Hindus refer to two types of calendars one is based on the movement of Sun and is called Sauramana (Solar Calendar) while the one which relies on Moon is Chandramana (Lunar Calendar). The transit of Sun from one zodiac to the other decides the months in Solar Calendar and in the Lunar Calendar it is based on the Nakshatra (Constellation) occurring on the Paurnami (Full Moon) day.
When Sun transits into Dhanus (Sagittarius) that month is denoted as Dhanurmasa. It generally occurs around the middle of the winter month December in between the two lunar months Margasira and Pushya. Sri Krishna while explaining His vibuthi to Arjuna has stamped His presence in Margarita by proclaiming “Maasanaam Margasiroham” (among the months I am Margasira).
As per the Gregorian calendar, Dhanurmasa mostly starts on 16th December and ends on January 13th or 14th on the Pongal festival day. This Dhanurmasa is the ninth month of the zodiac starting from Meshamasa (Aries) and is the last month before the onset of Uttarayana Punya Kaala.
Dhanurmasa has acquired a unique significance of auspiciousness in Hindu spiritual calendar for devotional activities especially worshiping of Maha Vishnu. More significance is given for worshipping during the early hours before sunrise known as Arunodaya Kaala.
There is a reason behind the early hour worship at Arunodaya Kaala. As per the concept of Hindu time element, it is said that, one day for Divine Beings is equal to one human year comprising of 6 months of Uttarayana and 6 months of Dakshinayana. That means Uttarayana is the day time and Dakshinayana is the night time for Divine Beings.
Accordingly one human month is equal to two hours for Divine Beings. The period of Dhanurmasa falling at the fag end of Dakshinayana indicates the last leg of the night time for Divine Beings (Arunodaya) when they worship Sri Hari. Hence, it is befitting for human beings also to worship Maha Vishnu at a time that coincides with the Arunodaya Kaala for Divine Beings. This incidentally coincides with the Dhanurmasa. This auspicious period is known as Arunodaya Muhurtha.
Any worship conducted at Arunodaya Muhurtha is said to be of highest quality that yield meritorious results. It is said that worshiping Maha Vishnu during this auspicious and sacred period of Dhanurmasa, the dearest month for Sri Hari even for a single day is equivalent to worshiping the for 1000 years. Also Vaikunta Ekadashi is at the waning phase of the moon in this month.
In Hindu philosophy for everything a specific time measure is set and prescribed according to the concept of time element. It specifies the unique significance given to the month, day, thithi, Nakshatra etc in Hindu religion. Therefore perform right deeds at the right time and seek Divine blessings that yield higher outcomes.
Considering the superior sacredness and spirituality attached to the Dhanurmasa, auspicious functions like Marriage, House warming etc. are not generally undertaken during this month. It is only to give more focus and attention to the Divine worship rather than mundane materialistic activities.
There is also a health benefits attached to the naivedya (obalation) preparation prescribed in this Dhanurmasa. While Huggi (prepared with Rice and Moong dal mixed in equal proportions and boiled with black pepper, cummin and salt) is the general dish some temples offer hot Shunti Kashaya (Ginger brew) which is very helpful in this winter mornings.
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