Margazhi — the month of devotion and awakening.
Jambunathan Iyer
Wrapped in winter’s gentle chill, the air at dawn resonates with sacred hymns and devotional music. This divine atmosphere marks the beginning of Margazhi, also known as Agrahayana or Margashirsha. Falling between mid-December and mid-January, this ninth month of the Hindu calendar is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and holds immense spiritual significance. It is believed that during Margazhi, the universe overflows with divine energy, making it the perfect time for devotion, meditation, and spiritual awakening.
This year, Margazhi begins on Tuesday, December 16 and ends on Wednesday, January 14.
In Tamil households, mornings are filled with sacred sounds:
- The chant “Kousalya supraja Rama poorva sandhya pravarthathe Uttishta Narasardula karthavyam daivam anushthanam” echoes in the background.
- Mothers
draw rangolis with joy, fathers offer prayers, and the aroma of filter
coffee mingles with the fragrance of agarbattis.
This is the serene beauty of a Margazhi morning.
In the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 10, Verse 35),
Lord Krishna declares:
“Maasanam Margashirsho’ham” — “Among months, I am Margazhi.”
This alone reveals the sacred essence of the month.
- For Vishnu devotees, Margazhi is especially auspicious. Vaikunta Ekadashi, when the gates of Vaikunta are believed to open, falls in this month. Worshipping Lord Vishnu during this period is said to grant moksha.
- For Shiva devotees, Margazhi is equally sacred. Arudra Darshanam, celebrating Lord Nataraja’s cosmic dance, is observed with grandeur, especially at Chidambaram.
Common Rituals
- Waking up early: Devotees rise before dawn to pray, as mornings are filled with divine energy.
- Surya Namaskar: Paying reverence to the Sun God.
- Kolam: Women draw rangolis with rice flour, inviting positive energy and blessings.
- Bhajans: Hymns in praise of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva fill the air.
- Fasting & Prayers: Devotees fast, visit temples like Srirangam, Tirupati, and Chidambaram, and perform special rituals.
Personal Reflections
In my school days, my father would wake us early. We attended Thiruppavai chanting classes, walked around the Mada streets of the Perumal temple chanting Thiruppavai and Thiruvempavai, and finally joined the Arthi. Pongal prasadam was distributed to children, which we carried home to share with our family.
In recent years, I ensure attending Rudra Abhishekam at Sringeri Sarada Sankara Mutt, West Mambalam. After receiving Pongal prasadam, I return home to complete my daily pooja and abhishekam to Mahaperiyava Padam and Adi Shankara Bhagavat Pathal.
Together with my wife, I recite Andal’s Thiruppavai. Andal, revered as an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and the only female Alvar, composed the thirty verses of Thiruppavai to express her deep devotion to Lord Vishnu. Each verse is recited daily throughout Margazhi, weaving poetry, philosophy, and spiritual longing.
Celebrations
- Dhanur Masa Pooja is performed in temples every morning.
- Famous temples like Srirangam Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Tirupati, and Chidambaram Nataraja Temple attract thousands of devotees.
- Vaikunta Ekadashi and Arudra Darshanam are celebrated with grandeur.
Fasts & Observances
- Paavai Nonbu: Virgin women wake before dawn, bathe, visit temples, and recite Thiruppavai.
- Thiruvembavai Fast: Observed nine days before Thiruvadhirai, with hymns sung in Shiva temples.
- Thiruvadhirai Fast: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, marked by Arudra Darshanam.
Essence of Margazhi
Margazhi is more than a month — it is the pre-dawn of the year, a season of devotion, discipline, and transformation. It invites us to rise early, embrace simplicity, chant hymns, draw kolams, and surrender to the divine. It is a time to let go of stress, cultivate inner calm, and grow closer to the Lord.
As Margazhi 2025 begins today (December 16), let us welcome the divine presence of Lord Ranganatha (Perumal) and Lord Nataraja of Chidambaram into our homes, and receive their sacred blessings.
N. Jambunathan
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