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It is winter and most of us want to snuggle deeper into our warm bed. But are you aware that this season is early morning for the pantheon of thirty-three crores of Hindu Gods?
Ancient Indians believed that when the sun shone on the stellar constellation of Sagittarius the Brahma Muhurtham set in, marking the dawn in the day of the Gods which stretches out as a month in the life
of mere mortals.
The Dhanur Maasa or Maargazhi which falls between mid-December and mid-January has been celebrated in a very unique manner in the south of India. Traditionalists get up before the crack of dawn, bathe and cleanse themselves and offer prayers to the Gods. Young women, showcase their talent by drawing beautiful rangolis outside their homes. It is the month when classical music and dances ensconce the atmosphere in the wee hours of the morning.
Temples open their doors way before the first ray of the sun appears in the horizon. Earthen lamps are lit at the doorsteps of temples and homes lending warmth to the misty hours of dawn. Sweet hot pongal generously laced with ghee is given as prasadam.
The Thiruppavai composed in Tamil by the saint poetess Aandal are sung during this period of time to invoke the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
As usual Indian festivities and celebrations have a hidden agenda of practical relevance which blankets the core content of the event.
The coldest period in the tropical region is celebrated as a month-long festival to help people practise the wisdom of the saying, “Early to bed early to rise, makes a man healthy wealthy and wise.”
If you closely examine the ritual of rising early that is followed during this season it will not be difficult for you to realise that the cold-water bath tones up our system and builds our immunity, while the music soothes our nerves, the rangolis appeal to our aesthetics,the sweet boosts our energy levels and the visit to the temple metamorphoses as our morning walk.
In other words, the time-tested secret of good living and all-round success which lies in rising with the lark has been felicitated by our ancestors to help us have a headstart towards a productive day even through the chills!