The Magha month marks the arrival of various festivals. This is the time when nature is in its full glory. Many festivals and fasts are observed this month. The first ritual that is followed this month is Magha Snan. In fact bathing in holy waters everyday, this entire month holds great importance as it is proven to be very beneficial. This ritual ends on the last day of this month with the last Snan.
On the last day of the Magha month, many fairs and religious functions are organized at various religious places. The weather is also pleasant this month. Devotees perform Magha Snan even in cold weather. They take baths in Ganga, Yamuna and other holy rivers. It is this belief and faith that leads to the path of salvation for them and gives them strength. It also illuminates their path of the journey in life.
Importance of Snan and Daan in Magha Snan
According to Hindu Panchang and astrological calculations, Magha month starts after Posha Purnima and thus Magha Snan also starts from the same day. Festivals celebrated this month are Ekadashi, Basant Panchami, Moni Amavasya, Til Chaturthi, Gupt Navratri etc.
Everyday of Magha month is important. It is believed that during this entire month, the water on the entire earth is as holy as that of the Ganges, especially bathing in Brahma Muhurta holds great importance this month. A detailed explanation about the auspiciousness of this month is found in the Puranas. It is said that along with Tridevas, other Gods also visit the Prayag Sangam during the Magha month. Apart from this, according to another belief, if one takes a bath at the place of confluence three times in the month of Magha, then the person gets benefits equivalent to performing thousands of Ashwamedha Yagna.
Daan also holds great importance this month. According to ancient scriptures, this month is considered auspicious for Daan and seeking blessings of Shri Hari. The soul of a person is blessed with Vishnu Lok after death if he/she performs Puja, Snan and Daan on the Shatila and Jaya Ekadashi of this month. The soul is saved from the torture of hell. The importance of this month has been explained in detail in the Mahabharata. Answers to questions such as What are the results of worshipping Lord Vishnu? What is the importance of Daan done during the Amavasya and Purnima of this month, can be studied in detail from the Mahabharata.
Til Daan in Magha month gives salvation
Donating sesame seeds during this is considered highly beneficial. It helps in absolving one of all the sins. The Shatila Ekadashi that comes at this time itself is very virtuous. On this day sesame seeds are donated to Brahmins. Donating sesame food items to the poor is also considered auspicious.
The native is blessed by their ancestors. Consuming sesame along with it’s donation is also considered beneficial. Til Chaturthi, Til Ekadashi, Til Dwadashi, all are associated with Til, thus sesame related food items are made on these days. These are offered to God as Prasad and after that consumed by the devotee. Til Ladoo, Til Kheer, Til Rewari etc. are distributed amongst the poor.
Sesame is useful not only from a religious perspective but also from a scientific perspective. The consumption of sesame provides warmth. That’s why they are consumed during the Magha month, as protection from the cold weather. Eating sesame gives energy to the body and keeps the body active. Therefore it can be said that the Hindu religion is based on parameters that meet the test of logic too. The ideology behind the consumption of sesame seeds in all forms has been scientific too.
Important Snan and time in Magha month
Snan on all days in Magha month is beneficial, but on certain days of this month it is even more beneficial. These special days are:
Posha Purnima –
Posha Purnima is the first day of Magha month and so it is very important. Magha Snan starts with this day. Yagnas are performed at different places across India on this day.
Makar Sankranti –
The second most important Snan of Magha month is performed on Makar Sankranti. Devotees across the country take a dip in holy waters on this day.
Moni Amavasya –
Snan on Moni Amavasya is also considered beneficial. Silence is observed on this day as a form of worship.
Basant Panchami –
This day is celebrated as the birth of Goddess Saraswati. Snan in hoy waters on this day has special importance.
Maghi Purnima –
This is the last day of Magha month and Magha Snan. With this date, the festivities, rituals, recitation, Snans etc. of Magha month-end. Preparations for the month of Falgun begin.