Margashirsha 2023: Margashirsha is the ninth month in the Hindu calendar, typically falling between November and December. This year, Margashirsha month spans from November 28 to December 26, 2023. Margashirsha month holds significance for the worship of various deities, with a special emphasis on pleasing Lord Shri Krishna. In scriptures, Margashirsha is referred to as the month of Shri Krishna.
It is believed that performing worship and rituals during this month attracts the blessings of Lord Shri Krishna. Therefore, regular offerings like flowers, fruits, naivedya (food offerings), incense, lamps, and butter-mixed delicacies are recommended for Krishna's worship. Apart from Shri Krishna, worshiping other deities during this month also brings prosperity and happiness. Let's understand the importance of worshiping specific deities in Margashirsha or Agrahayana month.
Shri Krishna: Devotees should worship Lord Shri Krishna in his Keshava form during Margashirsha month. Performing such worship is considered auspicious, and one can conduct an abhishek (ritualistic bath) by mixing saffron in milk.
Surya Dev (Sun God): According to the Agni Purana, it is recommended to worship Surya Dev as Varuna during Margashirsha month. Offering arghya (water oblation) to Surya Dev daily during this month fulfills desires and ensures prosperity and happiness in the home, also keeping illnesses at bay.
Lakshmi Ji (Goddess Lakshmi): Worship Goddess Lakshmi every Friday during Margashirsha month. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi descends to the Earth during this month, showering blessings upon her devotees. Therefore, performing a proper puja of Goddess Lakshmi during this month attracts the blessings of wealth and abundance.
Tulsi (Holy Basil): After morning ablutions, offer water to the Tulsi plant during Margashirsha month. Subsequently, perform a puja and light a ghee lamp during the evening. This practice is said to bring peace and prosperity to the home and invite the presence of Goddess Lakshmi.
Apart from deity-specific worship, here are some additional activities recommended for Margashirsha month:
Perform Shankh Puja by filling a conch shell with pure water or Ganga water, rotating it around the deities, and sprinkling the water throughout the house. This helps dispel negative energy.
Read the Bhagavad Gita at home during Margashirsha month. This practice aids in the dissolution of sinful actions.
Dedicate extra time to the worship of the divine. Recite the mantra 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' regularly.
Worship Lord Vishnu in Margashirsha month and offer Tulsi leaves to seek his blessings.
Taking a bath in the Yamuna River holds significance in Margashirsha month. If this is not feasible, bathing in any sacred river or pond and remembering the divine can be an alternative.