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Purnima Festival

Everything about the Purnima Festival!

Importance of Purnima

Purnima, also known as Full Moon Day, is a Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in India and other Hindu-majority countries. This festival is observed on the day of the full moon in the Hindu calendar and is celebrated with traditional rituals, religious practices, and feasts.

One of the most important rituals of Purnima is worshipping the moon god, Chandra. Hindus believe that the purnima moon significantly impacts human lives and the environment; therefore, its worship is considered highly auspicious. On this day, people offer prayers and perform various rituals in front of the moon, seeking its blessings and protection.

In some parts of India, Purnima is also associated with the festival of Kartik Purnima, which is celebrated in honour of Lord Vishnu and is one of the most significant festivals for Vaishnavas. On this day, devotees dip in holy rivers like the Ganges and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. They also sing devotional songs and perform the traditional aarti, a Hindu worship ritual, in the evening.

Another vital aspect of Purnima is its significance in Hindu women’s lives. On this day, Hindu women observe fasts and perform special puja rituals, seeking the blessings of the moon god for the well-being of their husbands and children. Some women also observe fasts for the longevity of their husbands and to attain peace and prosperity in their lives.

Purnima is also considered a harvest festival in some parts of India. Kisaan or farmers pray to the Moon, to seek blessings from Chandra Dev. They also decorate their fields with flowers and lights and offer food and sweets to the deity.

Purnima symbolises the victory of light over darkness and represents the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth, which is an integral part of Hindu philosophy and beliefs.

Astrological Significance of Purnima

Purnima holds great astrological significance in Hinduism and is considered a highly auspicious day in the Hindu calendar known as a Panchang. Here are some of the astrological significance of Purnima:

1. Lunar Energy: The full moon is considered to be when it is at its maximum strength and energy. On Purnima, the lunar energy is believed to be at its peak and felt like an ideal time for performing spiritual and religious rituals.
2. Emotional Tides: People believe that the full moon is responsible for waves of emotion, which makes Purnima the perfect time to introspect, heal, and go over old wounds, and let go of negative feelings and thoughts.
3. Favourable for Meditation: Purnima is an excellent time for meditation and introspection. The lunar energy is believed to help enhance spiritual practices and bring clarity and peace of mind.
4. Harmony between Mind and Body: Purnima is also believed to bring harmony between the mind and body, helping to balance emotions and physical well-being. This balance is said to be essential for overall health and wellness.
5. Boost for Spiritual Progress: Purnima is an ideal time for spiritual growth and progress. Hindu scriptures suggest that spiritual practices performed on Purnima yield more significant results and blessings.

You can refer to the InstaAstro website or download the InstaAstro app to get answers to questions like “What is the Purnima this month?” and “today purnima time”!

Purnima 

In the Hindu calendar, there are several types of Purnima, each with its significance and date of observance. Here are some of the most important Purnima and their tentative dates 

Paush Purnima – January: Paush Purnima usually falls in December or January, according to the Hindu calendar. It is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu killed the demon king Bali. People, especially Vishnu devotees, perform various religious rituals, such as bathing in holy rivers, fasting, and visiting temples to offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. It is an auspicious day for the initiation of spiritual practices and for taking vows of renunciation and self-discipline.

