Dhanurmasam 2026: Telugu and Tamil Month of Vishnu Worship (Thiruppavai & Margazhi)
Dhanurmasam 2026 begins with Dhanu Sankranti on 16 December — a month of early-morning Vishnu worship observed in Telugu and Tamil (Margazhi) tradition through Thiruppavai, Tiruppallandu and special temple sevas.
Dhanurmasam 2026 begins with Dhanu Sankranti on 16 December — a month of early-morning Vishnu worship observed in Telugu and Tamil (Margazhi) tradition through Thiruppavai, Tiruppallandu and special temple sevas.
Quick answer: Dhanurmasam 2026 begins with Dhanu Sankranti on Wednesday, 16 December 2026, when the Sun enters Dhanu rashi, and runs about a month until Makara Sankranti. It is a sacred month of pre-dawn Vishnu worship — observed in Tamil tradition as Margazhi with the recitation of Andal’s Thiruppavai — considered highly auspicious for devotion. Confirm dates with your local panchang. [VERIFY]
Dhanurmasam (also Dhanurmasa) is the sacred solar month during which the Sun transits the sign of Dhanu (Sagittarius). It is regarded as an especially auspicious month for the worship of Lord Vishnu, observed with great devotion across Telugu and Tamil households. In Tamil tradition this month is Margazhi, famed for its pre-dawn devotional fervour.
- Month: Dhanurmasam / Margazhi
- Begins 2026: Dhanu Sankranti, Wednesday 16 December 2026
- Ends: Makara Sankranti, mid-January 2027 [VERIFY]
- Deity: Lord Vishnu (Sri Ranganatha, Venkateswara, Krishna)
- Signature practice: Pre-dawn worship, Thiruppavai / Tiruppallandu recitation
Significance of Dhanurmasam
Scriptures hold the pre-dawn (Brahma Muhurta) worship of Vishnu during Dhanurmasam to be especially dear to the Lord. Temples open very early and perform special sevas, and devotees rise before sunrise for prayer, making it a month of heightened bhakti and discipline.
Thiruppavai and Margazhi
In the Tamil and Sri Vaishnava tradition, each morning of Margazhi is marked by the recitation of Andal’s Thiruppavai — thirty verses of longing and surrender to Lord Vishnu — sung in temples and homes. The month is deeply associated with Andal (Goddess Godadevi) and culminates around Bhogi and Makara Sankranti.
How Dhanurmasam is observed
- Rise in the Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn) and bathe.
- Draw muggulu/kolam and light lamps at the doorstep and puja space.
- Worship Lord Vishnu; recite Thiruppavai, Tiruppallandu or Vishnu stotras (traditional public-domain text).
- Offer naivedyam such as pongal, and share it as prasadam.
- Visit temples for the early-morning special sevas where possible.
Regional variations
| Tradition | Observance |
|---|---|
| Telugu households | Dhanurmasam pre-dawn Vishnu puja, muggulu, tulasi worship |
| Tamil (Margazhi) | Daily Thiruppavai recitation, temple processions, Andal worship |
| Sri Vaishnava temples | Special early sevas at Srirangam, Tirumala and other shrines |
Who observes it
Dhanurmasam is observed widely by Vaishnava and many other Hindu families — there is no restriction, and women, men and children take part in the pre-dawn worship, muggulu and Thiruppavai recitation. Follow your family and temple practice for the exact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Dhanurmasam 2026 begin?
Dhanurmasam 2026 begins with Dhanu Sankranti on Wednesday, 16 December 2026, when the Sun enters Dhanu rashi, and runs about a month until Makara Sankranti. Confirm exact dates with your local panchang.
What is special about Dhanurmasam?
It is considered an especially auspicious month for pre-dawn (Brahma Muhurta) worship of Lord Vishnu. Temples open very early for special sevas, and devotion is observed with heightened discipline through the month.
What is the connection to Margazhi and Thiruppavai?
In Tamil tradition Dhanurmasam is Margazhi, when Andal’s Thiruppavai — thirty verses of surrender to Vishnu — is recited each morning in temples and homes, making it a month of intense devotion.
Which deity is worshipped in Dhanurmasam?
Lord Vishnu in his various forms — Sri Ranganatha, Venkateswara and Krishna — is the focus, with special reverence for Andal (Goddess Godadevi) in the Sri Vaishnava tradition.
How do families observe Dhanurmasam at home?
They rise before dawn, bathe, draw muggulu/kolam, light lamps, worship Vishnu, recite Thiruppavai or Vishnu stotras, and offer pongal as naivedyam, sharing it as prasadam.
When does Dhanurmasam end?
Dhanurmasam ends with Makara Sankranti in mid-January 2027, when the Sun moves into Makara rashi. Verify the exact 2027 date against a 2027 panchang.
Is Dhanurmasam observed only in South India?
It is most prominent in Telugu and Tamil (Margazhi) tradition, but the auspiciousness of Dhanurmasa Vishnu worship is recognised more widely; observance is open to all who wish to take part.
What food is offered during Dhanurmasam?
Pongal (both sweet and savoury) is a traditional naivedyam offered to Vishnu during Dhanurmasam and Margazhi, prepared fresh and shared as prasadam after the morning worship.
