VAIKUNTA EKADASHI

As per Hindu calendar Ekadashi is a Thithi that falls on the 11th day of both Sukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha in a lunar month. That means in a month we get two Ekadashi days. Ekadashi day has attained lot of prominence in Hindu religion as it is the most sacred, celestial and spiritual day for worshiping Sri Maha Vishnu. He is Padmanabha (11th name as per 24 Kesava Namas) meaning the one with a lotus navel. He is Maha Vishnu resting on the great serpent Adishesha. He is Anantha Padmanabha. He is the Supreme God, Para Brahma who has created this Universe including Lord Brahma. Vaikunta is the sacred abode and sanctum sanctorum where Lord Maha Vishnu resides. It is the ultimate place to enter and rest for all the souls.

As per Padma Purana Ekadashi is depicted as the female energy of Maha Vishnu who in the form of a damsel kills the demon Mura and protects the Indradi Devathas on this day. Pleased by the act of his Female energy He names her as Ekadasi. He also gave her a boon that whoever worship Ekadashi and observes fasting they would reach Vaikunta (His abode) and his doors will be open for such people. From time immemorial it is the Northern Gate known as Paramapada or Vaikunta Dwara is kept open for a single day and that day is known as Vaikunta Ekadashi Day.

Ekadashi that is falling on Sukla Paksha (waxing Moon) of the lunar Month Pushya coinciding with the Dhanur Maasa has attained lot of significance and is called as Vaikunta Ekadashi and is considered to be most auspicious. It is also the first Ekadashi before the onset of Uttarayana. It is also called as Mukkoti Ekadashi, or Mokshada Ekadashi. Relevant scripts are available in Padma Purana and Brahmanda Purana.

Mukkoti Ekadashi

Significance of Uttara Dwara Darshana

On this day 33 crores of devathas (Muppattu Mukkoti) will have darshana of Maha Vishnu. There is also another spiritual and yogic significance for the meaning of Mukkoti Ekadashi. Like we have geographical directions (North, South, East, & West) to the world, we also have similar directions to our body. North is towards our Head, South is towards our Feet, Front portion is East and back portion is West. We have on the top of the head (skull) a hole called Brahma Randhra (door) that is towards the Northern Direction which is not visible. Since it is on the northern direction it is called Northern door of the human body.

It is said that one should visualize the image of Sriman Narayana through the route of Ida, Pingala Naadi (left and right nostril) concentrated at the centre of the eyebrows called Sushumna Naadi (Gnana Nethra) and take it further upwards to the centre of the head where we have Brahma Randhra and have darshana of the Sriman Narayana through the door that gets opened. This is how one should have darshana of Sriman Narayana in daily prayers (dhyana) or whenever visits a temple. Since it is through the route of confluence of three naadis (Ida, Pingala and Sushumna) taken further northwards it is called Mukkoti and Northern Entrance darshana.

On this most auspicious day of Mukkoti Ekadashi one should have darshana of the Lord in this form and to give a meaning to this concept probably all the temples provide darshana of the Lord on this day through the Northern entrance.

There are 14 lokas in this Universe seven above the earth and seven below the earth. Seven above the Earth are called Uurdhwa Lokas in the Northern direction and Vaikunta is in the Northern direction. Darshana of the lord of Vaikunta Sri Maha Vishnu on this day which is very nearer to the Uttarayana the most auspicious time also catches significance for Uttara dwara darshana.

Mokshada Ekadasi: While fasting and worshiping on any Ekadashi day is very celestial, sacred and spiritual, fasting and worshiping on Vaikunta Ekadashi is still more meritorious and is also Mokshadayaka. It is a boon of Maha Vishnu on this day.

What can be done on this day?

Worshiping Sri Maha Vishnu during the early hours between 4-6 am during Arunodaya. Since Ekadashi is the female energy of Lord it is auspicious and sacred to worship Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi also on this day.

Why between 4-6 am: Because this is Dhanur Maasa and time before Sunrise is the most auspicious time to worship the God.