1. Magha Purnima – February  Magha Purnima is celebrated in the Hindu month of Magha and is considered one of the most important Purnima for spiritual practices. It is believed that performing a bath in sacred rivers like the Ganges on this day can bring blessings and liberation from sins.
2. Phalguna Purnima – March  Phalguna Purnima is celebrated in the Hindu month of Phalguna and is associated with the Hindu festival of Holi. This Purnima is considered to be an ideal time for spiritual practices, charity, and offering food to the needy.
3. Chaitra Purnima – April  Chaitra Purnima is celebrated in many parts of India and Nepal. It is observed on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Chaitra. The festival marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar month of Vaishakha. Chaitra Purnima is also associated with the festival of Vasanta Navaratri, which celebrates the nine nights of spring and the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.
4. Vaisakha Purnima – May : Vaisakha Purnima is celebrated in the Hindu month of Vaisakha and is associated with the Buddhist festival of Buddha Purnima, which marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. This Purnima is considered an ideal time for meditation, spiritual practices, and offerings to the Buddhist community.
5. Jyeshtha Purnima – June : Jyeshtha Purnima is celebrated in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha. It is also known as Jyeshtha Poornima or Vat Purnima. Women observe fasts, perform puja, and offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu for the well-being of their families. On this day, married women tie a sacred thread around a banyan tree to symbolise their love and devotion towards their husbands.
6. Ashadha Purnima – July: Ashadha Purnima is the next Purnima celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashadha and is associated with the Hindu festival of Guru Purnima, which honours spiritual teachers and mentors. This Purnima is considered an ideal time to seek blessings from spiritual leaders and offers thanks for their guidance.
7. Adhika Purnima – August: Adhika Purnima is the Purnima that comes in Adhik or Adhika month. This month is an extra month which is not included in the Hindu lunar calendar. Adhika Purnima holds great spiritual significance for Hindus, and it is believed that observing fasts and performing puja on this day can lead to blessings and liberation from negative karma.
8. Shravana Purnima -: Shravana Purnima is celebrated in the Hindu month of Shravana and is associated with the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread, or rakhi, on their brother’s wrist, symbolising their love and protection.

In conclusion, Purnima holds great importance in Hinduism and is celebrated in several forms throughout the year. The dates mentioned above are for the year 2023 and may vary in future years based on the Hindu lunar calendar.

Poornima is a Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon day of every Hindu lunar month. The term Poornima means ‘full moon’ in Sanskrit. This festival is considered one of the most significant Hindu celebrations and holds great spiritual significance for Hindus.

Poornima is a Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon day of every Hindu lunar month. The term Poornima means ‘full moon’ in Sanskrit. This festival is considered one of the most significant Hindu celebrations and holds great spiritual significance for Hindus.

The gods worshipped during Poornima vary depend ing on the specific lunar month in which the festival is celebrated. However, some of the most commonly worshipped gods during Poornima include Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi.

People believe that by fasting on Poornima one can purify and clean their soul, body, and mind. Purnima is known to welcome blessings, peace, and prosperity into the lives of observers. Fasting is also seen as a way of showing devotion to the gods and gaining self-discipline and control over one’s desires.

The rituals performed during Poornima vary from region to region, but some common traditions include puja, the lighting of diyas, the chanting of mantras, and the distribution of prasad. In some communities, married women tie a sacred thread around a banyan tree to symbolise their love and devotion towards their husbands.

Yes, Poornima is celebrated in all parts of India, although the rituals and customs associated with the festival may vary depending on regional and cultural factors.

The Poornima this month is known as Magha Poornim a or Maghi Purnima. This festival is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Magha, which falls in January or February Gregorian months. It is associated with the Hindu myth of the descent of the gods to Earth. Therefore, this is considered an ideal time for spiritual practices, such as meditation and chanting mantras. This month pournami date is tentatively scheduled to be February 15th.

Purnima or the full moon day is one of the most important times in the Hindu calendar. There is a major festival celebrated on the purnima day of every month making it twelve important celebrations in a year. This attests the importance given to the purnima day in the Hindu tradition. Fasting on the Purnima day is considered very auspicious bestowing incomparable merits and benefits on the performer. All the purnima vrats are dedicated to Lord Vishnu or in some cases the mother goddess.

The purnima fast commences at sunrise on the Purnima day and ends during the full moon rise in the evening thus stretching over 12 hours. The conditions for the vrat on this day include abstaining from consuming rice and cereal based dishes and total absence of salt. If possible, people observe strict fasting without even taking water. If this is not possible, then eating fruits and drinking milk are allowed.

Scientifically, full moon and no moon days are said to reduce the acid content in the stomach thereby reducing the digestion capacity. Therefore, not eating food on these days can help our system stay well and also completely cleanse the digestive tracks and colon. The scientific benefits of full moon day fasting include slowing of metabolic rates, enhancing physical and mental balance and strength, control of emotions and anger and others.

Performing of Satya Narayan Vrat on the full moon day vrat is considered highly auspicious. Satya Narayan Vrat is a very common and popular vrat among the Hindus. Usually this vrat is observed by most Hindus after a significant happening in their lives like marriage, housewarming, big achievements and others. It is a sort of thanks giving ceremony to Lord Vishnu (the protector of the universe) for all the blessings received.

