In the Satya Yuga, there lived a pious Brahmin lady. She was a great devotee and would spend her time by helping others and praying to God. She used to make a lot of donations and charity. She normally donated clothes, money, jewels and other materialistic items  to the poor. She had never donated food items to anyone for some reason or the other.

Lord Vishnu wanted to help his devotee and taking the form an old Brahmin he visited the house of the Brahmin lady. He stood in front of her house and he asked for some food to eat, as he was very hungry. The Brahmin lady  was busy and shouted back that she was busy and so cannot give him food.

The Lord was persistent and asked many times, this frustrated the Brahmin lady who came out with clay and offered that to the Lord who was in the form of the Brahmin. The Brahmin quietly accepted the clay and blessing her the Brahmin left the place.

After few days, the Brahmin lady practiced Dhyana and was able to get into deep trance. This was only possible because of her devotion to Lord Vishnu. In the trance she was able to visit all the Lokas and see what is happening there. Once she went to heaven and saw that there was a house, which was constructed with Gold. She enquired and found that, the house in Gold was being built for he. She was curious to look inside and went into the house. She was astonished at the way the house was being decorated. She could see a lot of chandeliers, Sofas, beds etc. She noticed that there was not even a single fruit on the dining table or anywhere else. She checked the kitchen and was astonished to see that there was not even a single food article. It was only gold and other jewels everywhere.

The lady was surprised and reached to the Lord Vishnu and prayed to him. Lord Vishnu was pleased and asked her the reason for being sad. The Brahmin lady narrated the whole incident and asked Lord Vishnu why there was not even a single food grain in the house. Why the Lord had been harsh on her despite she being generous in donating and doing other charity works.
Lord Vishnu replied that she had never donated even a single food grain and that was the reason that she was not even given a single food grain. The Brahmin lady prayed to the Lord Vishnu, and asked him to help her out. Lord Vishnu pleased with the prayers of his devotee showed her a solution.

He told her that, from that day onwards the wives of Gods would visit her. Once the wives of the Gods knock the door, instead of letting them in she should ask them to explain the Shatilla Ekadasi Vrat  or Tilda Ekadasi Vrat. She can allow them inside once they have done that and feed them. The Lord asked her to perform the Vrat which would help her to get food grains in the Golden house.

The Brahmin lady followed the advice of Lord Vishnu. In the month of Paush she was visited by the wives of the God and as advices she asked each one of them to explain who to perform the Shatilla Ekadasi Vrat or Tilda Ekadasi Vrat. Learning from them the Brahmin lady performed the Shatilla Ekadasi Vrat or Tilda Ekadasi Vrat in the month of Paush. By the virtue of performing the Shatilla Ekadasi Vrat or Tilda Ekadasi Vrat she was able to overcome her misery and her Golden house was filled with all types of fruits and other food grains.

What is Sankranti ?

Sankranti is a Sanskrit word. The meaning of Sankarnti as per Hindu astrology is the movement of sun from one Rashi to another. Rashi is nothing but the Zodiac sign of Hindu astrology.

The sun is believed to stay with each sign for approximately 30 days or one month. Therefore the sun moves from on Rashi to another Rashi after every 30 days. Every month there is a Sankranti depending on the Rashi to which the sun moves.

What is Makara Sankranti ?

Makara is a Hindu Zodiac sign which is equivalent to Capricorn.  As stated above when the Sun moves from Dhanu Rashi (Saggitarius) to Makara Rashi (Capricorn) it is considered as Makara Sankranti.

What is Uttarayan ?

The year of a Hindu calendar is divided into two periods depending on the movement of the sun.

Uttarayana : Movement of the sun in the Northward direction.

Dakshinayana: Movement of the sun in the Southward direction.

As we know that sun is stationary, it is only an apparent North ward or South ward movement of the Sun when seen from Earth.

When is Makara Sankranti ?