Fasting: It is said that fasting on Vaikunta Ekadashi day is equivalent to fasting on the remaining Ekadashi days of the Hindu year. Persons who are capable of may undertake total fasting, while others may resort to partial fasting by taking fruits or milk. Please avoid taking rice on this day as it is a curse that the demon dwells in rice on this day.


Prayer & Paarayana

Vishnu Sahasranama, Vishnu Ashtothara, Purusha Sooktha, Vishnu Sooktha, Narayana Upanishad, Sree Sooktha, Lakshmi Ashtothhara can be recited on this day. Those who cannot read them can chant at least, Om! Namo! Narayanaya, Om! Namo! Bhagavathe Vasudevaya as many number of times as possible

It is said that “na Gaayathraya para manthra, na Mathru para dhaivatham, na Kaasya param theertham, na Ekadasya samam vratham”

That means there is no Manthra that is superior to Gaayathri Manthra, there is no dhaiva superior to Mother, there is no celestial and sacred Theertha better than Kaasi, and there is no vratha that is more sacred than Ekadashi vratha. Hence, so much of significance for Ekadashi and it is related to Maha Vishnu.

Special festivals are celebrated on this occasion in all the temples especially at Tirumala which is called Bhooloka Vaikunta. Lord Sri Maha Vishnu stays in Ananda Nilaya at Tirumala by name Srinivasa during this Kaliyuga. Hence, lot of significance for this festival at Tirumala Hills.

GURU PURNIMA- A day in reverence of 'Guru'

The full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashada (July-August) is observed as the auspicious day of Guru Purnima, a day sacred to the memory of the great sage Vyasa. All Hindus are indebted to this ancient saint who edited the four Vedas, wrote the 18 Puranas, the Mahabharata and the Srimad Bhagavata. Vyasa even taught Dattatreya, who is regarded as the Guru of Gurus.

On this day, all spiritual aspirants and devotees worship Vyasa in honor of his divine personage and all disciples perform a 'puja' of their respective spiritual preceptor or 'Gurudevas'.

This day is of deep significance to the farmers, for it heralds the setting in of the much-needed rains, as the advent of cool showers usher in fresh life in the fields. It is a good time to begin your spiritual lessons. Traditionally, spiritual seekers commence to intensify their spiritual 'sadhana' from this day.

The period 'Chaturmaasa' ("four months") begins from this day. In the past, wandering spiritual masters and their disciples used to settle down at a place to study and discourse on the Brahma Sutras composed by Vyasa, and engage themselves in Vedantic discussions.

Kabir wrote, "Guru is a washer-man, his disciple a cloth, soap the
creator, washed on the stone of knowledge, this gives out utmost light
brightness." This couplet of Kabir throws light on the relation of a guru
(master) to a disciple; Who washes away the dirt (bad element) in the mind of
the disciple and thus makes him clean, pure and pious. He expects from almighty
that by his blessings, he should enlighten his inner conscience.


Guru in Hinduism

The word guru means teacher in Sanskrit and other Sanskrit-derived languages
like Hindi, Bengali and Gujarati. It originated in a Hindu context and holds a
special place in Hinduism, signifying the sacred place of knowledge (vidya) and
the imparter of knowledge. The word comes from the sanskrit root "gru" literally
meaning heavy, weighty. Another etymology claimed in Hindu scriptures is that of
dispeller of darkness (wherein darkness is seen as Avidya lack of knowledge both
spiritual and intellectual), 'gu' meaning darkness, and 'ru' meaning
dispeller.

DAKSHINAYANA PARVA KALA (KARKATAKA SANKRAMANA)

Hindu calendar is broadly divided into two periods (Ayanas) of six months each comprising of six seasons (Ruthus) of two months each and twelve lunar/solar months of 30 days each (Maasas). The two broad periods around which all the spiritual and religious activities in Hindu philosophy rotate are referred to as Uttarayana and Dakshinayana. Sun is the focal point for all these activities and the movement or transit of Sun around the zodiac forms the basis for deciding a particular season or a month.

