Margazhi
Margazhi is the most beautiful and
religiously important month of Tamil calendar. In Bhagavath Geeta, Lord Krishna
says He represents the month of Margazhi which will explain its holiness. Let
us see the importance. The period of Margazli is also seen as the early morning
period of Devas as per the Hindu mythology hence gains more important as
whatever you do during the early hours of morning will give better results.
a. Bajans People will wake
up early in the morning and took bath in cold water and go around the streets
in groups singing Bhajan. The Bhajan madali will end in the temple with the arthi
to the Lord Vishna or Siva. During the
Bhajans, people will sing Tirupavai on each days and Tiruvempavai and Tirupallieluzchi
one on each days. It has been proven
scientifically that the ozone layer is closest to the Earth during this time
and hence breathing in the fresh early morning air during this month is very
beneficial to our health.
b. Tirupavai is 30 verses
to be sing one each during the month. Andal recited the 30 verses of Tirupavai
for 30 days and observed Pavainombu to attain the feet of Lord Ranganatha. It
is believed that her desire of marrying Lord Ranganatha has been fulfilled. It
is believed that the girls reciting the Tirupavai during the month of Margazhi
will get a good husband. Manikavasagar recited Thiruvempavai on Lord Shiva. In
these verses, the saint visualises himself as a female. It will be recited in
praise of the Lord in the early hours of Margazhi
c. KOLAM – The ladies
also wake up early in the morning and draw Kolam in front of their house which
will indirectly help them in breathing Ozone to keep them healthy. Kolam also
develop their skills of coordination and designing.
Celebrations in temples.
There are celebrations in the temples
both at Vishnu and Siva during this month and the details and importance of the
celebrations are as under
Vaikunda Ekadasi – Ekadasi will come twice in a month
and during this day people will be on fasting or at least avoid rice in total
as it is the stable food of Tamilnadu. The Ekadasi on this month will be called
as vaikunda Ekadasi. If it is not possible to be on fast for all the ekadasi,
one should be on fasting for Vaikunda Ekadasi and chant the names of lord
Vishnu throughout the Night. On this day
in the temples of Mahavishnu have the beautiful ritual of “sorgavaasal” the early morning of Vaikunta
Ekadasi and the whole day is celebrated on a grand scale. At Srirangam
, 21 days of celebration marking it as Pagal Pathu and Ra pathu and during this
time 4000 divyaprabandam will be chanted.
Thiruvadhirai / Arudhra darisanam
Thiruvadhirai is the star
of Lord Shiva and this festival is celebrated in His honour. Arudhra darisanam is
celebrated on the full moon day of Margazhi and in all Sivan
temples with special abhishekams to the Siva lingams on
the eve of Thiruvadhirai and special alangarams and pujas on Thiruvadhirai day.
The celebrations at Chidambaram are the best with special pujas to
Natarajar. On this day, at home people will prepare Kali a sweet made with rice
and jaggery along with kootu a special dish made with native vegetables.
Hanumath Jayanthi It is believed that Lord Hanuman was born in this month in the Moola
star and his birthday
will be celebrated as Hanumath jayanthi.
Bhogi pandigai Last day of Margazli is celebrated as bhogi pandigai which represent
disposal of old/ worn-out thought and let in good thoughts into the mind. To
represent this people will symbolically burn out old goods. Just before Bhogi, the
houses are cleaned, painted and all old and unwanted things are burnt on bhogi day
marking the entry of new and exit of old stuff. Of course, nowadays burning is
discouraged as it creates pollution.
Music Season
Last, but not the least, is the Margazhi music
season in Chennai. The music season is not just music, but dance and drama too
with many lecture demonstration sessions useful for learners. Again the music
season does not wait for Margazhi anymore as the city is
growing and with sabhas all over the place, the duration of the season has
increased. This year music season began on the 1st of December and is in full
swing now. It is a pleasure to watch the sabhas full of different types of
people right from the lovely pattu sari clad ladies to the girls in jeans -
many of them foreigners - enjoying the kutcheris alike. For
the past 10-15 years the food served in the sabha canteens has gained almost as
much importance as the kutcheris themselves with caterers
vying for a slot.
Please celebrate the festivals during Margazli and get the blessing of GOD and also get the benefit of nature
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