushkarini after the Chakra Snanam, to wash off their sins. It is said that after bathing in the Pushkarini, if one offers charity to the poor, he will be blessed by the Lord.

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.

TTD during Dhanurmasam

Apart from making all arrangements for the smooth running of rituals, TTD takes pride in propagating Tiruppavai. Last year upanyasams (lectures) were given in Pedda Jeeyar Mutt during Dhanurmasam.

Those who worship with devotion during Dhanurmasam will get the choicest Blessings of the Lord obtaining peace and prosperity in the life after.

Namo Sri Venkatesaya