Maargazhi, the greatest among Tamil months

Poet Thirumoolar has written about the greatness of this month in Thiru Manthiram, the holy book. "Ma" in tamil means "blackness". "Kazhi" means eradication. Maargazhi is the month when people attain brightness of wisdom by eradicating the blackness of ignorance. Thirumoolar, who has written about the greatness of penance, says that the people who meditate and do penance during this month will surely realize God within themselves.

During this month, people arise early, take bath, clean their homes and do prayers. This is the month when the Wisemen (Gnanis) do severe penance for world welfare.

Usually this great month is called as "Zero month" or "Cybher month" by the people. (ie) People will not do any worldly or household functions during this month. During the other eleven months people usually strive hard to earn money for worldly pleasures. The ancient wise men wanted the people to dedicate at least this one month to meditate, pray and earn the grace of the Almighty which will help them in the other world.

The power of all universal good spirits will be greater during this month. So only this month is considered as the ambrosia (nectar) the medicine to cure all the diseases of mankind.

During the other eleven months the time between 4 a.m. to 5.30 a.m is considered holy. (Brahma Muhurtham). Prayers and other deeds done during this period will bestow great yields. The ozone layer which protects the earth from harmful rays is prevalent for 16 kms above the atmosphere. This ozone is powerful during the Brahma Muhurtham on other days.

During this month the ozone descends more closer and protects the earth and so the entire period during this month is considered as Brahma Muhurtham. The prayers and other spiritual deeds done during this month will surely give better yield. When a person inhales ozone ( O3 ) he gets cured of any disease as he inhales more of oxygen. As he turns his mind inwards and is staunch in his thoughts, he gets rid of his mental stress and tension. He then becomes rejuvenated, self confident and does his duties with strong will power. He attains immortality as his mind merges in meditation which eradicates all the ailments of body, mind and soul. All men wish to return to the same destination from where he came. We, by chance, have forgotten the true reason for our birth in this world and we are engaging ourselves in joys and sorrows of life. This month helps us to get rid of our ignorance, attain wisdom and blesses us a holy state where we merge in oneness with the universal primordial power. Our Guru Mahan has completed 19 world welfare penances during Maarghazhi of the past 19 years. During the maargazhi of this year he is going to do his 20th world welfare penance. Let us take part in this holy penance done by our guru Mahan for our welfare. Let us follow the path of greatness for our upliftment. Let us engage ourselves in the duty of uplifting all living beings as we uplift ourselves. Let us realize and do our real duties.

Santhosam