MAASA NIYAAMAKA (Governing Lord of Hindu Months) - Concept and Significance
Om! Gam! Ganapathaye!
Namaha!
Om! Sri
Raghavendraya Namaha!
Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vaasudevaaya!
Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaaya Namaha!
Time is controlled by
Kaalapurusha; the presiding Deity of eternal Time, Lord Vishnu the Kaala. He is
creator of Time and also one who causes repetition of Time. All entities in the
universe come under purview of Time without any exception including Lord
Brahma. Time is reckoned as Lord Vishnu who is Kaalaatma the soul of Time;
Kaala-Swaroopa; the form of Time. Naaraayana Upanishad describes Lord Vishnu as
Time – “Kaalascha Naaraayanah” Time is
arising out of Lord Sri ManNaaraayana.
Niyaamaka means the one
who governs; appoints; assigns; instructs; guides and controls etc. Concealed
in the word Niyaamaka is Niyama; meaning the rules, policies, principles,
regulations; set of laws. Lord Vishnu is Niyaamaka of the Universe; the divine
law maker and law giver. He is the great ruler; ordainer; governing lord and the
presiding deity of eternal Time; Kaala Niyaamaka.
Originated from concept of Time; Maasa (month) is a micro constituent of Kaalachakra the
gigantic wheel of Time. In Hindu calendar; Maasa means a month; Maasa Niyaamaka
means the one who presides over the maasa.
Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram (sloka # 45) describes Lord Vishnu as
Rutuh (seasons), Kaalah (Time) and Samvatsara (the year). If Lord Vishnu is the Time; Time is Lord
Vishnu and Time is everything, then Maasa which is a component of Time can be
reckoned as Lord Vishnu. When Lord Vishnu is Kaala Niyaamaka; it is obvious
that He becomes presiding deity; governing lord of Maasa known as Maasa
Niayaamaka in different names for different months.
Chaithra
maasam: All pervading supreme
Lord; Kaala Purusha; Lord Vishnu is Maasa Niyaamaka of Chaithra maasam and hence, this month is also known as Vishnu maasam. Vishnu is the one who dwells in each and every element of
this universe and everything dwells in Him. Ancient Hindu scripts declare God as ‘Eko Vishnu Mahadbhuutah’ that means
there is only one gigantic presence in the world and that is none other than
Lord Vishnu who is there everywhere. We
find a reference to this quote in the phala Sruthi of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama
Stothram sloka # 20.
Matchless and unparalleled in excellence Lord Vishnu the primordial
supreme Lord; the mega spirit; pervades the many, various and different objects
of three Universes and the three worlds of souls. Lasting as inner soul of
every being; He protects and enjoys all entities in the universe; yet, remains
unscathed by their faults. He is indestructible. Lord Vishnu is the solitary unique soul of outstanding excellence. He is
the mega spirit present in every being of the entire universe, heart and soul
of the universe and the only Aatman (soul) that existed in the beginning.
Om vishvam vishhnur-vashhatkaaro
bhoota-bhavya-bhavat-prabhuh
bhoota-bhavya-bhavat-prabhuh
Bhootakrut bhoota-bhrud bhaavo
bhootaatma bhoota-bhaavanah
bhootaatma bhoota-bhaavanah
In the very first
sloka of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram; Lord Sri Vishnu is referred to as
Bhoota-Bhavya-Bhavat-Prabhuh. Sri Maha Vishnu is Lord of the past; present and
future. Lord Vishnu is the
Mahadbhuutah; the one and the only mega presence in this universe; the
Bhootaatma; one who dwells in all beings; present every where.
Lord Vishnu is free from all imperfections and possessor of
auspicious, best and unlimited attributes; In Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram; in
the very first sloka we find Lord Vishnu described as Vashatkarah; the one who
possesses divine and auspicious qualities like; comprehensive control over
everything (sovereignty/lordship); all capabilities to do and undo anything and
everything; all accomplishments (Yashas); bountiful riches and prosperity; all
knowledge in full form; total dispassionateness (non attachment);
Lord Vishnu is the one
who is always joyous and the one who gives delight (Aananda) to this universe.
