Guiding Light: Margashirsha and Spiritual Development

A few days ago we started the month of Margashirsha which is also known as Margashirsha in the south. It is a month that runs from approximately December 15th to January 15th, depending on the lunar calendar it may or may not take a day or two. It is dedicated to many spiritual practices. In a way it is a reflection of nature. This is considered the peak of winter, although one could argue that there is hardly any winter in the south.

Moreover, nature is more dormant, but very pleasant. It is cold in the morning and grains are ripening in the fields. There is not much work in an agricultural society, so people spend their time differently.

Since everything is slowing down in winter, nature is moving inwards, with the energy of plant life concentrated in the roots and tubers. Therefore, it appears to be a good time for spiritual and religious practices, and that is exactly what is done in the southern part of the country.

The importance of this month has also been highlighted by Shri Krishna himself in the Bhagavad Gita, who says, “Among the months, I am Margashirsha.” So, it becomes a time dedicated to more intense spiritual practices.

People wake up earlier than usual, take a dip in ponds, visit temples and do their sadhana. This is roughly the time that coincides with the worship of Makara, or Ayyappa in Kerala, where, again, the discipline is very monk-like – devotees must live a very austere, monk-like lifestyle.

So overall, it is a time of spiritual practice, religious discipline, prayer, meditation and generally intense efforts to elevate oneself spiritually. This is what is included in the month of Margashirsha. Even in the northern part of India, being an agrarian society, not much happens until the harvest season, which comes later. Therefore, we make maximum use of this wonderful time in self-development and religious discipline.

The author is the founder of Arsh Vidya Foundation. You can write to him at aarshavidyaf@gmail.com