Observing Satya Narayan Vrat is rather very easy and is possible for common people without any scholarly knowledge. On the day of the vrat, people clean the house thoroughly, decorate the entrance doorstep with mango leaves and hangings and install an altar at the puja room or the main hall. In the altar, an idol or picture of Satya Naraya is installed and decorated with Vermilion, sandal paste and Kumkum. Garlands are offered along with Tulsi hangings. Two small sized plantain trees are tied at both the sides of the altar besides natural festoons and decorative hangings.

The typical puja consists of invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesh and proceeding with the chanting of Vishnu Sahasranam and the divine slokas and names of Lord Vishnu. The offerings consist of fruits, dry fruits and nuts, variety rice dishes, tambool or betel leaves and nuts, and milk porridge decked with saffron leaves. During the puja, the stories and glories of Lord Vishnu are narrated. At the end of the puja, people do Mangal Arati or waving of camphor or Ghee lamp in front of the altar. Then the entire crowd prostrates in front of the altar seeking the blessings of the Lord.

The Satya Narayan Vrat gives the greatest benefits on the Purnima day when the performers invite their friends, relatives and the neighbors for the ceremony. The Purnima vrat is a highly beneficial one and Satya Narayan Vrat on this day gives an occasion for people to share the blessings received with others and thereby maximizing the results for oneself.

Purnima Vrat or Pournami Vratam is a fasting observed during Purnima, i.e the full moon day that occurs in the first fortnight (Shukla Paksh) of hindu lunar month. The last day of the Shukla Paksh is the full moon day when the moon is at its brightest and this day is of great importance to Hindus.

During Poornima, devotees observe vrats (or vratam), during the Purnima tithis. Devotees observe fasting either on the day of the Purnima or a day before the Purnima. The fast is broken after performing Poojas to their favorite Gods and after Prasadam is consumed.

Significance and Benefits of Purnima Vrat
Purnima Vrat is considered sacred by Hindus as they believe it brings good fortune and health to those who strictly follow it. It is during this time that Poojas are performed especially to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. The Puja specific to Lord Vishnu is also known as Satya Narayan Puja. Although Satya Narayan Puja can be done on any day, performing it during Purnima is believed to bring blessings of Narayan, an avatar of Lord Vishnu upon everyone.

Observing the Purnima Vrat also brings in a lots of health benefits. During the full moon day, the Earth’s gravitational force is maximum and so it brings positive influence on the body and mind. It also has a healing effect on the gut system of the human body by reducing gastric problems and stabilizing metabolic processes.

How to observe Purnima Vrat – Rituals & Puja
The Purnima Vrat begins on Purnima day or on Chaturdashi(previous day of Purnima) depending upon the starting time of the Purnima thithi. Purnima Vrat will be observed on Chaturdashi only if the Purnima Tithi begins at the Madhyahna period of the previous day.

Devotees who observe the Purnima Vrat wake up and bath early in the morning. The fasting is observed from early sun rise till the moon rise on Purnima.

Devotees who strictly observe the Purnima Vrat usually fast by not eating or drinking anything, but for those who cannot be so strict, it is alright to eat one meal devoid of salt and pulses.

After the moon is sighted, devotees perform Puja to their favorite God and break the fast after consuming Prasads. Prasad(or Prasadam) are offerings made to Gods while performing the Puja and they are consumed after the puja when the prayers are offered.

Purnima (Hindi: पूर्णिमा, Malayalam: പൗർണമി/പൂർണ്ണചന്ദ്രൻ, Telugu: పూర్ణిమ/పౌర్ణమి, Tamil: பூர்ணிமா/முழு நிலவு) or the full moon has been a source of many a fairy tale, poetry and astronomical significance throughout the world. In Hindu belief, the full moon day or Purnima holds special significance and is widely recognized as a symbol of fullness, abundance, and prosperity. Purnima aka Poornima is a full-moon day that occurs at least once every month in the Hindu lunar calendar. Several Hindu festivals in panchang are aligned with the full-moon day, which is considered a benign and blessed occurrence.

It also marks the end of Hindu month in Purnimanta calendar system. It is also known as Pournami, Pournima and Puranmasi depending on the place and the phases of the moon.