He is the origin of happiness, the ultimate abode of delight and is perennially
blissful. He is the remover of all unhappiness.
Symbolism of Lord Vishnu is depicted in dhyaana sloka Saantaakaaram
Bhujagasayanam Padmanaabham Suresam; that describe Him
as a personification of peace; one who reclines on the great
serpent bed Aadisesha; one whose navel is in the form of a Lotus that has given
birth to the creation of Universe; one who is Lord of the Deities; on whose
support entire Universe is rested; who is all pervading like the sky; one whose
colour resembles that of a cloud; one who has a beautiful and auspicious body
configuration; one who is the Lord of Goddess Lakshmi Devi; one who has Lotus
eyes; one who rests in the hearts of Yogis who perceive Him through meditation;
He is the one who is the destroyer of fear of cycle of births and deaths (Samsaara);
I adore Sri Mahaa Vishnu the Lord of entire Universe.
Vaisaakha Maasam also referred as Maadhava Maasam; Lord Madhusuudana is Maasa
Niyaamaka of Vaisaakha maasam. We find a reference
to words Maadhava and Madhusuudana in sloka #8, 18 and 78 of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama
Stothram. Maadhava means one; who is the consort of Goddess Lakshmi Devi; who
is a bestower and Lord of superior knowledge. Madhusuudana means the one who
has slained the demon Madhu; one who is a great nourisher; as sweet and
delicious as Honey; one who directs an individual towards performing of good
deeds; attaining true knowledge and the one who was born in the clan of King
Madhu.
Jyeshta Maasam: Maasa Niyaamaka of Jyeshta maasam is Lord Trivikrama. It is a very popular
name of Lord Vishnu that we come across in Vishnu related prayers and epics.
Trivikramah means the one who has conquered the three worlds. In Sri Vaamana
avathara, Lord Sri Vishnu in order to suppress the pride of King Bali, assumed the
cosmic form Trivikrama roopa and measured the three worlds (entire universe)
with his three steps.
Aashaada Maasam: Lord Sri Vaamana is Maasa
Niyaamaka governing the Aashaada maasam. Reference to Vaamana
we find in Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram (sloka # 17 and 56); who is also
described as Upendra and Trivikramah. He
was known as Vamana because he was dwarf in form at the beginning. While suppressing the pride and vanity of
King Bali, He was known as Trivikrama when, He grew to a gigantic size and
conquered the three worlds, Earth, Upper worlds and Nether worlds with just
three paces of his foot. Born to Sage
Kasyapa and Aditi, He was also referred as Upendra the younger brother of
Indra. We find all the three names Trivikrama, Vamana and Upendra while
reciting 24 Kesava Namas. An exclusive
Purana named after Lord Vaamana called Sri Vaamana Purana scripted by Sage Sri Vedavyaasa
forms part of the 18 great Puranas called Ashtaadasa Puraanas.
Sraavana Maasam: Lord Sridhara is Maasa
Niyaamaka governing Sraavana Maasam. We find reference to
the word Sridhara in sloka # 65 of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram. Sri means
Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi and Dhara means bearing. Sridhara means the One who
always bears on His chest Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi. In 24 Kesava Naamas also we find the word
Sridhara as the ninth one.
Bhaadrapada Maasam: Lord Hrishikesa is Maasa Niyaamaka for Bhaadrapada
Maasam. Hrishikesa (Hrishika + Isa) means
Lord of the senses under whose control the senses subsist.
Aaswayuja Maasam: Lord Padmanaabha is Maasa Niyaamaka governing Aaswayuja
maasam. Padmanaabha means, one who has a
Lotus like navel or the one who has Lotus in the navel; one whose navel in the
form of a Lotus that has given birth to the creation of Universe; the one whose
lotus like navel is the source of the universe. We find reference to the word
Padmanaabha in sloka # 6; 38; and in Dhyaana sloka of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama
stotram Saantaakaaram BhujagaSayanam Padmanabham.
