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Friday, October 18, 2013

Dhanur Masam/Marghazhi Thingal/Margashira Month (Dec-Jan)

Dhanur Masam/Marghazhi Thingal/Margashira Month

Dhanur/Marghazhi/Margashira month is like the Adi month and is dedicated to prayers and worship. Usually weddings, housewarming and other such social events are not celebrated during this month. Dhanur masam starts around December 14-16 and ends in mid  Jan with Makara Sankrathi. Makara Sankranthi  also denotes the end of  Dakshinayana Punyakala.
In Bagavath Geetha, Sri Krishna compares Himself to Marghazhi. Sri Andal, one of the 12 Alwars of Srivaishnava philosophy, composed  30 verses/pasurams called Tiruppavai.which are chanted everyday by devout Vaishnava devotees during this month. Early morning ghosti (group) chanting of Tiruppavi and special poojas are norm during Marghazhi month in Sri Vaishnava temples. Pongal is commonly distributed as prasadam.

Dhanur Sankramana

The first day of Dhanurmasa is celebrated as Dhanur Sankramana.

Tiruppavai Chanting (see Tiruppavai.pdf)


During the month of Dhanur, Srivaishnavas start a month long penance. They wake up early, bathe and add Tirupavvai chanting into their early morning rituals. First day the first pasuram is read and everyday after, an additional pasuram is added as the month progresses. Everyday ven pongal is prepared for naivedyam.

Vaikunta Ekadashi

The 11th day of the waxing moon in the month of Marghazhi is celebrated as Vaikunta Ekadashi or Mukkoti Ekadashi. This is a very special day and is believed that this day the Swarga vashal (Gateway to Haven) opens. At most temples,  symbolically Gateways are built, and devotes pass through these gateway with the utsva murthy procession.
Ven Pongal and Sakkarae Pongal

Koodaravellum/Koodarai valli

The 27th verse/pasuram in Tiruppavai is

"koodarai vellum seer govinda....."
Sri Andal in her 27th pasuram says it is the end of 27 days of penance ( waking up early, bathing in cool waters, reciting the praises of Lord Ranganatha) and it is the time to dress in new clothes and jewelry, go to the temple and celebrate, make delicious sakkarae pongal, share and enjoy with everyone.
Sri Krishna and Sri Andal
The 27th day in Marghazhi is celebrated as Koodarai vellum. 

Bhogi

Last day of  Marghazhi month is celebrated as Bhogi. It is believed that, this day Sri Andal's month long penance during Marghazhi  bore fruit and that she married Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam (became one with the Lord). This is the day before Makara Sankranthi/Pongal.
Also see Blog Label Jan-Feb Festivals 
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