You can find all relevant information regarding the ‘full moon tonight’, ‘next full moon’, and ‘moon cycle’ readily available on mPanchang.

Ashwin Purnima falls on the Full Moon day during the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin. It is celebrated as a harvest festival and it marks the end of monsoon. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped in the night. Ashwin Purnima is also known as Sharad Purnima, Kojagari Purnima and Kuanr Purnima.The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm at Vrindawan, Braj and Nathdwara.

Purnima is the word used for the full moon in Sanskrit, and it is the day on which the full moon occurs. There are numerous ways of spelling Purnima/Poornima/Pournima, and it is also called Purnamasi or Puranmasi. Purnima Vrat is considered auspicious and has important significance in Hindu culture. Moon has its full brightness on that day, and on this day, people all over the country worship Lord Vishnu and his avatars. Here we offer a quick guide to the occasion – Purnima/Full Moon.

What is Purnima?
The Sanskrit word “Purnima” or “Poornima” refers to “full moon”. This day also marks the division between Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. The bright full moon in the sky symbolises the elimination of darkness and dullness with a blaze of wisdom. Hence, it is considered very auspicious.

Significance and Importance of Purnima Vrat
The significance of Purnima/Poornima can be judged by the fact that several renowned Hindu festivals fall on this day. Moreover, devotees fast and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu on this auspicious day. The rituals and ceremonies of this day signify birth or creation, as, on the full moon day, the moon completes its one cycle around the earth. In Hinduism, it symbolizes the end of an event and the beginning of new chapters, and new life.
What is Purnima Vrat?
Purnima Vrat refers to fasting. Many devotees fast for this auspicious occasion either on Purnima day or on the day before, i.e., on Chaturdashi, which depends on the starting time of Purnima Tithi. Generally, fasting starts from sunrise and ends at the rise of the full moon.

To conduct Purnima Vrat, the devotees must take a bath before sunrise.
From sunrise till the rise of the full moon, food or water is not consumed.
Those who are unable to conduct such fasting can consume fruits and milk once. However, cereals, pulses, and regular salt are not allowed.
The fast can be ended by offering prayers to the full moon.
There is no special puja or diet for this fast.
Different types of Purnima Vrat or Full Moon and how they are celebrated in India:
Karthik Poornima:
Kartik Poornima is also called Tripura Purnima and is celebrated as Dev Deepavali, i.e. after 15 days of Diwali.

Shravan Poornima:
Shravan Poornima has multiple significance. Mostly recognised as a day of the Raksha Bandhan festival, it is also celebrated as Kajri Purnima and Nariyal Purnima, while the south Brahmin community celebrates Avani Avittam on this day.

Vat Purnima:
Vat Purnima is celebrated by married women as they fast for their husbands on this day. It is mostly celebrated in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and some regions of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Guru Purnima:
Guru Purnima is celebrated in honour of Sage Vyas, author of Mahabharata, as he is one of the greatest gurus of all time. Hence, the day is celebrated on his birth tithi.

Sharad Purnima:
Sharad Purnima marks the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the winter season. It is celebrated in various ways in different parts of the country. However, it is most commonly celebrated with “Amrit Kheer”, which is kept under the rays of the moon. It is believed that on this day, moon rays drip nectar that can energize and rejuvenate the body and soul.

Buddha Poornima:
Buddha Poornima, the day of Gautam Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and demise.

Phalgun Purnima:
Phalgun Purnima is celebrated as Holi in most parts of the country.

Datta Jayanti:
Datta Jayanti is celebrated as the birthday of God Dattātreya- a combined form of Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara (Shiva)

Chaitra Purnima:
Chaitra Purnima is celebrated as Hanuman Jayanti. However, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on different days in various parts of the country.

Shakambhari Purnima:
Shakambhari Purnima occurs in Paush month and is the concluding day of Shakambhari Navratri.

Madhu Purnima:
Madhu Purnima is a honey-offering Buddhist festival.

