About Paush Purnima
Paush Purnima is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Paush.The day is considered an auspicious day in Hindu calendar and marks the beginning of one month long austerity period observed by Hindu devotees.On the auspicious day of Paush Purnima, having a bath or dip in holy River of Yamuna and Ganga has great importance. Devotees spend time in Sadhna and pour water on Shivalinga. On Paush Purnima day thousands of devotees congregate at Allahabad or Prayag and take holy dips at the Sangam, the confluence of Yamuna, Ganga and the mythical Saraswati river. Devotees believe that they would attain moksha by bathing in the Sangam on Paush Purnima day. Large numbers of devotees also congregate in Ujjain and Nasik and take holy dips in rivers. After bathing in the holy rivers, devotees proceed to Shiva temples and worship the benevolent Lord Shiva.Pushyabhishek Yatra is celebrated in Sri Krishna temples all over India on this day. Goddess Laxmi, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are also worshiped on this day.
Paush Purnima Legend and Rituals
Paush Purnima is a day considered auspicious for a variety of pujas. Especially, Satyanarayan Vrat is performed on this day in order to propitiate Lord Maha Vishnu. There is a special procedure for this puja at the end of which the story is narrated and Prasad is distributed to all the participants.Women of the household do special pujas at homes, holy river banks and temples on this day praying for the welfare of their husbands and family members.
Paush Purnima is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Paush.The day is considered an auspicious day in Hindu calendar and marks the beginning of one month long austerity period observed by Hindu devotees.On the auspicious day of Paush Purnima, having a bath or dip in holy River of Yamuna and Ganga has great importance. Devotees spend time in Sadhna and pour water on Shivalinga. On Paush Purnima day thousands of devotees congregate at Allahabad or Prayag and take holy dips at the Sangam, the confluence of Yamuna, Ganga and the mythical Saraswati river. Devotees believe that they would attain moksha by bathing in the Sangam on Paush Purnima day. Large numbers of devotees also congregate in Ujjain and Nasik and take holy dips in rivers. After bathing in the holy rivers, devotees proceed to Shiva temples and worship the benevolent Lord Shiva.Pushyabhishek Yatra is celebrated in Sri Krishna temples all over India on this day. Goddess Laxmi, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are also worshiped on this day.
Shakambari Jayanti
Shakambari Jayanti is celebrated during Paush Purnima. So Paush Purnima is also known as Shakambari Purnima.On Paush Purnima, Hindu devotees also celebrate festivals like Satyanarayan Vratham, Charta and Shakambari Jayanti. It is believed that the heavenly incarnation of Goddess Shakti emerged on earth on this day. Goddess Shakti is believed to be the Goddess of green leaves, fruits and vegetables.
As per the mythological saga, once there was a severe drought. The drought converted earth into a parched land. As a result, all the animals and plants on earth started losing their lives without water. Therefore, Goddess Bhagvati appeared on earth in the form of Shakambari Devi and blessed all living beings with a new life.
Shakambari Jayanti is celebrated during Paush Purnima. So Paush Purnima is also known as Shakambari Purnima.On Paush Purnima, Hindu devotees also celebrate festivals like Satyanarayan Vratham, Charta and Shakambari Jayanti. It is believed that the heavenly incarnation of Goddess Shakti emerged on earth on this day. Goddess Shakti is believed to be the Goddess of green leaves, fruits and vegetables.
As per the mythological saga, once there was a severe drought. The drought converted earth into a parched land. As a result, all the animals and plants on earth started losing their lives without water. Therefore, Goddess Bhagvati appeared on earth in the form of Shakambari Devi and blessed all living beings with a new life.
Paush Purnima Significance
Paush Purnima reminds man that he is a part of this cosmos, creation and nature. Every human is connected to the universe in an inseparable way. Therefore it is always important that men conduct themselves in a way achieving this sync with the universe at large. Over a period, man is burdened with the bundles of sins he carries with him. Paush Purnima is an occasion to absolve oneself of his sins and make a fresh start. In this way, this day helps refresh and recharge humans. Notably, this is the last full moon day occurring during the winter season and therefore, symbolically it signifies the end of darkness outside and also inside us.
Paush Purnima Legend and Rituals
Paush Purnima is also celebrated as Shakambari Jayanti. On the day of Paush Purnima, Goddess Shakambari came down on Earth as the incarnation of Goddess Shakti. Goddess Shakambari is believed to be the Goddess of fruits, vegetables and leaves. As per the legends, long back there was a severe drought and it did not rain for over a hundred years. All the animals, humans and plants started to die. Seeing this, the Goddess Shakti incarnated as Shakambari Devi and showered ample rain to let the Earth regain its life. In a few temples a nine day Shakambari Navratri ends on Paush Purnima.
Lord Satyanarayana is worshipped on the day of Paush Purnima. Banana leaves, bananas, panchamrit, supari, pan, sesame seeds, red thread, sindoor, kumkum, durva etc. are used to worship Lord Satyanarayana. Panchamrit is prepared using milk, honey, bananas, ganges water and tulsi leaves. A prasad made of wheat and sugar is also used. Lord Satyanarayana is worshipped once Satyanarayana katha is over. Goddess Laxmi, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are also worshipped. Prasad is distributed among devotees.
Paush Purnima Puja
Paush Purnima is a day considered auspicious for a variety of pujas. Especially, Satyanarayan Vrat is performed on this day in order to propitiate Lord Maha Vishnu. There is a special procedure for this puja at the end of which the story is narrated and Prasad is distributed to all the participants.Women of the household do special pujas at homes, holy river banks and temples on this day praying for the welfare of their husbands and family members.
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