Context

The Margazhi masam is the ninth month in traditional Tamil Calendar which is meant to be an auspicious month for worshippers of both Shiva and Vishnu.

About

The Margazhi Masam:

• This month according to the Tamil Calendar falls from 16 December 2022 to 14 January 2023.
• The month of Margazhi is special to both Vaishnavites and Saivites.
• Andal’s Thiruppavai is recited in Vishnu temples in Margazhi. During this month, in the Arudra star, that Lord Nataraja showed his divine dance to sages Vyagrapada and Patanjali.
• Thiruvempavai and Thirupalliezhuchi are recited by Saivites in Margazhi. Mancikavachagar composed Thiruvempavai in Thiruvannamalai.
• Five temples are of significance to each of the five elements. Of these, the temple at Thiruvannamalai is for
• The auspicious month of Margasheersha, also known as Margazhi in Tamil, is considered auspicious for putting efforts into one's own spiritual growth- be it Sadhana, Vrata, Bhajan, or Pooja - for the Upasakas of Shiva, Shakti, Vishnu as well as others.

Celebrations in the Masam:

• The kolam is drawn to welcome Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity, into the home and drives away the evil spirits.

• Early morning pujas are to be conducted in every household during the month.

Pan-India significance:

• Margahzi or Margali Masam is a corresponding month to Margashira Masam and Poush month of other Hindu calendars. It also corresponds to the Bengali month of Agrahayan and Poush mash.
• According to the Malayalam calendar, it coincides with Dhanur Masam.