Hinduism always has certain traditions & rituals in every month, which are not just about praying the Deities, but it also helps in leading a life that has scientific reasons attached to it for healthy & happy functioning of life. It is mostly based on the climatic changes that happen & these rituals helps to face such changes & lets the human body to adjust during these changes. Dhanurmaasa (धनुर्मासः) has acquired a unique significance of auspiciousness in Hindu spiritual calendar for devotional activities especially worshipping of Lord Vishnu.
Dhanurmaasa (धनुर्मासः) is considered as the month of Bhakti. The word Dhanurmaasa (धनुर्मासः) is the combination of two words, Dhanu (धनुः) & Maasa (मासः) where Dhanu (धनुः) means Dhanu Rashi (धनुः राशिः) i.e., Sagittarius Zodiac & Maasa (मासः) means a Month. This Dhanurmaasa is also known as Dhanarak which means “the moment of the Sun has started its process towards Dhanu Rashi (धनुः राशिः) (Sagittarius zodiac)”. Dhanurmaasa (धनुर्मासः) is also called Shoonya Maasa (शून्य मासः) (i.e., zero month) because during this month, Sacrificial rituals, house warming, Marriages, Upanayana Samkaras or any such rituals are prohibited. This Dhanurmaasa (धनुर्मासः) starts from the 2nd day of bright fortnight of Margashirsha month (मार्गशीर्षः शुक्लपक्षे ०२) till Uttarayana (उत्तरायणम्) i.e., the kite flying festival; or sometimes it may occur in between the month of Margashirsha i.e., tentatively around 4th day of dark fortnight of the Margashirsha (मार्गशीर्षः कृष्णपक्षे ०४) till half of the Pausha month (पौषः मासः). According to the Georgian calendar around 16th Dec till 14th Jan. As this month is considered as inauspicious for starting any new undertaking rituals like weddings, house warming ceremonies, Upanayana Samskara, etc., at the same time it is an important month for all spiritual seekers as it is a very good period of worshipping. This month is in a way, taking a break from ceremonial rituals & engrossing self on the path of devotion for the increment of inner bliss.
Significance of Dhanurmaasa (धनुर्मासः) –
Hindu calendars are depending on the movements of the Sun (सूर्यः) & the Moon (चन्द्रः). The movement of the Moon (चन्द्रः) in the particular Star is the measurement for the calculations of the Moon (चन्द्रः) & the movement of the Sun (सूर्यः) in the particular Zodiac is the measurement of the calculations of the Sun (सूर्यः). For example, if the movement of the Sun (सूर्यः) is in the Karka Rashi (कर्कः राशिः) (Cancer Zodiac) it is called Karkataka Sankramana (कर्कटकः संक्रमणम्) which is the beginning of Dakshinayana (दक्षिणायनम्). Similarly, the movement of the Sun (सूर्यः) is in the Makara Rashi (मकरः राशिः) (Capricorn Zodiac) it is called Makara Sankramana (मकरः संक्रमणम्) which is the beginning of Uttarayana (उत्तरायणम्). Similarly, the movement of the Sun (सूर्यः) is in the Dhanu Rashi (धनुः राशिः) (Sagittarius Zodiac) it is called Dhanu Sankramana (धनुः संक्रमणम्) which is known as Dhanurmaasa (धनुर्मासः).
According to the Hindu Astrology & Astronomy, a month in which the Sun (सूर्यः) enters Dhanu Rashi (धनुः राशिः) (Sagittarius Zodiac) & till it completes the whole rotation (which generally is one full month), it is considered as Dhanurmaasa (धनुर्मासः). As per Indian Astrology & Astronomy the Sun (सूर्यः) stays with one of the Zodiac Sign every month. During this Dhanurmaasa (धनुर्मासः), the Sun rotates in the Dhanu Rashi (धनुः राशिः) (Sagittarius Zodiac) until it enters the Makara Rashi (मकरः राशिः) (Capricorn Zodiac) therefore, this month ends on the day before Sankranti or on the Makara Sankranti or a few days after Makara Sankranti. The possessor of the Dhanu Rashi (धनुः राशिः) (Sagittarius Zodiac) is the planet Jupiter (गुरुः) & when the Sun (सूर्यः) orbits in the Dhanu Rashi (धनुः राशिः) (Sagittarius Zodiac), the Sun (सूर्यः) loses its strength. As it is said that, the Sun (सूर्यः) is the Causal (कारकः) of the Soul (आत्मा) & the Sun (सूर्यः) imparts strength to the Soul (आत्मा). Therefore, when the Sun (सूर्यः) orbits in the Dhanu Rashi (धनुः राशिः) (Sagittarius Zodiac), the Sun loses its strength & thus it affects the Soul (आत्मा) & as the marriage is nothing but the union of two Souls (आत्मा), it is advisable not to perform marriage ceremony during this month. The Muhurta Samhita (मुहूर्त संहिता) explains the area where marriage ceremony is not advisable & in which area it is appropriate to perform marriage ceremony during this month. It is stated in the shloka that;
उदन्वतो रोधसि कापिलाख्यं
भूमण्डलं योजनषट्कमानं।
रेवामहीमध्यगमार्यराश्योः
अर्के विवाहो विहितोऽतिभद्रः।।
Meaning – During Dhanarak & Meenarak, performing the marriage ritual on the banks of the sea in the middle parts of the Narmada & Mahi rivers till 12-15km gives auspicious results. Apart from this, marriages should not be done in Dhanarak & Meenarak in other states.