The actual Makra Sankranti should coincide with the winter soliste which marks the start of a gradual increase in the day time when compared to the night time. The hindu calendar is prepared based on the sidereal times and not torpical times. Hence the Makra Sankranti would come after 21 days of the actual winter Soliste which would be on January 14^th.

A thousand years before Makra Sankranti was on December 31^st and a 5000 years later Makara Sankranti will be in the month of February. And would move further as the number of years increase. This happens because the Hindu Astrology did not consider the tilt of the Earth while calculating their calendar.

Makar Sankranti comes in the Month of Magh for the Solar Calendar.

Significance of Makra Sanakranti

Makara Sankranti is  a start of the auspicious time of Uttarayana.  The sun travels towards the North direction. As per Hindu Mythology a years time for humans is considered as one day for Gods. The Uttarayana is the start of the day or morning for Gods. Uttarayana is considered auspicious for visiting temples.

Makara Sankranti is also significant for the one who perform the bath in the holy rivers. During Makara Sankranti lot of devotees would perform the early sunrise bath in the holy river Ganga.

Makara Sankranti is also the biggest harvest festival of India. Makara Sankranti

 Is celebrated with different names in different parts of the country with lot of zest and devotion.

Legends of Makra Sankranti

There are many legends associate with Makara Sankranti few of them are as below

1) It is believed that Lord Vishnu had killed all the demons or Asuras and buried them under the Mandhara Parvata or Madhara hill. Hence Makara Sankranti

is considered as the end of all evils and negativities. Makara Sankranti marks the start of a righteous life.

2)It is believed that Sun God would visit the house of his son Lord Shani and would stay in his house for one month. Lord Shani is the lord of the Makara Rashi.  As per the mythology it is believd that Lord Shani and Sun god have differences but still Sun god makes it a point to visit Lord Shani. Hence Makara Sankranti signifies the relationship of father and son.

3) It is believd that Bhagiradha did Tarpan to his 60000 ancestors on Makara Sankranti. Bahgiradh had done great penance to bring Ganga down to earth and help his 60000 ancestors who were burnt down by Kapil Muni get Mukti or Salvation. The place where he performed is known as Ganga Sagar and even today lot of devotees would visit this place and offer Tarpans to their dead ancestors.

4)It is believed that Bhishma, the great character of Mahabharata waited for the Uttarayana Punya Kala to start on the bed of arrows and died on Makara Sankranti. Bhisma was given a boon by his father that  “ Bhishma would only when he wanted and until then death can never touch him” . Bhisma choose Makara Sankranti day for his death.

5) Makara Sankranti is celebrated as Maghi by Sikhs. It is believed that the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh had torn the Beydaava written by 40 Sikhs and gave them Mukti on Makara Sankranti. These 40 Sikhs are popularly known as 40 Mukhtas.

 Rituals on Makara Sankranti

Makara Sankranti is celebrated in almost all parts of India with different names. The following are the rituals that are followed in different parts of the country

Rituals of Makara Sankranti in South India

Rituals of Makara Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh

In Andhra Pradesh the festival is known a Sankranti and is celebrated for 3 days.  Originally it used to be for 4 days but people observe it only for 3 days.

The first day is known as Bhogi.

The second day is known as Sankranti or in the local dialect called as “PEDDA PANDAGA”. Here Pedda means big and Pandaga is festival meaning Big Festival.
The third day is known as Kanuma.

The fourth or the final day is known as Mukkanuma.

Rituals during Bhogi

The day before Sankranti is known as Bhogi. As Makara Sankranti is a day that is believed to start a new life leaving behind all the negativities, people celebrate this day by burning down old furniture and other useless things. As per the understanding the night of Bhogi should be the longest night of the year and hence people world organize camp fire during the early mornings of Bhogi. Also Makara Sankranti marks the start of warmer days ahead and so people enjoy the final winter night by organizing camp fire. This campfire is lit using old furniture and  other useless things. This normally begins very early in the morning and is celebrated on a large scale in Andhra Pradesh.