We have 12 houses in the zodiac (360 degrees) starting from Aries and ending with Pisces with each house comprising of 30 degrees. Sun moves one degree in a day of 24 hours and accordingly it takes 30 days for the Sun to move from one zodiac house to the other during which time we have 30 sittings and 30 settings of Sun. Movement of Sun from one zodiac house to the other is called as transit (Sankramana) of Sun and is denoted by the name of that particular zodiac house. Suppose, if it is Aries it is called as Mesha Sankramana, if it is Makara it is called as Makara Sankramana and if it is Karkataka it is called as Karkataka Sankramana so on and so forth.


What is Dakshinayana? And its significance

Broadly, Uttarayana or Dakshinayana comprising of six months each is the time taken by the Sun to travel from one house to the other during these periods. Starting from Makara (Capricorn) up to Mithuna (Gemini), the travel of Sun is called as Uttarayana and starting from Karkataka (Cancer) up to Dhanus (Sagittarius) it is known as Dakshinayana. We all know that Dakshina means South direction and Aayana means travel or movement. So accordingly the movement of Sun in the Southern direction is called as Dakshinayana. The time when the Sun leaves Mithuna Raasi (Gemini) and enters Karkataka Raasi (Cancer) is called as Karkataka Sankramana or Karkataka Sankranthi when the period of Uttarayana ends and Dakshinayana begins.

San means to come together and Kranthi means radical change. That means plenty of radical changes start taking place in the nature from this time onwards based on which the human activity depends. For example in case of Karkataka Sankramana that also marks the beginning of Dakshinayana coincides with the monsoon (rainy season) which is also a sowing season for crops when agricultural activities get activated. Similarly it also coincides with the winter season.

Spiritually the most auspicious period for performing austerities and rituals called Chaturmaasa (Sravana to Karthika Masam) falls during the period of Dakshinayana.

These four months are said to be very dear and pleasing to Lord Sri Maha Vishnu when He enters into Yoga Nidra (Divine slumber) on Aashada Sukla Ekadasi day called Deva Sayani or Hari Sayani Ekadasi. He gets up from Yoga Nidra on Kartheeka Sukla Dwadasi day called Uttana Dwadasi. Thus, when the Lord SriManNarayana is in yoga-nidra it is befitting to set aside mundane activities and participate in special religious pursuits.

Majority of the major Hindu festivals like Naga Chaturthi, Vara Maha Lakshmi Vratha, Upakarma (Sravana Pournima), Sri Krishnashtami, Sri Ganesha Chaturthi Rishi Panchami, Sri Anantha Chaturdasi, SharanNavarathri (Devi Navarathri), Vijayadasami, Deepavali occurs during Dakshinayana.

The period of Dakshinayana also coincides with Pitru Paksha the sacred time to perform sacred rites to the forefathers. It is believed and said that Uttarayana represents Devathas and Dakshinayana represents Pithrus. It is also said that Uttarayana is the day time and Dakshinayana is the night time for devathas. Dakshinayana is also called as Pitrayana. It is said and believed that Pitrus descend on Earth during the period of Dakshinayana awaiting their off-springs to perform sacred rites enabling them to attain better placement in the other worlds. Hence, lot of significance is given during this period for performing Pitru related activities.

However, generally we observe major festivals taking place during Dakshinayana. That means to say that Dakshinayana is sacred for both the Devathas as well as Pitrus.

During the period of Dakshinayana night will be longer than the day and power of Sun gradually decreases as he moves from Karkataka to Dhanus. When Sun transits into Libra he becomes debilitated. Astrologically, Libra is the house of debilitation for Sun.


What is to be done on the day of Dakshinayana?

Generally during any parva kala sacred bath, prayer, japa, charity, and tarpana to forefathers are prescribed.

Tharpana should be given to all the fore fathers (by those who have lost their parents) with black sesame seeds (thila) during parva kala. If it is coinciding with Ekadasi thithi tarpana should not be performed.

One should desist from sensual pleasures. Take only sattvika (vegetarian) food.

Charity can be given to the deserving in the form of Anna Dana (food charity), Thila Dana, and Vasthra Dana.

Worshiping Sri Vishnu, Sri Krishna, Sun God, and reciting Vishnu Sahasranama Sthothra, Purusha Sooktha, Aaditya Hridayam on this day is preferred.