Significance of Every Purnima Vrat
Paush Purnima
Pausha Purnima is also celebrated as Shakambari Jayanti, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Shakambari, an avatar of Goddess Durga. The tribal communities of Chhattisgarh celebrate the harvest festival of Charta on Pausha Purnima day. Pausha Purnima marks the beginning of the ritualistic Magha snan or bath and also the end of winter. It also holds special significance as it falls during the renowned Maha Kumbh Mela, where Hindus gather together as part of the pilgrimage and take ritualistic baths. It is believed that taking the Pausha Purnima bath absolves the devotees of all their sins and fulfils their desires and wishes. Pausha Purnima provides an opportunity for the devotees to eliminate their inner darkness.

Magha Purnima
The month of Magha is considered to be one of the holiest months in the Hindu calendar as it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Magha Purnima is considered to be a sacred day to perform spiritual and religious rituals. It also coincides with the Kumbh Mela. It is believed that performing a bath in a holy river on the eve of Magha Purnima is highly auspicious.

Hence devotees flock in large numbers to the banks of rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Narmada, etc. By taking a bath in the holy rivers, performing charities and making donations, one is absolved of their past and present sins and attains moksha or liberation. On Magha Purnima day, Lord Vishnu and Lord Hanuman are worshipped as it is believed that offering prayers to these deities on Magha Purnima fulfils the desires of the devotees. On Magha Purnima day, a float festival is organised in the regions of Tamil Nadu.

Phalgun Purnima
According to the Hindu calendar, Phalgun Purnima is the last Purnima on which the festival of colours, Holi, is celebrated. This day is also observed as Lakshmi Jayanti in some parts of the country. Lakshmi Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and abundance. It is believed that observing the Phalguna Purnima Vrat and worshipping Lord Vishnu and the Moon God on this day bestows the devotees with divine blessings and also absolves them of their past and present sins.

Chaitra Purnima
Hindus consider Chaitra Purnima as a time to correct their words and actions and get rid of negative deeds. Devotees seek the blessings of god to lead a life of virtue. Chaitra Purnima also coincides with Hanuman Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Hanuman, and is therefore considered auspicious. Like all other Purnima Vrat, devotees take the ritual bath in holy rivers and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Moon God to seek divine blessings. Performing charities and making donations on this day are considered pious acts to absolve one of their past and present sins.

Vaishakha Purnima
Vaishakha is the second month according to the Hindu calendar. The significance of Vaishakha Purnima is highlighted by the Skanda Purana. On this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu and are blessed with abundance, peace and happiness. Observing the Vaishakha Purnima vrat bestows prosperity on the devotees. This day also holds great significance as people also celebrate Buddha Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, on this day.

Jyeshtha Purnima
Jyeshtha Purnima is considered to be of great significance by married Hindu women as they worship Goddess Savitri on this day. This day is also known as Vat Purnima. This day celebrates the marital devotion and purity of women in their marital life. Besides Goddess Savitri, women also worship Lord Brahma, Yama, the god of death and Sage Narada on this day. Legend has it that when Yama took away the life of Savitri’s husband, Satyavan, Savitri intervened and performed a strict penance which forced Yama to restore Satyavan’s life. So on this day, Satyavan is also worshipped along with Savitri. It is believed that married women who pray and fast on this day are bestowed a harmonious married life and the long life of their husbands.

Ashadha Purnima
During the month of Ashadha, on Purnima day, the moon is positioned in Purvashada or Uttarashada Nakshatra. If on the Ashadha Purnima, the moon is positioned in Uttarashada nakshatra, then it’s considered to be very auspicious and fortunate to be blessed with abundance, prosperity and wealth. Ashadha Purnima is also celebrated as Guru Purnima, with the day having great significance among Hindu and Buddhist cultures. On this day, devotees seek the blessing of their Guru and their teachings.

Devotees also observe Gopadam Vrat on Ashadha Purnima, offering prayers to Lord Vishnu to be blessed with happiness and prosperity. Observing the Gopadamvrat with full devotion and following the rituals strictly bestows the blessings of Lord Vishnu in attaining all worldly pleasures and fulfilling every desire of the devotees and gaining moksha. It is ideal for natives born under Uttarshada, or Purvashada nakshatras should perform charity and meditation on Ashadha Purnima, which bestows them with spiritual benefits and solace in every aspect of their life. Students should perform Saraswati Puja on Ashadha Purnima, which blesses them with academic success and the ability to understand and learn any skill easily.

