Significance
- Marks the start of Pitru Paksha,
a 15-day period dedicated to ancestral worship.
- Associated with Lord Vishnu,
especially in his Satyanarayan form.
- Considered highly auspicious for charity,
bathing in holy rivers, and spiritual cleansing.
- Worship of Goddess Lakshmi is
also prominent, believed to bring prosperity.
Legends
- Durvasa’s Curse:
Maharishi Durvasa cursed Lord Vishnu for giving away a sacred garland to
Garuda instead of wearing it. As a remedy, Vishnu was advised to observe
the Uma-Maheshwar Vrat and worship Shiva and Chandra on
Purnima.
- This act of penance restored Vishnu’s
powers and reunited him with Lakshmi, symbolizing the power of humility
and devotion.
Rules & Vrat
Guidelines
- Fasting:
Many observe a vrat (fast) consuming only milk, fruits, and water.
Grains, pulses, and salt are avoided.
- Charity:
Donating food, clothes, or money to the needy is considered highly
meritorious.
- Bathing Ritual:
A dip in sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, or Narmada is believed
to cleanse sins.
- Puja Timing:
The Purnima tithi begins on the evening prior and ends by the evening of
the Purnima day. For 2025, it falls on September 7.
Rituals
- Satyanarayan Puja:
Central to the day. Includes:
- Panchamrit abhishekam (milk, curd,
ghee, honey, sugar)
- Offering of fruits and sweets
- Recitation of Satyanarayan Katha
- Moon Worship:
Devotees also worship Chandra Deva for mental peace and clarity.
- Maha Mrityunjaya Havan:
Performed to dispel negativity and invoke longevity.
- Shraddha Preparations:
Families begin preparations for ancestral offerings starting the
next day.
Scriptural References
- Skanda Purana
and Bhavishya Purana mention the importance of observing Satyanarayan
Vrat on Purnima days, especially Bhadrapada Purnima, for prosperity
and spiritual merit.
- The Padma Purana highlights
the significance of bathing in sacred rivers on full moon days and
performing Pitru Tarpana as a precursor to Pitru Paksha.
- The Durvasa-Vishnu legend, where Lord Vishnu performs the Uma-Maheshwara Vrat to nullify Durvasa’s curse, is often cited in oral traditions and regional kathas.
2025 Date: September 07.
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