Transit of Sun is not considered as auspicious as there will be certain disturbances in the organization of solar forces and generally such times are not recommended for any good work. On the contrary they are held to be auspicious for meditation, initiation into secret mantras and performance of certain religious rites which are held to purify both the body and soul.

Sun transit takes place every month but all transits are not considered as sacred ones. It is only when the transit coincides with the confluence or sandhi of two periods’ viz. Uttarayana and Dakshinayana it is known as Parva Kala and accordingly that particular moment becomes very sacred and celestial for performing certain austerities.

UTTARAYANA PARVA KALA (MAKARA SANKRAMANA)

One year of Hindu calendar consists of two Ayanas that signifies the direction of the Sun. It is broadly divided into two periods (Ayanas) of six months each. The two broad periods are referred to as Uttarayana and Dakshinayana. All the spiritual and religious activities in Hindu philosophy take place during these two Sun centric periods. Sun is the focal point and the movement or transit of Sun around the zodiac forms the basis for deciding a particular season or a month. Starting from Makara Raasi (Capricorn) to Mithuna Raasi (Gemini) travel of the Sun is known as Uttarayana (Northward journey). Similarly, travel of the Sun from Karkataka (Cancer) to Dhanus (Sagittarius) is called as Dakshinayana (Southward journey).

Uttarayana is a confluence of two words, UTTARA+ AYANA. Uttara means North and Aayana mean travel. Uttarayana means travel of Sun towards North. Zodiacally when Sun enters into Makara Raasi, Uttarayana starts and this moment is called Uttarayana Punya Kala (Parvakala) which is considered as holy and celestial. As per the scripts it is said that when Sun during his transit in Makara Raasi comes opposite to Sravana star the doors of Vaikuntam gets opened (Moksha Dwara)


What is a Parvakala (Punyakala)

The Vedic meaning of Parva is said to be a Knot, a Confluence, and a Celebration. Based on the meanings, the time of confluence of two periods is called as Parvakala. This we observe during Yuga Sandhi (ending of one Yuga and beginning of another Yuga). It is said that Sri Krishna’s Avatara had taken place in the Yuga Sandhi of Dwapara and Kali Yuga. This Sandhi period is said to be very celestial, holy and sacred since the Supreme God himself was present on the Earth. This sandhi period will have features of Krita Yuga (Where Dharma will prevail on four legs). Similarly the time of confluence (Sandhi) of two seasons Dakshinayana and Uttarayana is considered to be very holy, auspicious and celestial and is called as Parva Kala.


Significance of Uttarayana Parva Kala

It is said that Uttarayana represents Devathas and Dakshinayana represents Pithrus, and the significance is to seek the blessings of both at this transit time. Uttarayana is said to be the day time for Devathas.

In this Universe it is said that Vaikunta, the abode of Supreme Sri Maha Vishnu is in the Northern direction (Uttara) and the time of movement of Sun in the direction of Vaikunta is said to be very holy, celestial and sacred. This is coinciding with the last day of the Dhanur Maasa, most sacred and celestial period to worship Sriman Narayana. Vaikunta Ekadasi falls in Dhanur Masa only. The gate to Vaikunta (Swarga Dwara) is believed to open on the day of Makara Sankranthi. It is believed and said that, those who die during the six months period of Uttarayana will attain salvation.

During the days of Mahabharatha, Bheeshma Pitamaha waited on his death bed for the onset of this celestial period (Uttarayana).

Sun is the most visible personification of the Sriman Narayana on Earth and is called Prathyaksha Dhaiva. Purusha Sooktha says that Sun is represented as eyes of the Supreme Sriman Narayana (Chaksho! Suryo Ajayatha!). Sun directs our vision towards the pure, holy, sacred, divine and to dedicate our activities for a higher cause following the northward path. During this period of Uttarayana, Sun’s power gradually increases and the day will be longer than the night.


What is to be done on this day?

