Dhanurmasam: The Divine Month of Devotion

 

Dhanurmasa, also known as Chapa Mas, Kodanda Mas, or Karmuka Mas, is a sacred solar month dedicated exclusively to Lord Vishnu. It begins with Dhanu Sankramana—the Sun’s entry into Dhanur Rasi—and ends with Makara Sankranti, marking the transition into Uttarayana.

• 2025 Dates: December 16, 2025 – January 14, 2026
• Shoonya Masa: No worldly or auspicious events (like weddings) are conducted during this time, as it is reserved solely for divine worship.

Spiritual Significance

• This month is considered the Brahma Muhurta of the Devas, when celestial beings themselves rise early to worship Sri Maha Vishnu.
• Scriptures declare that one day of sincere worship during Dhanurmasam equals 1000 years of devotion.
• Vaikunta Ekadasi, falling within this month, is one of the most spiritually charged days, especially in South Indian temples like Tirumala.

Rituals & Practices

Ritual	Description
Early Morning Worship	Wake up before sunrise and perform puja during Brahma Muhurta
Sacred Bath	Bathe at home or in rivers before puja
Chanting	Recite Tiruppavai, Thiruvempavai, Vishnu Sahasranamam, Lalitha Sahasranamam, Purusha Sooktham, Sri Narayana Sooktham
Offerings	Present Pongal and Puliogare as prasad to Lord Vishnu
Rangoli & Gobbemma	Decorate entrances with rangoli; place and worship cow dung balls (Gobbemmas) adorned with flowers
Temple Visits	Visit Vishnu temples and participate in special pujas
Margali Nomu & Katyayini Vratam	Unmarried women observe these vratas for divine blessings in marriage

Tiruppavai in Dhanurmasam

• In Tirumala, Tiruppavai replaces the daily Suprabhatam during this month.
• Composed by Sri Andal, Tiruppavai is a devotional set of 30 verses expressing surrender and longing for Lord Vishnu.
• Andal’s observance of Dhanurmas Vratam led to her divine union with the Lord, inspiring unmarried women to follow her path.

Phal Shruti (Spiritual Rewards)

• Worshiping Vishnu even once during Dhanurmasam is equivalent to 1000 years of daily puja.
• Every step taken toward a river or lake for morning bath brings merit equal to performing an Ashvamedha Yaga.