Masi is the eleventh month in the Tamil calendar. Masi month is very important for Hindus in Tamil Nadu as it is a special month for the worship of Lord Shiva and the Pitru devtas (ancestral deities). In 2022, the month begins on Feb 13 and ends on March 14. This period marks the beginning of the spring season, once the harvesting is completed in the month of Thai. This is the early stage of Uttarayana, when the Sun travels north from the south. This month enjoys moderate weather, neither very hot, nor very cold. Significance of Masi Magam: In Tamil Nadu, people consider this a very auspicious month to begin new ventures, conduct marriages, start construction of houses and buildings, and do other good deeds. Masi Magam is one of the important festivals celebrated during this month. Magham is one of the 27 stars in Vedic astrology. In Masi month, Magham star usually coincides with the full moon. This is one of the most powerful full moons of the entire year. On this day, the Moon aligns with Magha star, which happens to be the birth star of royals. It is an ideal time for spiritual purification. Also, on this day, heavenly beings are believed to come down to earth. It is said that they appear in an astral form and their purpose is to purify their own karma as well as that of human beings. Masi Magham is celebrated with great fervor in many temples in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. Myth behind Masi Magam: There are many myths about Masi Magham. Among the most important is the one that is associated with Shiva. Legends say that King Vallala of Tiruvannamalai had no children. He was a great devotee of Shiva. Shiva appeared before him and promised to perform his last rites when he died. It was on Masi Magham day that the king died and Shiva, true to his word, performed his last rites. He also blessed the king saying that any person who had a bath in the sea during Masi Magham would become one with him and attain liberation or mukthi. Devotees believe that every year, Shiva visits the earth to perform the last rites of the king. Happy Reading and All Smiles! From the Editor's Desk: Why Masi Month Is So Special The Auspicious Month of Masi - All You Need To Know About Masi Magam Indira Srivatsa Editor | A TO Z INDIA [email protected] +91-7550160116 A TO Z INDIA ● MARCH 2022 ● PAGE 4