Dhanurmas

Dhanurmas or Dhanur Masa is also known by the names Chapa Mas, Kodanda Mas, Karmuka Mas etc.Dhanurmasa is also called as Shoonya Masa because it is considered as inauspicious to do any good things other than Godly & Holy functions.

In 2017  Dhanurmasam starts on 16th December, and ends 13th January 2018. This period ends with the Makar Sankranti - the end of dakshinayana mostly occurs during the Pausha month of the Hindu Lunar calendar. More appropriately, the start of the Dhanurmas is marked by the entry of the Sun in the Dhanur Rasi this is called Dhanuh Sankramana. During this month, the sun transits the Dhanur Rasi and enters the Makara Rashi at the end of this month. In Hindu calendar Dhanur Mas is a solar month and not an independent (Lunar) month. 

Significance :

This period of month is considered as highly auspicious for Vishnu devotees. Old Hindu scriptures have set apart this month to be completely focused on devotional activities. Other non-devotional social activities (such as weddings) are prohibited during this month so that attention can be given exclusively to the worship of God without any diversions. In South India, especially the Vaikunta Ekadasi, which falls during Dhanur Mas, attracts thousands of devotees. Temples conduct special pujas during this period.

According to tradition, the Gods wake up early in the morning during the month of Dhanurmas. They perform special prayers to Sri Maha Vishnu during the auspicious period of "Brahm Muhurta", which is one and half hours before sunrise. During this month, devotees offer prayers to the Lord very early in the morning. The month of Dhanurmas is considered a very special month for performing Puja of Vishnu.Dhanurmasam is the final month on which the night for the Gods ends or it is the Brahma Muhurat time for Gods. So worshipping the God on this timing is considered auspicious. Hence devotees would consider the month of Dhanurmasa the Brahma Muhurat timing for Gods to be Sacred and auspicious.