In addition to this, whenever the Sun (सूर्यः) orbits in the Dhanu Rashi (धनुः राशिः) (Sagittarius Zodiac) the rays of the Sun (सूर्यः) fall diagonally on the earth which affects diversely upon marriages, this is another reason for performing marriage ceremony is considered to be inauspicious. Dhanurmaasa (धनुर्मासः) lasts for 30 days & this whole month is considered as the most sacred month for Vaishnavas. Special rituals & poojas are preformed to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu. There is an importance of doing this ritual in the month of Margashirsha as, Margam (मार्गम्) means a path or a way, & Shirsham (शीर्षम्) means head or best, together it means – “The best path/ way for self-realization”. Margashirsha ritual is the one which emphasizes on the belief that - God is the path & no other path is a real path of life.
According to the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna states following shloka to explain the importance of the Margashirsha Month. In the 35th shloka of 10th chapter He explains that;
बृहत्साम तथा साम्नां गायत्री छन्दसामहम्।
मासानां मार्गशीर्षोऽहमृतूनां कुसुमाकरः।।
Meaning- Among the Sama Hymns I am the Bruhat-Sama, among the Vedic meters I am the Gayatri meter; among the months I am Margashirsha & among the seasons I am the flower-bearing Spring season.
As Lord Krishna himself suggests that Margashirsha is his month, because of that it is the most important month to worship Lord Vishnu during this month. In temples all over India during this month a special pre-dawn worship is arranged. Since this month is set apart for worship; marriages & other such functions are not performed in Dhanurmaasa (धनुर्मासः). It is considered to be highly auspicious to worship Lord Shiva & the devotees visit the temple before sunrise. Apart from the worship at the Lord Siva temple, there is a celebration in the houses also. Worshipping any Deity during this month is the main significance of this month. Devoting self to the God is the main purpose of this month & hence, it is also known as the month of Bhakti.
Ritual ceremony of Dhanurmaasa (धनुर्मासः) –
The pooja rituals & worship is performed during the entire month of Margashirsha month. In fact, worshipping in the early hours of dawn, is considered to be the most auspicious. It is called Brahma Muhurta (मुहूर्तम्) & so it is recommended to perform the rituals & worship during the early hours of the morning, which is around two hours before the sunrise. Gods & Goddesses are bathed with pure waters & the sixteen types of Ritual Worshiping (षोडश उपचारः) are performed.
The Vedas or other Scriptures are recited to please the Gods & Goddess. During this whole month, a worship to Gods or Goddess can be performed, it is not necessary to worship only Lord Vishnu during this month as Purana suggests that, worshipping Gods & Goddesses during this month one can attain the fruits of performing pooja ritual of a thousand years. Because of this reason this month is considered as the most important month of worship. One of the most common practices is to chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Purusha Suktam, Sri Vishnu Suktam or Narayana Upanishad during early morning hours. Some Hindu also perform Anushthanam (अनुष्ठानम्) i.e., a religious rite during this month.
A special dish is prepared & offered to the God. In South India a special dish which includes- Sheera, Pongal (mudganna in Kannada, pongal in Tamil & Telugu), Sundal (boiled peas) & Dosa is offered to Gods & Goddesses during this month. And in Gujarat a special dish which includes- Ladoo, Puri, Potato & Brinjal Sabji, Broad Beans (વાલ પાપડી ના દાણા), Radish pods (મોગરિ), fenugreek leaves & gram flour pakora (મેથી ના ગોટા), Brinjal Rita (ભરત), cracked wheat Khichda (ખીચડો) & Kadhi are offered to Gods & Goddesses during this month. Also, a special donation is done once during this month in Gujarat. A Sampoot of Maalpuas (i.e., 21,51 or 101 Maalpuas) are arranged in between two bowls of bronze metal (કાંસા) & tied with red cotton thread & donated to a Brahmin with Dakshina (Money), this is an important donation which is mostly performed in Middle & North Gujarat.
Thus, the Dhanurmaasa (धनुर्मासः) is considered as the most important month & is mostly referred to “Bhakti Maasa” (भक्ति मासः) as this month has its significance of only worshipping & not arranging any sacrificial rites or any auspicious ritual ceremony related to any new venture. This month is widely celebrated in Middle Gujarat, North Gujarat & South India. It is widely celebrated in all the temples during this month. In addition, people also worship at their houses too. Dhanurmaasa (धनुर्मासः) is most important in Hindu Religion as the entire month is the symbol of the love & devotion of Lord Vishnu. Though the Puranas emphasized its importance, scientifically the month is called a measurement of the time.
श्रावणः कृष्णपक्षे ० १,२०७७