Marghazhi Month – Divine Dawn of Devotion

 

Timing

• Sanskrit Name: Margashirsha
• Tamil Name: Marghazhi
• Also Known As: Dhanurmasa
• Gregorian Calendar: Mid-December to Mid-January

Scriptural Significance

• In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna declares:
  “Maasaanaam Maargasheershoham” – “Among months, I am Margashirsha”
• Considered the Brahmamuhurta of the Devas, as one Earth year equals one divine day
• A time for early morning worship, spiritual discipline, and divine grace

Cultural Highlights

• Kolams: Colorful rangoli designs drawn at dawn in front of homes to invite prosperity
• Deepams & Poojas: Lamps lit and household deities worshipped during Brahmamuhurtham
• Lakshmi Belief: It is said that Goddess Lakshmi resides in homes that maintain purity and devotion during this month

Vaishnavite Traditions

• Thiruppavai Recitation: 30 pasurams by Andal Devi, sung daily in Vishnu temples
• Paavai Nonbu: A vow observed by unmarried girls seeking divine blessings for a good husband
• Akkaravadisal Offering: Special sweet dish offered on the 27th day, especially at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
• Legend of Andal: Andal, considered an incarnation of Bhudevi, performed Paavai Nonbu and was spiritually united with Lord Ranganatha

Shaivite Observances

• Thiruvempavai Nonbu: Devotees recite Thiruvempavai verses in Shiva temples for nine days before Thiruvathirai
• Thiruvathirai Naivedyam: Thiruvathirai Kali offered to Lord Shiva on the festival day

Major Festivals

• Vaikunta Ekadasi: Most auspicious day for Vishnu devotees; entering the Swarga Vaasal is believed to grant moksha
• Adhyayanotsavam: Recitation of Naalaayira Divya Prabandham by Alwars
• Celebrated as Pagal Patthu and Ra Patthu
• 21 days in most temples; 24 days in Tirumala