The ninth month of the Tamil calendar is called Margazhi, Margasirsha, or Agrahayana. The starting and ending date varies yearly but usually starts close to mid-December and ends in mid-January. Margazhi month is celebrated mainly in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. To mark the significant month, people perform many rituals at home and participate in cultural festivities with others. The month is also a time for spiritual reflection so those seeking a spiritual path will benefit the most by performing spiritual activities.

Significance of Margazhi Month

The Margazhi month is considered the most auspicious month for many South Indians as the sun is closest to Earth and the weather becomes coolest. Devotees offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva during this month for countless blessings. Ayurveda states that the month is often a time for spiritual progression. The body fire is lower than during other months which makes way for higher consciousness to work better and therefore is an optimal time for enriching your soul through meditation and rituals.

Margazhi Month rituals

There are many Margazhi month rituals that you can follow to make the most of the powerful month to get spiritually blessed.

Wake up early

The Brahma Muhurtham begins at 3:40 am to 6 am. Waking up at this time is considered highly auspicious and taking a bath within the time frame is an excellent way to start your day. In South India, people go to temple ponds for a dip that energizes their entire being to start their day positively. If going to a temple is not an option, it is best to bathe, wear clean clothes, and follow other rituals for spiritual enlightenment.

Meditate in the morning

Meditating during the Brahma Muhurtham is a great way to follow the divine path. As Margazhi is the best time for spiritual evolution and growth, you should dedicate at least 15 minutes to meditation every day of the month. Sit on a meditation mat and focus entirely on your breathing to clear your mind of any thoughts that fill your mind.

Make colourful kolams

Unleash your creative side by designing beautiful kolams in your house; especially near the entrance of your home and the puja ghar. Get inspiration from the kolam book for patterns and use traditional white powder to create rangolis. You can also use other stunning colour powders to decorate your home. If you are pressed for time, buy kolam stickers from the Giri UK store or use a kolam jali to create magnificent kolams in minutes.

Perform puja at home or visit the temple

You can go to Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva's temple during the Margazhi month or perform puja at home. When performing puja at home, try to do it within Brahma Muhurtham. You can find all the required puja items at the Giri UK store such as puja plate, diya, deep oil, agarbatti, agarbatti holder and much more. It is easier to get everything delivered to your doorstep when you are on a tight schedule. Make sure you recite religious hymns to get maximum benefits during Margazhi month.

Prepare Tamilian delicacies

Two dishes are traditionally prepared during the Margazhi month; Kali and Ezhu Kaari Kootu. These are offered to Lord Shiva after puja and consumed later by all the family members. The sweet dish called Kali is made using jaggery, rice, and moong dal. The other food item Ezhu Kaari Kootu is prepared using seven root or tubular vegetables.

Listen to bhajans or recite hymns

Listen to devotional music such as bhajans early in the morning or whenever you are home to get all the benefits during the Margazhi month. Alternatively, you can recite Margazhi Satrumurai and Tamil hymns that praise Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu devotees can recite the Tiruppavai while Lord Shiva devotees can recite Tiruvembavai. If you want to recite both hymns with full devotion to get the most benefits, get a copy of the Hindu spiritual book of Tiruppavai and Tiruvembavai from Giri UK.

Attend music festivals

During the Margazhi month, the South Indian community organizes music festivals that feature South Indian musicians and traditional dancers who entertain the audience in various art forms. It is a treat to the eyes and the ears as it enlightens the audience with the stories associated with the Margazhi month. It provides an excellent way to learn about the auspicious month and connect with other community members.

Margazhi is more than just a month. It is a strong emotion for those who celebrate it and understand its relevance. It’s a culture fest filled with traditional practices that bring you closer to your roots. You can celebrate it entirely at home or go out and enjoy cultural festivals with other community members. It is an ideal time to commence your spiritual journey to balance your soul and bring change to your entire self. What are your plans this Margazhi month?