Magh Purnima or Magha Pournami, also known as Maha Maghi, is one of the auspicious Pournami days for Hindu devotees. Purnima is considered as significant in terms of spiritual practice and performing religious rituals. Samudra Snan or Punya Nadi Snanam (holy dip in holy waters) on Maha Maghi is highly meritorious deed. It is auspicious for Snana, Daana, Japa, and Parayana.
On Magh purnima day, along with Ishta Devatas (favorite Gods), Goddess Parvati Devi is worshipped. Bruhaspati is the God for Magha or Makha or Magham Nakshatra (birth star constellation), hence in some communities Brihaspati is also worshipped.
When Guru or Brihaspati enters into Simha Rasi, Maha Maghi Utsavam is held jubilantly at Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. At Hamsaladeevi Venugopala Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh, Magha Pournami Utsavam is celebrated with utmost gaiety. Hamsaladeevi confluence is called as Triveni Sangamam where the River Krishna merges into the Sea Bay of Bengal.
Tila Daanam (donating sesame seeds), Homam with sesame seeds, and naivedya prepared with Til seeds and offered to Gods. Devotees believe that reciting and donating the Brahmavaivartha Purana is highly meritorious.
Magh Purnima snan is the fourth auspicious bath in Kumbh Mela. Makar Sankranti Snan, Mauni Amavasya Snan, and Basant Panchami Snan are the other three auspicious bathing days observed before Magh Purnima snan.
Madhwa Navami or Madhwa Navami is celebrated with utmost gaiety on Magha Shukla Navami day. This day commemorates the journey of Madhwacharya to Badarikashrama. On this day Madhwacharya, the exponent of Dwaita philosophy, went to meet his Guru Veda Vyasa at Badrinath and disappeared. In 2010, Madhwa Navami date is January 24.
On Madhva Navami day, special pujas are offered to the idol of Madhvacharya in all Ashta Mutts (eight Mutts of Madhvacharya). Brahmins and scholars chant the holy text, ‘Madhva Vijaya’ at Udupi Sri Krishna Temple. The idol or the image of Madhvacharya takes out in a procession in the evening. ‘Brahma Rathotsava’ marks the conclusion of Madhva Navami celebrations in Udupi Sri Krishna Temple.
Madhva Navami or Madhwa Navami is observed on Magha Shukla Navami, the ninth day in Magha month (January – February). This festival is celebrated as the day on which Madhvacharya entered into Badarikashrama. Madhva Navami 2010 date is January 24. On this day, it is believed that Madhvacharya started his ‘Prayana’ (journey) to Badrinath for joining his Guru Shri Veda Vyasa (approximately in 1317 A.D.). Hence the festival is also known as ‘Prayana’. He never returned to his place and his devotees also believe that he is still alive there at Badrinath with his Guru Vedavyasa.
Prathoma Hanumanamah
Dwithiyo Bheemayevacha
Poornaprajna Thrithyasto
Bhagavatkarya Sadhakaha
The above shloka explains us about the three divine incarnations or avatars of Madhvacharya. The first avatar was Lord Hanuman, the mighty god in Ramayana; the second avatar was Bheema, one among the Pandavas; and the third avatar was Madhvacharya.
Madhva Navami is celebrated with utmost fervor in Madhva Sanghas, Raghavendra Mutts all over the world, and Udupi Sri Krishna Temple and Mutt.
Bhishma Dwadashi or Bheeshma Dvadasi is observed on Magha Shukla Dwadashi, the day after Bhishma Ekadashi. Bhishma Dwadashi is an auspicious day during when devotees break their Bhishma Ekadasi vrat upvaas. Bhishma Dwadasi 2010 date is January 27. It is believed that Pandvas observed the final rituals and rites for Bhishma pithamaha who died on Bhishma Ashtami (Magh Shukla Ashtami).
Bhishma Dwadasi is the second auspicious day during Bhishma Panchak Vrat, observed from Bhishma Ekadashi to Magh Purnima. It is not only observed by Vishnu devotees but also by Shiva devotees. This festival is a grand occasion in ISKCON Temples, Vrindavan Krishna Temple, Banke Bihariji Temple and Lord Puri Jagannath Temple.
Magh month or Magha masam is the 11th month in Hindu calendar and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Magh mahina is considered as one of the auspicious months as per Hinduism because during this period, The Goddess of education and learning – Goddess Saraswati Devi, the God of health – Surya Bhagwan and one of the Trimurti – Lord Shiva in Shivalinga form were born. Kartik month is popular for Deepa or diya jwalan and Magh month is auspicious for Punya Snanam (Magh Snan). Starting from Paush Amavasya day, Magh Snan is observed during the whole period of Magh month.
In 2010, Magh month has begun on January 1st and will end on January 30 as per North Indian calendars. As per Telugu, Gujarati, Marathi and Kannada, Bengali calendars Magh month 2010 will start on January 16 and end on February 13, 2010.
Magha Masa Vratham:
Surya Bhagwan is worshipped during Magh month with shodashopachar puja and deepa prajwalan (lighting diyas). Magh Pradosh or Pradosha puja in Magha masam is the most auspicious time for lighting lamps and offering Til (sesame seeds) to Brahmins. Pratha Snanam or taking bath in the early morning is considered as meritorious in magh mahina.
Major Festivals in Magha Masam or Magh month:
Magh Shukla Panchami is observed as Saraswati Puja in Bengal. It is also known as Shree Panchami or Vasant Panchami or Basant Panchami. Magh Shukla Saptami is popular as Rathasaptami or Surya Jayanti. Magh Shukla Ekadashi is observed as Bhishma Ekadasi in South India and Jaya Ekadasi in North Indian states. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on Magh Krishna Chaturdashi as per South Indian, Marathi, and Gujarati calendars.
In Andhra Pradesh, Magha masa Adivarala nomu is observed. Surya Bhagawan is offered puja and special naivedyam on Sundays during Magha masam. Magha Gauri Nomu or the vow dedicated to Goddess Gowri is also observed by some Telugu communities.