Shravana Purnima

Shravana Purnima holds immense significance among Hindus as various auspicious rituals are performed on this day. On this day, rituals such as Upanayana and Yagyopaveet are performed. This day is considered the most sacred day for performing the Shudhikaran ritual by Brahmins. Devotees offer special prayers to Lord Shiva on this holy day. The festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on Shravana Purnima, and therefore the month of Shravana holds immense significance for its religious and spiritual significance
Shravana Purnima is considered important among Hindus for various reasons. These include a celebration of Kajari Purnima in various parts of India, where Hindu women sow barley in pots filled with soil and leaves of trees. The pots are carried by women on their heads and dropped into the nearest water body. They worship Goddess Bhagwati, sow wheat and offer prayers for a bounty harvest. Kajari Purnima is mainly celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. The Kajari Purnima vrat is observed by mothers for the prosperity and long life of their sons.

Another festival that coincides with this day is the Nariyal, or Narali Purnima, observed primarily in the coastal regions of India.

Devotees worship the sea and worship Lord Varuna, the god who controls water. It is believed that worshipping Lord Varuna bestows immunity from any kind of danger from sea or water bodies. On this day, a coconut (nariyal) is offered to the sea with immense devotion
According to the Puranas, the sacred Amarnath Yatras begins on the eve of Guru Purnima and concludes on Shravan Purnima. Devotees worship Lord Shiva by offering water on Shiva Lingam and successfully end their Amarnath yatra on this day.

Pavitropana is another festival celebrated on Shravana Purnima day by the Gujarati community. Legend has it that offering water to the Shiva Lingam and chanting prayers bestows divine blessings of Lord Shiva with good fortune and absolution of all sins.

Bhadrapada Purnima

Bhadra Purnima is considered to be very auspicious and sacred for conducting Griha Pravesh ceremonies by worshippers of Lord Vishnu. Devotees seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu for the betterment of their life and blessings of abundance. Bhadrapada Purnima also holds significance as the very next day of Bhadrapada Purnima marks the beginning of the Pitru Paksha Shraddha.

Ashwina Purnima

Ashwina Purnima, otherwise known as Sharad Purnima, is the day when the moon is closest to the earth. Therefore on this day, the moon shines at its most and its light is believed to be soothing and healing. It is believed that on Sharad Purnima, the moon is full of its 16 Kalas or virtues and drips the nectar of eternity. The moonlight attains the properties that nourish one’s body and soul. Thus, on Sharad Purnima, Hindu households keep water in a copper utensil or prepare rice kheer and place it in the moonlight for the entire night. This is then consumed the next morning and even distributed among family members and relatives.

Sharad Purnima

Sharad Purnima is also associated with Lord Krishna, who is said to be born with 16 Kalas of personality. This day is therefore celebrated as Raas Purnima, the day when Lord Krishna performed the divine dance of love or MahaRaas with Goddess Radha and other Gopis.
The Hindu scriptures also indicate that Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, was born on this day. It is believed that on Ashwin Purnima, Goddess Lakshmi takes rounds on the earth and watches the deeds of all human beings.

Sharad Purnima is also known as Kojagari Purnima, which in a literal sense means one who is awake the entire night. It is believed that those who stay awake the entire night of Sharad Purnima and worship Goddess Lakshmi are bestowed with immense wealth and blessings even if they do not have a Dhan Yoga in their Kundli.
In Odisha, Sharad Purnima is celebrated as Kumar Purnima when unmarried girls observe fast and worship Lord Karthikeya to gain a suitable life partner. The fast is concluded in the evening after offering arghya to the moon.

Karthik Purnima

Hindu mythology considers Karthik Purnima as religiously and spiritually significant. It is believed that performing the ritual bath (Karthik Snan) and worshipping Lord Vishnu bestows immense fortune on the devotees. This day is also considered auspicious for conducting religious ceremonies as it brings joy and happiness. Devotees believe that performing the ritualistic Karthik Snan is equivalent to performing 100 Ashvemedha Yagna.