During the day people would draw big rangolis in front of the house. Balls made out of cow dung which are considered as Goddess Gauri are placed in the centre of the rangolis. These are known as Gobbemmalu. In the evening friends and relatives are invited to the house. Children are showered with Indian Jujube fruit locally called as Regi Pandu. It is believed that by showering Regi Pandlu all the evils on the children are removed.

Rituals during Makra Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh

The main festival is on the Makara Sankranti day and people get up early in the morning and take a head bath. They would wear new clothes and get ready for the festival.

The celebration of Sankranti is different in different parts of Andhra Pradesh. In few places Sankranti is celebrated by flying kites. In coastal Andhra Pradesh Sankranti is celebrated by organizing Cock fights, bull race etc. Cock fights of East Godavari and West Godavari are very famous. People from neighboring states also come to watch these fights. A lot of money in the form of bets also change hands.

During Sankranti the Bulls are decorated and are known as Gangireddulu. Few people would take these around the village and make the Bull perform difficult tasks.

Rangoli of huge size is drawn on Sankranti. Competitions are also held in drawing Rangolis.

On this day Tarpans to ancestors are given.

Makara Sankranti is also famous for the sweets that are prepared the common sweets being Ariselu and Nuvvu laddu.

Rituals during Kanuma

Kanuma is the last day of the three day Sankranti festival. Kanuma is not celebrated as much as Bhogi and Sankranti. People normally eat Non Veg on the Kanuma day.

 Rituals on Makara Sankranti in Karnataka

In Karnataka Makara Sankranti is celebrated by the name of Suggi. On Suggi, young girls would wear new clothes. They would visit their relatives and friends with family. Ellu ,Sakkera Acchu  and a piece of sugar cane kept in a plate are exchanged. This is known as “ Ellu Birodhu”. Ellu is a sweet made out of Sesame seeds(Till) and ground nuts mixed with Jaggery. Sakkera Acchu are different shapes that are made out of Sugar.

In North Karnataka flying is a common method of celebrating the festival.

Cows  and other cattle are decorated and displayed. Cows are specially decorated and taken in a procession around the village or town. The Cows are made to cross a pyre . this ritual is known as “Kichchu Haayisuvudu”.

In few parts of Karnataka newly married woman would give away Bananas to other married women. This would start with giving away 5 Bananas and would increase in multiples of 5 in the coming years. Few people celebrate Makara Sankranti by giving away red beries called “Yalchi kai” along with the Bananas.

 Makara Sankranti Rituals in Kerala

Makara Sankranti is celebrated at the Lord Ayyappa Shrine. On Makara Sankranti devotees would  throng the temple of Lord Ayyappa in lakhs to have a glimpse of Makara Jyothi followed by Makara Vailakku celebrations.

Rituals of Makara Sankranti in Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu also Makara Sankranti is celebrated for four days

The First day  Bhogi Pandagai (Bhogi).

The Second day Thai Pongal

The Third day Maattu Pongal

The Fourth day Kaanum Pongal

The festival is celebrated from the last day of Maargazhi month till the third day of Thai Month.

The first day Bhogi is celebrated as in Andhra Pradesh by burning of all the possible useless old things to mark the start of new life.

Thai Pongal or Pongal

The second day is Thai Pongal or simply Pongal. Pongal is the main festival day of the four day long festival. People would boil rice with milk and add jaggery to prepare a dish. Before the rice is added the milk is made to boil untill the milk overflows the vessel or comes out of the vessel. The moment the milk flows out of the vessel people would shout “Pongallo Pongal” and a counch is blown to announce the arrival of a good and happy things. This is offered to the Sun and later served to the family members, relatives and friends.

A lot of sweets are prepared and exchanged between relatives and friends.

Kolams decorations are made in front of all the houses in TamilNadu.