Generally during any Parva Kala one has to take sacred bath, perform prayer, Japa, penace, and give Charity/Dana (donation). Those who have lost their parents should also give Tharpana to their forefathers. This day one should desist from sensual pleasures, should not apply oil to the body/head, and should take only vegetarian food.

Shat Thila karma: It is said that on this day one should use Thila (Sesame) seeds in six ways viz…Thila Snana, Thila Deepa, Thila Homa, Thila tarpana, Thila Dana and Thila Bhakshana.

Worshipping Sriman Narayana and Surya Narayana is highly meritorious during this time. Parayana of Vishnu Sahasranama sthothra, Aaditya Hridaya, Purusha Sooktha, Sri Rama Raksha Sthothra and Gayathri Japa, are useful prayers suggested at this time.

Thila Dana: Donating Thila seeds on this day with dakshina is considered as very sacred and meritorious

Vasthra Dana: As per Maasa dharma being Pushya Maasa donating clothes to a Brahmin is sacred and meritorious.

Kushmanda Dana: Donating of Pumpkin on this day is also meritorious.


Calendar date of Makara Sankranthi (Uttarayana)

Invariably Makara Sankranthi falls on 14th day of January in any year. Sometimes due to the following of lunar calendar (Thithi bhedha), Adhika Maasa, it also occurs on 15th January. Research in Astronomy found that, 1500 years back Makara Sankranthi used to fall on 22nd December. This is said to be due to a concept called Precession or Ayanachalan that makes the seasons slide backwards with respect to the stars at the rate of one Indian star in about 950 years. Hence, the change in the calendar date and it is said that January 14th no longer represents the beginning of Uttarayana.

EKADASHI VRATHA

According to Hinduism, the eleventh day after the full and new moon is called Ekadashi.

There are two per month, one each in the Sukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha of the month.

Ekadashi is known as a sacred day. It is believed that loads of negative karmic reactions are removed if fasting, prayer and meditation is observed on this day. However, Ekadashi is an individual expression, one that is best approached with sound sense and an understanding of our personal capabilities.

Choosing to refrain from food is a physical, mental and spiritual discipline, tapas, that burns up habits of addictive behavior. If we are not sure about going without food or it is not an appropriate day for fasting (perhaps we need to be too active to go without food), we could use the day mindfully, to tune into awareness of a habit that we might wish to alter; -

To refrain from watching television

Choose not to use electricity

Choose not to speak or try not speaking excessively,

Perhaps switch off your phone or Refrain from texting

These are traditional days of spiritual quietude when we could choose to be mindful and seek to engage in peaceful pursuits, where possible refraining from strenuous work. Nurturing activities include meditation, reading soul-stirring literature, walking in nature, or enjoying the company of mindful friends.


Fasting: -

On normal Ekadashi, fast from beans, grains and cereals

On Nirjala Ekadashi: total fasting including fasting from water. (Though complete fasting from food and water on every Ekadashi is highly recommended)
Ekadashi fasting combined with yoga, leaves us feeling vibrant and healthy, not fatigued. Physically, fasting detoxifies the body, gives the digestive system a “rest”, and allows us an opportunity to set aside a day of healing and peacefulness during our otherwise busy lives.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, especially if one is fasting entirely, or even just taking water, the stools absorb the toxins in the body when fasting. So on the day the fast is broken it is a good idea to take a gentle laxative consisting of 50-50 warm milk and water, with some rock candy to sweeten it. Generally 4-5 cups are drunk (up to 7) and within half an hour to an hour one will expel the faeces.

Alternatively before fasting one can practice one of the Shatkarmas Laghoo shankaprakshalana, intestinal cleansing with warm salty water combined with exercises that wash into every pocket of the intestines, which gently clears out the whole digestive system, leaving the body feeling bright and wholesome; then, fasting is very easy indeed.

Nirjala Ekadashi: -

In all, 24 Ekadashi fasts are observed in a year, but there are some Ekadashi that are relatively of greater significance. Nirjala Ekadashi, observed on the Ekadashi day (11th day) of the bright fortnight of Jyaishtha (May-June) is one of these. Not only do people refrain from eating food on this day, but also water. In India the month of Jyaishtha is very hot and the days are long, and so observing fast, without even taking a drop of water from dawn to dusk means a great act of piety and austerity. Ekadashi vow and vigil enhances mental equipoise, tolerance and spiritual powers.

