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| Agrahayana | |
|---|---|
| Native name | अग्रहायण (Sanskrit) |
| Calendar | Hindu calendar |
| Month number | 8 |
| Season | Winter |
| Gregorian equivalent | November-December |
| Significant days |
|
Agrahayana orMargashirsha,[1] (Sanskrit:अग्रहायण,romanized: Agrahāyaṇa,Sanskrit:मार्गशीर्ष,romanized: Mārgaśīrṣa,Awadhi:अगहन) is the ninth month of theHindu calendar. InIndia's national civil calendar,Agrahayana is also the eight month of the year, beginning on 16 November and ending on 15 December. Margashirsha means related to theMrigashīrshanakṣatra (asterism), which has been known sinceVedic times.
In lunar religious calendars,Agrahayana orMargashirsha typically begins either on the new moon or the full moon, depending on the regional tradition, and generally corresponds to the ninth month of the year.
In solar religious calendars, Agrahayana (orMargaḻi in Tamil traditions) begins with theSun's entry into the zodiac signSagittarius (Dhanus Rashi) and is considered the ninth month of the year.
Vaikunta Ekadashi, observed on theEkadashi (11th lunar day) of Margashirsha month, is celebrated also asMokshada Ekadashi. Additionally, the 10th Canto, 22nd Chapter ofBhagavata Purana narrates a significant episode where the young, marriageable daughters of the cowherd men ofGokula (gopis) worship goddessKatyayani. During the entire Margashirsha month, considered the first month of the winter season (Śiśira Ritu), the gopis undertook a sacred vow (Vrata) with the desire to haveKrishna as their husband.[2]
Bhairava Ashtami occurs on theKrishna pakshaAshtami of this month of Margashirsha month. According to Hindu tradition, it is believed that on this day, LordShiva manifested in his fierce form asBhairava on Earth. This day is commemorated with special prayers, rituals, and offerings dedicated to Bhairava, who is regarded as the protector and guardian deity.
Margashirsha Guruvar Mahalakshmi Vrat, also known asMargashirsha Devi Vrat, is a sacred observance dedicated to GoddessLakshmi. This fast is observed on all Thursdays of the Margashirsha month in the Hindu lunar calendar, totaling four days of devotion and prayer. The fast holds special significance, as it is associated with wealth, prosperity, mental and spiritual growth, making it ideal for invoking goddess Lakshmi’s blessings. Devotees recite powerful stotras and hymns, including theLakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 names of Lakshmi), theŚrī Sūkta, and theMahalakshmi Ashtakam. In Odisha this fast is celebrated asManabasa Gurubara.
In Tamil Nadu, during this month ofMargaḻi, women makekolams orrangoli early in the morning. Devotees usually go to temples each morning and reciteThiruppavai byAndal andThiruvempavai byManikkavacakar.[3]
| Shukla Paksha | Krishna Paksha |
|---|---|
| 1.Prathama (day) | 1.Prathama (day) |
| 2.Dvitīya | 2.Dvitīya |
| 3.Tritīya | 3.Tritīya |
| 4.Chaturthi | 4.Chaturthi |
| 5.Panchami | 5.Panchami |
| 6.Shashti | 6.Shashti |
| 7.Saptami | 7.Saptami |
| 8.Ashtami | 8.Ashtami |
| 9.Navami | 9.Navami |
| 10.Dashami | 10.Dashami |
| 11.Ekadashi | 11.Ekadashi |
| 12.Dwadashi | 12.Dwadashi |
| 13.Thrayodashi | 13.Thrayodashi |
| 14.Chaturdashi | 14.Chaturdashi |
| 15.Purnima | 15.Amavasya |
