Things You Probably Dont Know from Hindu Texts

Dhanurmasa

In Hindu religion we find two types of calendars being followed, Solar Calendar known as Sauramana and Lunar calendar known as Chaandramana. In Solar Calendar the months derive their names based on the transit of Sun in a particular zodiac sign and in Lunar calendar it is based on the constellation (Nakshatra) occurring on the full moon day (Pournami). The period between two successive solar transits (sankramana) or the time taken by the Sun to pass through a zodiac sign is known as a Solar month. Accordingly when Sun transits into Sagittarius (Dhanus Raasi) that month is denoted as Dhanurmasam. It marks the entry of Sun into Dhanus raasi that is known as Dhanus Sankramana which generally occurs around the middle of the winter month December. Dhanurmasam generally occurs in between the two lunar months Margasira and Pushya. As per English calendar, Dhanurmasam generally starts on 16th December and ends on January 13th or 14th on the Bhogi festival day. It is the ninth month of the zodiac starting from Aries (Mesha raasi) and is the last month before the onset of Uttarayana.

'Maasaanam Margashirshosmi'- Lord Krishna from Bhagavadgita.

There are two meanings which can be understood from the word 'margasira'.

The month where Mrigasira Nakshtra comes at Pournami is Margasira. This is one meaning.

There is another one, The Marga which is considered to be the
Best of all the others....In detail, The Best way(Marga) to reach God is MargaSira.

There are 4 ways which are said:
1. Karma Marga
2. Gnana Marga
3. Bhakti Marga
4. Prapatti Marga

Karma Marga
Doing your own work with no flaws and any other Ill intentions can make you reach God.

But this is considered as the most Toughest way to reach.

For Example: If you are to perform a Yagna, then it is necessary that you perform it without any flaws, not only you but the others performing with you should be performing well without any bad thoughts.

That may not be entirely possible.

And there are certain rules for materials which should be used. Most of those requirements cannot be met.

'Gahana karmano gatihi'-  Bhagavad-Gita 4.17
Karma Marga is tough.

Gnana Margam
Knowing everything related to the almighty may help us to reach him. But even for that you need a right teacher to guide you, he must be fully educated, he shouldn't have any Ill intentions, etc etc. So Gnana Margam is also a tough one.

Bhakti Margam and Prapatti Margam are almost the same ones but with a minor difference.
Worshipping Lord Whole heartedly for something other than the Lord is Bhakthi.

Worshipping Lord whole heartedly for the Lord himself is Prapatti. Also known as Ananya Bhakti.

'Bhaktyatvananyaya sakyaha',I will be available for those with Ananya Bhakthi. Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad-Gita .
This Prapatti Marga is the 'Margasira', the best of all the ways available.

Dhanurmasa occurs at the ending of this auspicious month.

Dhanurmasa is considered such important because if we see the 'Kalamaana' of the Devatas, One year for us Humans equals to One day for Devatas. Uttarayana kala is considered as the Morning for Devatas and the Dakshinayana Kala is considered as Evening for Devatas.
Dhanurmasa comes before the Uttarayana Kala starts, i.e before 'Makara Sankramana'.
Generally the time before Sunrise is called 'Bramha Muhurta' which is said to be a very Auspicious time. For the Devatas this Dhanurmasa is considered to be the Bramha Muhurta so that is why it is such an Important month for us. And More over 'Vaikuntha Ekadasi' occurs in the Dhanurmasa itself which makes it even more divine.