Being near to Paramatma: - The Sanskrit word for fast is ' upa-vaas ', which means staying close to Paramatma. The original concept of fasting entailed a deviation from the normal lifestyle and devoting one day to introspection. The fasting person was supposed to distance himself from the trivia of day-to-day life and think only about God. As any worldly pleasure would distract him from this purpose, he was supposed to follow a simple routine. Hence, rich food was avoided and a simple diet was taken to sustain the body. The intention was neither to starve the body nor to indulge it.


Mantras can be used to help keep the mind’s attention on inner goodness in whatever way you sense it. During Ekadashi you might try chanting this powerful Vishnu mantra:

Om Namo Bhagavate Vaasudevaaya

Or chant with meditative attention on different areas of the body: -

Lotus Feet:

Om Damodaraya Namah


Thighs:

Om Madhavaya Namah


Private Parts:

Om Kamapataye Namah


Hips:

Om Vamanaya Namah


Navel:

Om Padmanabhaya Namah


Stomach:

Om Vishvamutaye Namah


Heart:

Om Jnanagamyaya Namah


Throat:

Om Srikanthaya Namah


Arms:

Om Sahasrabahave Namah


Lotus Eyes:

Om Paramayogine Namah


Forehead:

Om Urugayai Namah


Nose:

Om Narakeshvaraya Namah


Hair:

Om Sarvakamadaya Namah


Head:

Om Sahasrashirshaya Namah


The Vishnu Purana and the Markandeya Purana gives detailed description of the benefits resulting from the observance of Ekadashi vrata.

DHANUR MAASA - Sun transit to Saggitarius

Dhanur Maasa is not an independent month like the months of Chaitra etc. The start of the Dhanur Maasa is marked by the entry of the Sun in the Dhanur Raasi (Saggitarius) called the Dhanuh Sankramana; hence the name Dhanur Maasa for this month. During this month, the sun transits the Dhanur Raasi until it enters the Makara Rashi at the end of this month.

Dhanur Maasa is also known by the names Chapa Maasa, Kodanda Maasa, Karmuka Maasa etc. Chapa, Kodanda, Karmuka etc., in Sanskrit are synonyms of Dhanus; meaning a bow.

Dhanur Maasa starts with Margashirsha Shukla Ekadasi (the eleventh day in the bright half of the lunar month of Margashira) and extends up to the end of Dakshinayana. More appropriately, the start of the Dhanur Masa is marked by the entry of the Sun in the Dhanur Raasi (Saggitarius); this is called Dhanuh Sankramana.; hence the name Dhanur Maasa for this month. During this month, the sun transits the Dhanur Raasi and enters the Makara Raashi at the end of this month. So, the period extending between Dhanus Sankramana and Makara Sankramana is the auspicious Dhanur Maasa Period.

Our scriptures have set apart this month to be completely focused on devotional activities. Other non-devotional social activities (such as weddings) are prohibited during this month so that attention can be given exclusively to the worship of God without any diversions.

According to tradition, the Gods wake up early in the morning during the month of Dhanur Maasa. They perform special prayers to Sri Maha Vishnu during the auspicious period of “Brahmi Muhurta,” which is one and half hours before sunrise. During this month, devotees offer prayers to the Lord very early in the morning. The month of Dhanur Masa is considered a very special month for performing Pooja of Vishnu.


Importance of Dhanur Maasa

The importance of this Maasa is mentioned in the Dhanur Maasa Mahatmya of Pancharatragama, Agni Purana and also in a work called Smruti Muktavali.

In Pancharatragama, the Mahatmya of Dhanur Maasa is presented in 4 chapters, as conversation between Hamasa form of Supreme Lord and four-faced Brahma. The dialogue between Hamasa and Brahma is narrated by Sage Suta in response to a query by Shaunaka.

In the first chapter, Sage Suta hails the greatness of the Month of Chapa (Dhanus) and gives the fruits one would be blessed with by following the prescribed austerities in this holy month.