Margashirsha Purnima

The month of Margashirsha is considered to be auspicious according to Hindu scriptures. It is believed that young unmarried women who take a bath in River Yamuna on Margashirsha Purnima will gain a life partner of their desire. Observing the Margashirsha Purnima vrat bestows blessings of all kinds and attain moksha. Devotees perform ceremonial baths in sacred rivers and worship Lord Vishnu with immense devotion. The moon is considered to be a nectar of immortality. The Hindu calendar considers Margashirsha as the month of commitment.
Margashirsha Purnima is also devoted to the worship of Lord Dattatreya in South India and is also known as Dattatreya Jayanti. Lord Dattatreya is considered to be the combined form of Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara). Legend has it that on Margashirsha Purnima during the Pradosh Kaal, Lord Dattatreya was incarnated on the earth. Margashirsha Purnima is also known as Battisi Purnima, Korala Purnima, Naraka Purnima, or Margashirsha Poonam Udyatithi Purnima across various parts of India.
While on the day of Purnima, the moon is at its full glory and the full size of the moon to create a highly pleasant landscape, we hope the same radiance is spread in the lives of our readers!

Purnima Vrat – Fasting on Full Moon in Hinduism – How to Perform or Observe Purnima Vrat?
Purnima or Poonam is an auspicious day in Hinduism. Poornima is the full moon day and many important rituals and festivals takes place on full moon day. In South India, the day is known as Pournami. Upvaas (Fasting) is observed on this day by some people. Here is a brief idea on how to perform purnima vrat. It must be noted here that the vrat is not performed by certain communities. The procedure and fasting methods vary from region to region.

The Purnima Fasting begins at Sunrise and ends after sighting the Moon. Most people only take food after seeing the moon or after evening prayers.
In some places in South India, the Pournami Vratam is dedicated to Devi, Mother Goddess.

Special pujas are performed in temples on Poornima day including the Pournami Pooja.
Satyanarayana or Satya Narayana Puja is another important Pooja performed on the Purnima day.
To Which God is Purnima Vrat Dedicated?
Purnima Vrat is dedicated to Mother Goddess in many regions. Offering prayers on full moon day to Mother Goddess is highly meritorious and helps in attaining prosperity. Poverty will be alleviated by observing the vrat.

In some regions the day is dedicated to worship of Lord Vishnu.
In some months the day is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.
Purnima Vrat Food
A single meal is taken on the day
Fruits are eaten on the day
Milk, fruit juice and water
Salt is avoided on the day.
Benefits of Purnima Fasting
Peace and prosperity
Poverty will be removed.
Those suffering from bad position of Chandra Navgraha in horoscope will get relief.
Good for students and those taking part in interviews and job related exams.
For long, prosperous and peaceful married life.
Mantra to be Chanted
Lalitha Sahasranamam
Simple prayer dedicated to Vishnu
Any Mother Goddess Prayer you know.
How to Observe Purnima Vrat?
Wake up early in the morning.
Take bath.
Visit a Goddess Temple
Offer prayers
Chant any prayer of Mother Goddess.
Take a single meal in the afternoon.
Avoid food at night.
Eat more fruits.
Drink lots of water.
White color flowers should be used during the evening puja to Mother Goddess.
Chant prayers dedicated to Mother Goddess.
Offer white color Prasad or food.
How long the Vrat Should be Observed?
It depends on the devotee. Mostly it is observed for a year – 12 Purnima.

Significance of Purnima Vrat

Purnima Vrat

Purnima and Pournami are respectively the North Indian and South Indian terms for Full Moon. It is the brightest phase of the Moon and represents the completion of a cycle. In every Hindu calendar, most of the Purnima day is associated with a significant festival of the month. Hence, over the twelve months in a year, the Purnima days mark twelve different festivals.

Kartika Purnima Timings

Kartika, Shukla Purnima
A Full Moon or Pournami is symbolic of various factors such as birth, rebirth, fullness, abundance, creation etc. There is a tradition among the devoted Hindus to observe Vrat or fasting on Pournami days. In general, the Purnima Vrats is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the Mother Goddess. Observing a Purnima Vrat or Vratam is considered very auspicious and it can bestow lots of benefits to the devotee.

The Purnima fasting is observed either on Purnima day or on the day before Purnima i.e. on Chaturdashi (14th lunar day). It depends on the starting time of Purnima Tithi. Purnima fasting will be observed on Chaturdashi if the Purnima Tithi starts during the Madhyahna period on the previous day. Usually, a Pournami Vratam is observed from sunrise till the rising of the full Moon.