The third day is Maattu Pongal and a day on which cattle are thanked for their help in farming and other activities. On Maattu Pongal cattle are decorated with flowers and other decorative items. They are left free and fed with sweet rice and sugar cane. Cattle are left free to roam in the village.

Jalli Kattu a form of taming the Bull is organized and is very famous. Lot of people from different states would visit to see Jalli Kattu.

The fourth day is known as Kaanum Pongal. Kaanum means to view  and hence people would visit their relatives and friends. Kaanum is the day to thank relatives and friends.

 Makara Sankranti Rituals in North India

 Rituals during Makara Sankranti in Bihar

Sankranti is celebrated fro two days in Bihar. 14^th and 15^th January every year.

14^th January is celebrated as Makara Sankranti or Sarkraat or Khichidi. The common ritual is taking bath in rivers and ponds. Lot of traditional dishes are prepared for the day.

15h January is called as Makraat. On Makraat people prepare a special dish Khichri prepared with Dal, Rice replete with Cauliflower,Potatoes and Peas. The day of Makraat starts by putting Til (sesame seeds) in fire followed by eating “Dahi Chuda”  with Lai and Tilkut.

Normally people eat Dahi Chuda with Kohada( Red Pumpkin) ka Bhajiay prepared specially with a combination of salt and sugar without adding water. Lots of Lai i.e Laddus made of Til.

Khichidi is the prepared in the night. Friend and relatives are invited to the house. The name of the festival itself is Khichidi because such a good Khichidi is prepared only on the Sankranti day.

The following is the Saphala Ekadasi Vrat Katha or Safala Ekadasi Vrat Katha

 Once there lived a great and powerful king by the name of Mahishmitha. He had four sons. The eldest was called Lumpaka. Lumapaka was arrogant and was indulging all the possible bad deeds that a person should not do. He was not even refraining himself from hurting people. He used to punish common people and enjoy.

The king saw this for a long time and warned Lumpaka to change his behaviour. After few warnings also Lumpaka did not change. As per dharma Lumpaka was supposed to be given a death sentence but King Mahishmitha could not kill his son and so ordered him to leave the kindom. Lumpaka was exiled from the kingdom.

Lumpaka started to live in a forest outside the kingdom. Exiling him did not change the behavior of Lumpaka. He was still the same. Once there was a very cold winter and Lumpaka was finding it very difficult to find food. Lumpaka began very weak and soon his health detoriated. He fell ill and was unconscious for two days.

He woke up on the day of Saphala Ekadasi. Because of his weakness he was not in a position to hunt so was not able to get any food. There was a idol of Lord Vishnu at he place he fell unconscious. He saw the idol and prayed to Lord Vishnu for  his fast recovery. He offered the fruits that fell on the ground to Lord Vishnu.

Lumpaka was not able to get any food was fasting the whole day and as he did not have enough food was not able to sleep the whole night.

Lumpaka has actually performed the Ekadasi Vrat of fasting for the whole day and keeping awake for the whole night. The virtue of performing the Ekadasi Vrat is very high and removes all the sin. Observing the Ekadasi Vrat would fetch wealth and prosperity.

By virtue of the Saphala Ekadasi Vrat Lumpaka observed that his energy was renewed. His sins were washed off and his thought process was also changed. Now Lumpaka became a completely different person. A person who would respect elders, follow the Dharmas, love others etc.

Suddenly there was a voice from the sky which said that Lumpaka was freed from all the sins and that he should return to his father and rule the kingdom.

As soon as Lumpaka reached his kingdom, he saw that Mahishmitha was there to welcome him. He was astonished and was eager to know how his father knew that he was coming.

Mahishmitha replied that Lord Vishnu had come in his dream last night and said that Lumpaka would return to the kingdom. The lord also said that Lumpaka was changed and should be welcomed. He ruled the kingdom after his father following all the dharmas and was applauded by one and all.

Thus by observing the Saphala Ekadasi Vrat Lumpaka was able to change his fortune and himself.

