Dhanurmasam – Margashirsha Month, Tiruppavai, Adhyayana Utsavam Significance & Tirumala Traditions

 

Scriptural Significance

• In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says: “Maasaanaam Margashirshoham” – among months, He is Margashirsha (Margali).
• Margali is considered the best month for worship, the dawn for Devas.
• It is the month of Mahabharata war, Bhagavad Gita, and Vishnu Sahasranama.
• Dhanurmasam is also called Chapa Masa, Kodanda Masa, Karmuka Masa – all synonyms of Dhanus (bow).
• The Sun enters Dhanur Rasi (Sagittarius), marking the holy transition to Uttarayana.
• Known as Shoonya Masa, worldly functions are avoided; only divine worship is encouraged.

Andal & Tiruppavai

• This month is dedicated to Sri Andal (Godadevi), incarnation of Bhoodevi.
• Andal composed 30 Tiruppavai Pasurams, vowing to marry Lord Ranganatha.
• Tiruppavai is recited in Vishnu temples instead of Suprabhatham during Dhanurmasam.
• This is also called Pavai Nombu / Margazhi Nombu.

Adhyayana Utsavam – Basis

• Mentioned in Pancharatra Agamas – celebrated for 20 days in Dhanurmasam.
• Adhyayanam means study, remembrance, and chanting of Vedas.
• Two segments:
• Adhyayana Utsavam – 10 days (Amavasya to Dasami), daytime recitations.
• Moksha Utsavam – 10 days (Ekadasi to Panchami), nighttime recitations.
• References in Prasna Samhita of Pancharatra Agama.

Historical Evolution

• Origin: Brahma celebrated Margali Shukla Ekadasi with Vedic chanting.
• In Kaliyuga, Thirumangai Alwar glorified the Utsavam with Nammalwar’s hymns.
• Lord Ranganatha granted equal status to Alwar Pasurams as Vedas.
• Later revived by Swami Nathamunigal, expanded with all Alwar Pasurams.

Adhyayana Utsavam in Tirumala

• Celebrated for 25 days, centered on Vaikunta Ekadasi (Mukkoti Ekadasi).
• Pagal Pathu – 10 days before Vaikunta Ekadasi, daytime recitations.
• Ira Pathu (Ra Pathu) – 10 days after Vaikunta Ekadasi, nighttime recitations.
• Vaikuntha Dwaram (Uttara entrance) opens on Ekadasi & Dwadasi – devotees passing through are believed to attain salvation.
• Chakrathalwar Theerthavari at Swami Pushkarini on Dwadasi.
• Thiru Oodal Utsavam – symbolic reconciliation of Lord and consorts.
• Unique to Tirumala: Swami Ramanuja is present throughout, instead of Nammalwar.
• After completion, Govindaraja Perumal temple in Tirupati continues the Utsavam.