Significances of Purnima Day

Purnima or Full Moon has a lot of religious and scientific significance. As per the belief, many of the Gods such as Lord Vishnu’s Matsyavatar, Subrahmanya, and Sri Buddha incarnated or took birth on Purnima day. The Pujas done on this day are said to have great merits and devotees conduct some exclusive pujas like Satya Narayan Puja. From the scientific point of view, the Purnima has some significant influences on our body and mind. During the Full Moon, the effect of gravity is maximum and it induces some positive effects such as reduced gastric problems, increased stability of metabolic processes, better body-mind balance, etc.

Purnima Fasting Rules

In general, the devotees observing Purnima Vrat follow a full day fast and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. The fasting begins at the sunrise on the Purnima day (occasionally on Chaturdashi) and ends at the rise of the full Moon in the evening.

– To observe Purnima Vrat, the devotees should wake up and take bath before sunrise.
– A strict fasting from sunrise to full Moon rise without consuming any food or water is recommended.
– Those who can’t observe such strict fasting can have a single meal of fruits and milk.
– Cereals, pulses, and salt should be strictly avoided.
– The devotee can end fasting after seeing the full Moonrise and offering the prayers.
– No special puja or offering to any deity is recommended. The devotee can worship and offer pujas as he likes.

Purnima literally means Full Moon. Purnima refers to a tithi or the lunar day which normally falls once a month. This tithi divides the month into 2 fortnights; the Shukla Paksha and the Krishna Paksha. A full moon appears when the Sun and the Moon are separated by 180 degrees. On this day, the Moon remains like a well-illuminated full disc, causing high tides. It is only on Purnima days that lunar eclipses occur.

Significance of Purnima Puja

According to the Hindu calendar, every Purnima marks an auspicious day and is associated with a significant festival every month. On the full moon day, the bright moonshine in the sky symbolises the removal of darkness and hence symbolically represents illumination. Purnima is considered a symbol of positivity, fullness and prosperity. Science has revealed to us that on the day of Purnima, the gravitational forces of the earth are at their maximum. This has a highly positive effect on all humans in giving them a lot of stability in the various metabolic processes, enhanced energy, reduction in gastric problems like acidity and a great amount of balance between the body and mind.

Fasting rules of Purnima Puja

On the day of Purnima, the devotee wakes up early in the morning and takes a holy dip in a sacred river before sunrise. As per one’s interest, Lord Shiva or Vishnu can be worshipped. There is no special puja procedure for Purnima. The devotee can do the puja as he pleases. Purnima is the ideal day to do Satyanarayan puja at home. Though it is an ideal choice to fast throughout the day without eating anything whatsoever, one meal is allowed if the devotee prefers. However, this meal should be free from salt, cereals or pulses. The fasting starts at sunrise and ends with the sighting of the moon. In the evening the devotee has a vision of the full moon rising and offers his prayers and worship to the moon god. Following this, Prasad is consumed.

Benefits of Purnima Puja

The puja helps in discharging physical and emotional pains and releasing the pains and miseries.
It is believed that conducting the Puja helps in creating a positive environment and peace in the house.
It also removes the financial and health problems
Observing the Vrat also brings a healing effect on the gut system of the human body by stabilizing the functioning of the digestive system and human mind.

Puja Requirements/ Offerings
Flowers, Whole wheat, Earthen Lamp, Ghee/ Mustard oil, Raw milk, Kalash ( brass pot), coconut, dry fruits

Suhag Samagri- Haldi, Kumkum, Agarbati, a fresh piece of cloth, bangles.

About Dev Darshan
Now, due to the present state of the pandemic, most of the temple houses have shifted to conducting online Purnima Puja for the convenience of the devotees. However, it becomes a bit of a hassle to connect to the Mandir priests to get the puja conducted. Dev Darshan can come to your rescue at that moment. Dev Darshan is a platform which provides a smooth interaction between the temple houses and the devotees without much worry and hassle. It also conducts online Pujas such as online Purnima Puja. Check out the online services provided by Dev Darshan here and get your bookings done in one click.