By observing Saphala Ekadasi one would get back all that is lost and much more like health, wealth, belongings, affection, honor etc.

What is Pushya Masam or Paush Masa?

Pushya Masam is the tenth month as per the lunar calendar. In the Pushya Masam, the sun would transit in the northern direction and from then onward the Uttarayana Punyakalam starts. The uttarayana starts with the most famous festival of Makara Sankranti.

When is Pushya Masam or Paush Masa?

All the months of the lunar calendar are named after the star that would be present on the full moon day of the month. The star that is associated with the Moon on the full moon day is Pushyama and hence the name Pushya Masam. The month before Pushya Masam is Margasira Masam. The Month after Pushya Masam is Magha Masam.

Significance of Pushya Masam or Paush Masa

In Pushya Masam the framers would get the money for the crops that they have grown with a lot of care and effort. This month would bring money to the homes of many. So Pushya Masam is also known as Soubhagya Laksmi Masam.

A lot of spiritual significance is associated with the Pushya Masam. Though Pushya Masam is considered as Sunya Masam, means that Pushya Masam is not suitable for Marriages, Gruha Pravesh or House Warming etc as there will be no good Muhurats.

Pushya month is good for performing Pujas and other normal rituals. Pushya Masam is also good for pleasing the ancestors.

The Purnima or Pournami of Pushya Masam has a great importance for those who want to study Vedas. Pushya Pournima or Pushya Purnima is considered as the best day to start Veda Adhyayana or study of Vedas.

Presiding God of Pushya Masam or Paush Masa

Lord Vishnu along with Goddess Lakshmi or Laxmi is the Presiding God of the Pushya Month. They are worshipped in the name of Laxmi Narayana.

Satrun is the ruling planet for Pushya Masama and Bruhaspati  or Jupiter is the Nakshatra Devata.

Temples to be visited during Pushya Masam or Paush Masa

Devotees should visit the temples of Lord Vishnu and worship Laxmi Narayana. Devotees should also visit the temples of Lord Shani or Planet Saturn as he is the ruling planet for Pushya Month.

Rituals during Pushya Masam or Paush Masa

Normally devotees would perform the Nadi Snan or Bath in river during the Sankramanam. This Sankramanam is celebrated as Sankranti and lots of people would get together at Allahabad, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain.

Festivals in Pushya Masam or Paush Masa

The famous Makara Sankranti would fall in the Pushya Month.

The famous Paryaya Festival is celebrate at the Shir Krishna temple of Udupi. This Paryaya festival is celebrated once in two years.

Aradhana of Sri Narahari Teertha the second disciple of Sri Madhvacharya is observed in Pushya Masam.

Puja in Pushya Masam or Paush Masa

Performing the Shani Tailabhishekam on the Amavasya of Pushya Masam is considered to reduce the effect of Satrun.

Devotees should worship Goddess Laxmi in the form  of Dhanya Laxmi and Dhana Laxmi in Pushya Masam.

Donations in Pushya Masam or Paush Masa

It is advised to  do Vastra Danam  which means donation of clothes and Tila Danam which means Donation of Tilas.

Vastra Daan and Anna Dan on Paushya or Pushya Amavasya is said to reduce the bad effect of Satrun or Shani.

The Eleventh day of the Margasira Month in the waxing moon phase or the Margasirs Suddha Ekadasi is observed as Vaikunta Ekadasi by Smarthas. The Smartha Vaikunta Ekadasi date for the year 2012 is December 23rd 2012.

Devotees of Lord Vishnu consider Ekadasi to be a auspcious and sacred day and Vaikunta Ekadasi is a very very special day for them. It is believed that the door of the inner sanctum of the Vaikuntam(the abode of  Lord Vishnu ) is opened on this day and hence all the Vaishnava temples would organise for a Uttaradwara  Darshan or a view of the Lord by entering the door on the North Side.