He is the one whose
knowledge is complete like a fully blossomed lotus. He resides not only in the
lotus called universe or Brahmaanda kamala; but also in our Hrudaya kamala. He
is sweet, soft, attractive, fascinating, beautiful, fragrant; and
extraordinarily bright Lotus. He is the
one who has eyes which are like pure and sacred petals of a lotus. His charming
eyes are that of a lotus.
Associated with the
name Padmanaabha is a very popular Vratha (austerity) Anantha Padmanaabha
Vratha that is held every year during Bhaadrapada maasam known as Anantha
Chaturdasi. Also associated with this
name are famous temples at Trivandrum (Anantha Sayanam) and three Ranganaatha
kshethras at Sri Rangam (Trichy); Sri Rangapatna (Mysore); Sivana Samudra (near
Mandya on the way to Mysore);
Kaartheeka Maasam: Also known as Daamodara maasam; Lord
Daamodara is Maasa Niyaamaka for Kartheeka maasam. Daamodara is one of the prominent names that we generally find being
referred to Lord Sri Krishna. Reference to the word Daamodara; we find in sloka
# 40 of Sri Vishnu Sahasra Naama Stothram. Daamodara is a combination of two
Sanskrit words Daama + Udara. Daama means rope and Udara means belly. Daamodara
means the one who was tied with a rope to his belly. A reference to this we
find in Sri Mad Bhaagavatham 10th canto in the story of Lord Sri
Krishna during his playful childhood days with his foster mother Yasoda. In
this episode we find Lord Sri Krishna (Daamodara) liberating Nalakubera and
Manigreeva; the two sons of Divine Cashier and Demi God Kubera from the curse
of sage Naarada.
Dhaam means an abode and Udara means abdomen. Dhaamodara spiritually means;
one whose abdomen is abode for the entire universe or one in whose belly rests
the entire universe. He is the one who
can liberate the souls from the cycle (rope) of births and deaths.
Maargasira
Maasam: Lord Kesava is Maasa
Niyaamaka; who governs the month Maargasira maasam. We find Lord Sri Krishna being referred to as Kesava. In
24 Kesava Naamaas, the very first name that we recite is Om! Kesavaaya
Namah! In Bhagawadgeeta we find Arjuna
addressing Lord Sri Krishna several times as Kesava. In Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram
we find a reference to the word Kesava in sloka # 3 and 69;
Kesa is a Sanskrit word meaning hair or a ray of light. Kesava means the
one who has got a long and beautiful hair; whose hair is very charming; filled
with supreme fragrance. Kesava is the one who is endowed with
the rays of light spreading within the orbit of Sun; one who is the Lord of
creation; preservation and destruction; one who is the origin of Brahma and
Shiva; one who is the tormentor of his enemies; and the one whose very chanting
removes sorrows and sufferings. Kesava also means the one who has slained the
demon Kesi and hence is referred to as Kesiha.
Pushya Maasam: Lord SriManNaaraayana is Maasa Niyaamaka governing the month Pushya Maasam. He is all pervasive; eternal;
beyond all boundaries and for whom there is no limit either by space, time or
location. He is the one who has infinite number of forms and He dwells in the
entire Universe. He is invincible and omnipresent; there is no single place where he does not exist. His glory is
infinite. He is highly meritorious among the meritorious.
Naaraayana
is a confluence of words Naara + Yana; Naara means water and Yana means lives.
Naaraayana means the one who lives in water.
It is said that before creation of the Universe everything was in the
form of water and all pervasive energy which was present in the very beginning was
that of Lord SriManNaaraayana. He is the primordial
person who existed before anything else; and the one who is the cause and
source of origin and end of the world. He is the one who manifests himself; He
is the one who expands himself as Cosmos; never gets diminished and is the all
pervasive Supreme God. He is one who
outshines everyone.
He is life giver and is the vital air that gives or
sustains life. He is the praana (life) to every one including Devathas.
Naaraayana is the one who is the ultimate reality (salvation); one who shows
direction towards the ultimate objective for a human being; He is the sacred abode where every soul would be longing to go
and stay eternally. He is the one who
delights every one’s heart. He is the Purifier
and the one who gives in plenty. He
burns away all sins of his devotees. He is the slayer of enemies
(Arishadvargas) of people; destroyer of enemies of Gods. He is the one who is
full of benevolence, love and affection without any discrimination.
