Masi (month)
| Masi | |
|---|---|
| Native name | Māsi |
| Calendar | Tamil calendar |
| Month number | 11 |
| Number of days | 29 or 30 |
| Season | Pin-pani (pre-vernal) |
| Gregorian equivalent | February–March |
| Significant days | |
Masi is the eleventh month of the Tamil calendar.[1] The name of the month is derived from the position of the Moon near the Magam nakshatra (star) on the pournami (full moon) day.[2] The month corresponds to pin-pani kaalam (pre-vernal season) and falls in February–March in the Gregorian calendar.[3][4]
In the Hindu lunar calendar, it corresponds to the eleventh month of Magha, falling in the Gregorian months of December–January.[4]
In the Hindu solar calendar, it corresponds to the eleventh month of Kumbha and begins with the Sun's entry into Aquarius.[5]
In the Vaishnav calendar, it corresponds to the eleventh month of Madhava.[6][7]
Festivals
Maha Shivaratri is a major Hindu Shaiva festival celebrated on Chaturdashi (14th lunar night) thithi of Krishna Paksha (waxing moon) of the month. It is dedicated to worshipping lord Shiva.[8] The festival commemorates several events from Hindu mythology associated with Shiva including his union with Parvati.[9] People remain awake the entire night, while offering prayers, chanting mantras and performing various rituals.[10]
Masi Magam is celebrated when purnima (full moon) aligns with the Magham nakshatra.[11] On this day, temple deities are taken for a procession to water bodies for a ritual bath. People also take a holy dip, which is believed to cleanse them of the sins.[12] Mahamaham is celebrated once in twelve years, when huge gatherings occur at the Mahamaham tank in Kumbakonam.[13]
Poochoriyal is a festival held at the Samayapuram Mariamman Temple. It begins on the last Sunday of the month of Masi, and continues for about 28 days. People bring large quantities of flowers (Tamil:Poo) for the deity.[14] During the festival, the presiding goddess is believed to undertake a fast for 28 days for the welfare of people, and only limited offerings such as buttermilk and tender coconut are made to her. [15][16]
See also
References
- ^ "Tamil Calendar – Months". Time and Date. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
- ^ Garima Garg (2022). Heavens and Earth: The Story of Astrology Through Ages and Cultures. Penguin Random House. p. 75. ISBN 978-9-354-92705-8.
- ^ Martha Ann Selby (2003). The Circle of Six Seasons. p. xxix. ISBN 978-0-141-00772-4.
- ^ a b Robert Sewell; John Faithful Fleet (1989). The Siddhantas and the Indian Calendar. Asian Educational Services. p. 334.
- ^ "Hindu Panchang". Hindu Net. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
- ^ "Vaisnava Calendar – About Calendar". Vaisnava Calendar. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
- ^ "About the Vaisnava Calendar". ISVARA. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
- ^ "Why Maha Shivaratri is celebrated? Know its significance". The Times of India. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ^ "Astrological significance of Maha Shivaratri". The Times of India. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ^ "Maha Shivaratri". Britannica. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ^ "Significance of Masi Makam in Temples in Tamil Nadu". Hindu Blog. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
- ^ "Masi Magam: The Festival That Removes Afflictions". The Times of India. 4 February 2019. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
- ^ "Devotees take holy dip in Mahamaham tank". The Hindu. 20 February 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
- ^ "Flower Showering Festival or Poochorithal at Samayapuram Temple". Hindu Blog. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
- ^ "Poochorithal fest begins at Samayapuram temple". The Times of India. 11 Mar 2019. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
- ^ "Tamil Nadu: Colourful Samayapuram Poochorithal grabs attention". Daily Thanthi. 10 March 2025. Retrieved 1 October 2025.