Devotees would observe a Ekadasi Vrat fast on Vaikunta Ekadasi to get the blessings of Lord Vishnu and to cleanse all the sins that they have done.

Vaikunta Ekadasi is also known as Mukkoti Ekadasi or Mokshada Ekadasi or Swarga Vathil Ekadasi.

The Vaikunta Ekadasi date for Vaishnavites is December 24th 2012.

Katyayani Vrat or Sri Vrat is observed during the Dhanurmas. Dhanurmas starts with the day the sun enters the Dhanu Rashi or the sun sign Sagittarius. The sun would stay in this Rashi for 30 days and all these 30 days are considered most auspicious.

How should perform the Dhanurmas Vrat

Unmarried girls who wish to get a good husband, observe Dhanurmas Vrat.

Married women would observe the Dhanurmas Vrat for a long, prosperous and happy married life.

Process of Observing the Katyayini Vrat or Sri Vrat

Women have to get up early in the morning, take a head bath. The house has to be cleaned. The front portion of the house where normally the Rangoli is done has to be cleansed by sprinkling with water to which cow dung is added.

A Rangoli has to be made on it. Small to medium sized balls are made out of the cow dung on which designs are made with turmeric and Kum kum or vermilion. A flower is kept on top the ball. This ball is locally called as Gobbemma or Gobillu.

These Gobbemma or Gobillu are considered as a form of Goddess Katyayini and worshipped. After worshipping these Gobillu are kept in the centre of the Rangoli.

Shodasa Upachara Puja of Goddess Katyayini has to be performed or Goddess Katyayini has to be worshipped performing 16 different Sevas or services.

These include Snana or Bathing, Vastra or clothing, Asana or Seat etc. Dhupa or lighting of incense sticks, Deepa, Naivedya or Offering are also a part of the Shodasa Upachara Puja.

Recite Ashtothara Setha Namavali of Katyayini Devi as a part of the Shodasa Upachara Puja.

Benefits of observing the Katyayini Vrat or Sri Vrat

Unmarried girls who observe Katyayini Vrat or Sri Vrat would be blessed with a good husband and a happy and long married life.

Legends of Katyayini Vrat

It is believed that Goddess Goda Devi was able to marry Lord Sri Ranganatha Swamy by observing this Vrat.

Gopikas observed Katyayini Vrat on the advice of Lord Shri Krishna, so that Sri Krishna would become their husband.

The day the sun enters the Dhanu Rashi from that day onwards it is considered as Dhanurmas. Dhanurmas ends with the sun entering the Makara Rashi which is celebrated as Pongal or Makara Sankranti.

The 30 day period of Dhanurmas is considered highly sacred for the Vaishnavities. Women would observe the Dhanurmas Vrat.

How should perform the Dhanurmas Vrat

Devotees who seek a happy, long and prosperous life while alive and Salvation after death. Devotees who are in trouble and looking for a Vrat that can rescue them out of troubles should observe the Dhanurmas Vrat.

Process of Dhanurmas Vrat

Preperations for Dhanurmas Vrat

Devotees who wish to perform the Dhanurmas Vrat have to get an idol of Lord Vishnu prepared. The idol of Lord Vishnu can be prepared either of Gold or Silver or Copper. The metal that is used for preparation of the idol is left to the capacity (financial state)of the devotee.

A mandap has to be made ready in which the Lord Vishnu would be worshipped. Lord Vishnu has to be worshipped with the name of Lord Madhusudhana.

Rules and Regulations of the Vrat

The following are the set of rules and regulations for observing the Vrat. The following is the daily routine that a devotee has to follow while observing the Vrat.

1)   Should get up early in the morning atleast 2 hours before sun rise or 5 Ghatis before sunrise.

2)   Finish his daily routines

3)   Perform head bath

4)   Perform his daily Sandhya Vandanam , then his daily Puja.

After this he can start the Puja of the Dhanurmasa Vrat.