In the second chapter, the Hamsa – Brahma Samvada is given where Brahma asks Lord Hamsa to tell him the importance and greatness of Dhanur Maasa. The greatness of the Dhanur Maasa is brought out by the story of the King Satyasandha.

In the third chapter, giving alms during this auspicious period is hailed. The devotee is instructed to do pious deeds as per his capacity. Otherwise, he is warned of dire consequences.

In the fourth and final chapter, different ways of feeding Brahmins are discussed. Arranging for the meals of a Brahmin who cooks for himself is lauded as the best way. The importance of this is brought out by a small anecdote of the Pandavas.


Dhanur Maasa – rituals

During the entire month of Dhanur Maasa, special worship of the Lord should be conducted early in the day during the auspicious “Brahmi Muhurta”. The morning worship should be necessarily completed before sunrise, while the stars are still twinkling.

The morning worship is graded into three types depending on the time when it is conducted.

The worship which is conducted during Arunodaya time is said to be of highest quality.

The worship which is performed when the stars disappear is of medium quality.

The worship which is performed after sunrise is of lower quality.

The worship conducted during afternoon is said to be fruitless.


Dhanur Maasa – chantings

Chantings addressed to Vishnu such as Vishnu Sahasranama are specially recited during this period. Along with Vishnu, the worship of Sri Maha Lakshmi is also performed reciting the Bhadra Lakshmi stotra.


Dhanur Maasa – offerings

Special Mudganna (Moong Dal Rice) is offered to Lord Vishnu after worshipping him early in the morning.

The Pancharatra Agama gives three alternatives for preparing the Mudganna as follows

If rice and Moong Dal are in 1:1 ratio then the Mudganna is said to be of the highest quality and brings forth highest merits.

If rice and Moong Dal are in 2:1 ratio then the Mudganna is said to be of average quality and brings forth average merits.

If rice and Moon Dal are in 4:1 ration then the Mudganna is said to be of poor quality and brings forth poor merits


Dhanur Maasa - para kruti

It is said that Goddess Shashi, the consort of Lord Indra, performed special worship by offering Mudganna during this auspicious period and regained the riches.


Dhanur Maasa - phala shruti

Worshipping Vishnu on a single day during this auspicious period is equal to worshipping Vishnu with devotion for 1000 years. Every single step taken towards the nearby lake, river etc for morning dip during this month brings forth merit equal to performing an Ashvamedha Yaga.

KSHAYA MAASA - month skipped

In the process of synchronization between Lunar and Solar calendars there is also a possibility of adding more months over a longer period of time. Under this concept it is said that for 1920 solar months, 60 Adhika Maasas will be added when 59 would be adequate. Hence, in order to bring in further refinement and to suppress this excess in Adhika Maasas our ancient seers have also devised a concept wherein one month is reduced or dropped in the Lunar Calendar by ignoring the count of Lunar month at appropriate intervals. This concept of reduction or dropping of a Lunar month is known as Kshaya Maasa where, in such an eventuality there will be no new Moon (Amavasya) in a particular solar month. Sun’s stay in a particular Raasi or sign will be less than the duration of a Lunar month and it results in two Sankramanas or Solar transits taking place in a particular lunar month. It is said that Kshaya Maasa occurs generally once in 141 years and again after 19 years. It doesn’t occur at short intervals of time. Generally Kshaya Maasa occurs in one of the Lunar months of Kartika, Margasira and Pushya Maasa. In the year when Kshaya Maasa occurs there will be two Adhika Maasas, one before and the other after the Kshaya Maasa.

In simple terms an Adhika Maasa occurs when there are two New Moons in a Solar Month and there will be no Sun’s transit or Sankramana in that Lunar month. In such a situation we find Sun transit or Sankramana happening just before and just after the Adhika Maasa. In other words a Lunar month with no Sun transit or Sankramana is referred to as Adhika Maasa or Mala Maasa. Generally, Adhika Maasa occurs in the period from Chaithra to Aaswayuja the first seven months of the Hindu Lunar Calendar.