Dhanu Sankranti, also known as Dhanur Sankranthi or Dhanu Sankraman, is the auspicious day when Sun (Surya Bhagwan) enters into Dhanu Rashi or the zodiac sign of Sagittarius. In 2009, Dhanu Sankranti date is December 16. The auspicious month for Vaishnava sect of people, Dhanur Mas, begins on this day. During Dhanur Mas, the popular Dhanu Yatra is celebrated at Baragarh in Orissa. This day commemorates the visit of Lord Sri Krishna to Mathura.
Dhanu Sankranti is popularly known as Vakula Amavasya or Bakula Amavasya. Sankraman Snan (ritual bath during Dhanu Sankranti) is performed in holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Tungabhadra, and Cauvery during this auspicious day. Dhanur Mas ends on Makara Sankranti day. Makara Sankranti marks the transition of Sun to Makara Rashi (Capricorn).
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Dhanur Sankraman or Dhanu Sankranthi in South India – Importance and signficance of Dhanur Maasam
Dhanurmasam or Dhanumasam is known as Margazhi month as per the Tamil calendar. Dhanurmasam 2009 – 2010 starts on December 16, 2009 and ends on January 13, 2010. This month is the most auspicious month the devotees who Vaishnava tradition. Dhanurmasam begins on Dhanur Sankramanam day. On this day Sun enters into Dhanu Rashi (Sagittarius zodiac sign).
In South Indian states … Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala, vaishnavaite sect of people celebrate the month with worshipping Lord Vishnu and Andal (Godadevi or Neela devi). Thiruppavai, a divine text written by Andal, is recited by all devotees. Goda Devi Kalyanam is the major event celebrated during Dhanurmasam in Tirumala Tirupati. In Srirangam Ranganatha swamy temple, Dhanurmasa utsavam is a major event. In Tamil Nadu, Dhanurmasa Vratam is observed as Pavai Nombu.
In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka during the whole month of Dhanurmasam, Katyayani Vratam, dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, is observed. Vaikunta Ekadashi, Pakshika Chandra Grahanam and Bhogi are the major festivals or auspicious days or important events during Dhanurmasam in 2009-2010.
Dhanur Sankranti, also known as Dhanu Sankramanam, is the transition of the Sun to Dhanu Rashi or the zodiac sign of Sagittarius. In 2009, Dhanu Sankranti date is December 16. Usually, Dhanu Sankraman occurs on Margasira Amavasya as per Telugu and Kannada calendars. As per Tamil calendar, Dhanus sankraman falls on the first day of Margazhi or Margali masam (Margazhi Amavasi).
Dhanur Sankraman marks the beginning of Dhanur Masam in Andhra Pradesh and some parts of Karnataka. Dhanurmasam is the most auspicious period for Vaishnava sect of Hindus. Pavai Nombu begins on Dhanur Sankraman day in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Pavai Nombu, also referred as Margazhi Nombu, is a month-long vrata observed during the Tamil month of Margazhi or Margali masam. In 2009, Pavai Nombu starts on December 15 and ends on January 14, 2010. Mainly the Nombu is for kanyas or virgin girls who want to get good husbands and pleasant married life. It is believed that Andal was performed the Nombu to get the Lord Vishnu as her husband. Some devotees believe that Gopis, the cowherd girls, were influenced by Pavai Nombu and started to perform Katyayani vrata.
Pavai Nombu is observed as Dhanurmasa Vratham in Andhra Pradesh. Thiruppavai is the sacred text recited during Dhanurmasa vratham. Dhanurmasam is one of the most auspicious months for Vaishnava sect of Hindus. It starts on Margashira Amavasya, the No Moon day in Margasira masam.