Different kinds of materials needed to bath Lord Madhusudhana

Pancha Amruta, Cows Milk,Coconuts, Coconut water, Pongal/Pulagam, Dhadhojanam or Curd Rice.

How to perform the Puja

As a part of the Puja Lord Madhusudhana would be bathed with enchanting the Mantras. Lord Madhusudhana has to be bathed with Pancha Amruta which means a mix of Milk, Curd, Ghee, Sugar and Honey.

Lord Madhusudhana has to be bathed with Cows Milk separately and also with Coconut water. The bath is better performed if all these are filled into the Shankam or Conch and then poured on the Lord.

Lord Madhusudhana has to be worshipped with the leaves of the Tulasi or Basal plant. The leaves should not be individual but each branch should have three leaves. If it has three leaves it is called as a Dalam. Lord Madhusudhana should be worshipped with Tulasi Dalams.

After which the Lord has to be worshipped with different kinds of flowers.

All the above, worshipping with Tulasi or Basil leaves and flowers can be performed while reciting either the Ashtotara Setha Namavali or Sahasranamam of Lord Vishnu.

Naivedyam or Offering to Lord Madhusudhana for Dhanurmasa Vrat

As a part of the Puja of Dhanurmas Vrat Lord Madhusudhana has to be offered Pongal made out of sugar which is commonly known as Chekkara Pongali.  This Pongal offering is made for the first fifteen days of Dhanurmasa. Devotees can also offer Pulagam, a mixture of Rice and Moong Dal (Pesara Papu) cooked.

The remaining fifteen days, Dadhojanam or Curd Rice is offered to Lord Madhusudhana.

After these the following are to be offered to the Lord Madhusudhana as a a part of Dhanurmas Vrat.

Dhupa : Lighting of Incense sticks

Deepa : Showing or lighting a Diya

Dakshina : Give Dakshina or money to Brahmin

Tamboolam: Given at the last. Betel nut over the Betel Nut leaves.

After the 30 days of Dhanurmas Vrat the idol has to be donated to a Brahmin reciting the following sloka

“Madhusudhana Devesha Dhanurmasa Phalaprada

Thava Murthy Pradhanena Mama Santhi Manoradhaah”

The Brahmin should respond blessing you by saying

“Indira Prathi Gruhnathu.”

It is believed that all the wishes for which you have performed the Vrat will be fulfilled after receiving the blessing from the Brahmin.

Benefits of Observing the Dhanurmas Vrat:

It is also believed that the man who observes Dhanurmas Vrat will live happily with all wealth and prosperity for the rest of his life in this world and would get Moksha or Salvation after death.

Dhanurmasam is a combination of two words, Dhanur which is a sun sign  Sagittarius and Masam means month. A month in which the sun enters the Sagittarius  and stays with it is considered as Dhanurmasam. As per Indian Astrology the sun stays with one of the sun signs every month. This month ends on the day of Bhog, just a day before Sankranti or Makara Sankranti. Dhanurmasam is a very auspicious month for Vaishnavites. Dhanurmasam lasts for 30 days and all these 30 days are most sacred for Vaishnavites. Special rituals and poojas are preformed to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Why Dhanurmasam is Sacred and Auspicious?

It is a belief in the Hindu tradition that any prayers that are offered to the God during the Brahma Muhurat or early morning before sun rise gives you high virtue. The timing itself is called as Brahma Muhurat. This timing would help the devotee to concentrate on his God thereby helping him to get closer to the Lord.

For Gods, 6 months of the year is equal to day (Uttarayana)and another six months are considered to be night(Dakshinayana). Dhanurmasam is the final month on which the night for the Gods ends or it is the Brahma Muhurat time for Gods. So worshipping the God on this timing is considered auspicious. Hence devotees would consider the month of Dhanurmasa the Brahma Muhurat timing for Gods to be Sacred and auspicious.