Lord Naaraayana is ONE.
There is no other in any way whatsoever. Naaraayana
Upanishad describe Him as ‘eko nārāyaṇaḥ Na dvitīyo'sti kaścit’ There is only one Naaraayana;
the supreme Lord; the Aadipurusha and there is no one superior to him and is
second to none. He is Adviteeya. He is the ultimate truth and the ultimate
divine power.
Goddess Lakshmi Devi is His divine consort; who is eternally present
within His vicinity (nityaanapaayini) in His Vakshasthala (chest) and they are
inseparable. Together they are called Lakshmi Naaraayana.
Maagha Maasam: Lord Maadhava is Maasa
Niyaamaka who governs the month Maagha Maasam. We find a reference
to word Maadhava in sloka #8, 18 and 78 of Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram. Maadhava
means one who is the consort of Goddess Lakshmi Devi, one who is the bestower
and Lord of superior knowledge.
Phaalguna Maasam: Lord Govinda is Maasa
Niyaamaka governing the month of Phalguna maasam. Govinda is a very
popular name of Lord Vishnu which we find commonly being chanted by one and
all. In 24 Kesava Namas we find Govindaaya
Namaha as the fourth one which we recite while performing Aachamanam. We recite
Sri Govinda; Govinda while performing Sankalpa. Govinda popularly figures in Vishnu
Naamathraya Japam; Achyutaaya Namaha; Ananthaaya Namaha; Govindaaya Namaha. We find a reference to the word Govinda in Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram; sloka
number 20 & 58;
Govinda means the One who is the Lord of Cows, protector of
Cows, the one who has lifted the hill called Goverdhanagiri with His little
finger to save and protect the Cows and Cowherds, also the one who is the
protector of Earth. Go also means Vedas. One who is the protector of Vedas and
who is eulogized by Vedas. Go means Cow and Vinda means one who helps to
survive or surmount. Go+Vinda = Govinda means the One who helps us to survive
and surmount the earthly existence and reach Supreme realization of the Self. Lord
Sri Krishna is popularly known and called as Govinda and who is also called as
Gopaala the protector of cows. We find Lord Sri Venkateshwara also popularly
referred to as Govinda and devotees chanting Govinda; Govinda; when they visit
Tirumala Kshethra.
Adhika Maasam: Lord Purushottama is Maasa Niyaamaka governing Adhika
Maasam; hence, Adhika Maasam is referred as Purushottama Maasam. Purushottama is one
of the thousands of names of Lord Sri ManNaaraayana. It means best and the most
superior among the beings in the Universe. We find a reference to the word
Purushottama is sloka # 3 of Sri Vishnu Sahasra Naama Stothram. Lord Sri Raama an
embodiment & personification of virtues is known as Maryaada
Purushottama. Sacred place Puri the
seat of famous Puri Jagannath temple is known as Purushottama Kshethra.
Maasa
(Lunar month)
|
Most likely constellation on Full
Moon day from which month’s name is derived
|
Maasa Niyaamaka
(Governing Lord of the month)
|
Chaithra
|
Chitta
|
Vishnu
|
Vaisaakha
|
Visaakha
|
Madhusuudana
|
Jyeshta
|
Jyeshta
|
Trivikrama
|
Aaashaada
|
Poorva/Uttaraashaada
|
Vaamana
|
Sraavana
|
Sravana
|
Sridhara
|
Bhaadrapada
|
Poorva/Uttarabhaadra
|
Hrishikesa
|
Aaswayuja
|
Aswini
|
Padmanaabha
|
Kaartheeka
|
Kruttika
|
Daamodara
|
Maargasira
|
Mrugasira
|
Kesava
|
Pushya
|
Pushyami
|
Naaraayana
|
Maagha
|
Makha
|
Maadhava
|
Phaalguna
|
Poorva/Uttaraphalguni
|
Govinda
|
Adhika Maasam
|
Depending on month
|
Purushottama
|
Sri Krushnaarpanamasthu
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