Magha Maas is the 11th month of the Hindu calendar
that begins somewhere after mid-January and goes up to a little after
mid-February. This month begins on either the new moon day or full moon day of
the month, and the name is given so because of the star cluster called ‘Magha’.
It marks the end of the dry winter season, and brings in the most awaited
spring season with fresh new leaves and flowers blooming all around. Also, this
month is considered auspicious to perform ceremonies of marriage, house
warming, thread ceremony, and many other important events of one’s life. The
major ritual of this month is the ‘Magha
Snanam’ meaning holy dips in holy rivers.
The ‘Magha Snanam’
ritual
There is special significance of taking bath in holy waters
during this month; and this ritual is known as ‘Magha Snanam’. It starts from
Pushya Shukla Purnima/Amavasya and ends with Magha Shukla Purnima/Amavasya.
During this period, the devotees believe to take early bath in the holy rivers
of Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, or any other holy river before sunrise. This is
because it is believed that Lord Vishnu resides in the holy waters during this
auspicious month and blesses all those who perform this ritual by having them rid
of their sins.
The ‘Samudra Snanam’
ritual
Another ritual followed during this month is the ‘Samudra
Snanam’ wherein the devotees take bath in sea waters. On account of the cold
during winters and lack of sunshine, the human body becomes weak. During the
Magha Maas, the Sun’s rays provide more heat and energize the Sea waters,
destroying the bacteria. Also, common salt in the sea acts as an antibiotic and
cleanses the skin. Taking all of this into consideration, the Hindu sages
prescribed people to perform ‘Samudra Snanam’ and spend one Ghadiya or a period of 48 minutes in the
sea during Magha Maas. This results in the energy of the Sun’s rays embedded in
the water to spread within our body. Therefore, this can be an answer for those
looking for scientific reasons to bathe in the waters during this month.
Worshipping Gods in
this month
Many Gods and Goddesses are believed to be associated with
this auspicious month. Goddess Saraswati, Surya Dev, Lord Shiva, and Lord
Vishnu are mainly worshipped during this month. The major festivals seen
falling in this month every year are mentioned below.
·
Vasant Panchami – The female divine energy of
learning, wisdom and knowledge – Goddess Saraswati – is worshipped on this day
as it is considered to be her birth day. She is worshipped to help get rid of
lethargy, sluggishness and ignorance.
·
Ratha Sapthami – The Sun God, who rides in his
chariot of seven horses (representing the seven colours of the rainbow and the
seven days of the week), is worshipped on this day as it is believed to be his
birth day. On this day, the Sun God is believed to commence his journey towards
the North-East direction, bringing in the spring season.
·
Magha Purnima – Lord Vishnu in his Satyanarayana
avtaar is worshipped on this day.
After taking bath in a holy river, donations are made to the poor and the
Brahmins, after which the Satyanarayana Katha is performed to seek the
blessings of purity, peace, happiness and wealth from Lord Vishnu.
·
Maha Shivratri – Devotees observe fast and
worship Lord Shiva on this day by bathing the Shivling with water, milk and
honey. They offer belpatra to him as
it symbolizes purification of the soul.
You can see how important and auspicious the Magha Maas is
for the Hindus. If you want to benefit from this auspicious month and conduct any
of these Magha Maas rituals within your home, you can get in touch with
MakeMyPuja Pandits. They are highly experienced and professional, and can help
you perform all the rituals in the most appropriate manner to help you gain
success, peace, health and wealth in your lives.
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