Rituals during Dhanurmasam

Reciting Tiruppavai, offering of flowers to Lord Vishnu and complete Surrender to Lord Vishnu are the three important activities that are observed by the Devotees of Lord Vishnu. Unmarried girls would place Gobbillu in front of the house on the Rangolis.

Tiruppaavai is a tamil word and the meaning of which is Tiru means Sacred and Pavai means Vrat. It is believed that  Goddess Goda Devi had written the Tiruppaavai in an old Tamil poetry writing style called as Paavai. Goddess Godadevi is also known by the name of Andal. The story of Goda Devi could be read “ Dhanurmas Vrat Katha” .

It is a ritual to clean the houses before sunrise. Water mixed with cowdung is sprinkled in front of the house and Rangoli would be made on it.

Devotees would make balls out of Cowdung and would keep them in the centre of the Rangoli and would decorate it with flowers. Before being kept in the centre they are worshipped. These are calle Gobbemma.

Gobbemma or Gobbillu are considered as incarnation of Goddess Gauri.

Rituals in Temples of Lord Venkateshwara:

Lord Vishnu is worshipped by the name of Madhusudhana in Dhanurmasam.

Even in Tirupati, Tiruppavai is read in place of Suprabhatam. Reciting of Thiruppaavai is the most important ritual in Dhanurmasam.

The Archana and other regular activites are completed before sunrise for the first fifteen days of the Dhanurmasama and for the remaining fifteen days Archana and other regular activities are performed after sunrise.

Vrat  observed during Dhanurmasa:

Katyayini Vrat, Dhanurmasa Vrat are the Vrats that are observed by ladies during Dhanurmasam.

Dhanurmas Vrat:

Dhanurmas Vrat is observed in Dhanurmas by unmarried women. More details of Dhanurmas Vrat can be read at   “Dhanurmas Vrat”

Benefits of Observing the Dhanurmas Vrat

It is believed that by observing the Dhanurmasa Vrat Goda Devi was able to get Lord Sri Vishnu as her husband. Hence it is believed that a lady who observes a Dhanurmasa Vrat would get a good husband.

Katyayini Vrat:

Katyayini Vrat was observed by Goddess Parvathi and achieved Lord Shiva as her husband. After the death of Dakshayani or daughter of Daksha during the Daksha Yagna, Goddess Parvati was reborn and observed the Katyayani Vrat.

Benefits of Observing Katyayani Vrat:

As stated above Goddess Parvati was able to get Lord Shiva as her husband by observing the Katyayani Vrat during Dhanurmasam. Hence it is believed that a lady who observes the Katyayani Vrat would a get good husband.

Temples to be visited during Dhanurmasam:

Temples of Lord Vishnu are to be visited every day.

What is to be Recited or Read on Dhanurmasam

Thiruppaavai is to be recited every day. Reciting of Vishnu Sahasranamam and Lalitha Sahasranamam is beneficial.

Festivities

A festival of Music is organized in Chennai during Dhanurmasam.

Ekadashi or Ekadasi in August 2012 is on 13th August 2012 and again on 27th August 2012.

People observe fast on Ekadashi to please Lord Vishnu. Devotees also observe the Ekadashi or Ekadasi Vrat on this day. It is believed that by observing the Ekadashi Vrat one would be blessed with a happy and prosperous life. There would be no trouble in his life. There are different Ekadashi Vrat Kadha for all the Ekadashis explaining the significance and the benefits of observing the Ekadasi or Ekadashi Vrat.

The Bhadrapada month is the second month of the rainy season as per the Telugu Calendar. This year there are two Bhadrapada Months.

1) Adhika Bhadrapada from 18th August 2012 till 16th September 2012

2) Nija Bhadrapada from 17th September 2012 till 15th october 2012

Any festivals, Birthdays or auspicious events should be performed only in the Nija Bhadrapada Month.

Only Tarpan, Shrad have to performed on both Nija and Adhika Bhadrapada Months.