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.
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