Margazhi (Tamil)—Maga shirsha (Hindi) corresponding to mid-December-mid-January--is the coolest month in the country, and is dedicated to devotional activities. The early morning air in South India reverberates to the sound of music and chants wafting through the air.
Lord Krishna says in the Bagavad Gita, where he lists the best of everything where he resides, that he prefers Margazhi among the 12 months.
This month is dedicated to spiritual activities and no weddings or social events take place.Bhajans are sung and sacred texts recited. Elaborate kolams (decorations) with yellow marigolds on top of a dollop of cowdung catch the eyes in front of homes. Procession of the deity is taken out early in the morning.
Brahma Muhurtham (4 a.m. to 6 a.m.) is considered a good time to perform puja. Throughout Margazhi month, the Brahma Muhurtham is especially dedicated to the Devas.
Vaishnava Rituals
Both Vaishnavites and Saivites perform special rituals associated with this period. Vaishnavites render the Tiruppavai Pasurams in the early morning in all temples and houses.
In the Srirangam temple, the Adhyayana Utsavam is held for 21 days. Recitation of the first 1000 verses of Tiruvaimozhi by Nammalwar--the most important part of the 4000 Divya Prabhandam Pasurams in honour of Lord Narayana--takes place during the 10 days prior to Vaikunta Ekadasi. This period is known as Pahal Pathu.
Starting from Vaikuntha Ekadasi, for the next ten days, the remaining 3,000 verses of the Divya Prabandham are recited. This period is known as Rapathu. This is performed at many Divya Desam centres, including Sri Rangam.
Ekadasi is the eleventh day (occurring twice) in the Hindu lunar calendar. The significance of Vaikuntha Ekadasi falling in the month of Margazhi is talked about in the Padma Purana. The Purana tells of Lord Vishnu taking the form of Ekadasi--female energy--to kill
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