Pausha Purnima 2024: Significance and rituals

Pausha Purnima is also known as Shakambhari Purnima and will fall on January 25, 2024, marking a significant day in the Hindu calendar. It's not only a full moon day in the Pausha month but also holds various religious and cultural observances. Let's delve into the significance and rituals associated with this auspicious occasion.

Pausha Purnima Date and Time

Tithi Begins - 21:50:23 on Jan 24, 2024
Tithi Ends - 23:23:46 on Jan 25, 2024

Significance:

Worship of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi: 

Pausha Purnima is mainly dedicated to worshipping Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, and his consort, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and fortune. Hindus believe that observing devotional rituals on this day brings blessings of wealth, abundance, and good luck. Though every devotee performs their own rituals but here are some specific that are considered to be good.

Ganga Snan:

Taking a holy dip in the Ganges River, particularly at places like Haridwar, Varanasi, and Prayagraj, is considered highly purifying and meritorious. It's believed to cleanse one's sins and karmic baggage.

Charity: 

Pausha Purnima heralds the beginning of a month-long period of austerity observed during the Magha month in North India. People take early morning baths in the Ganges or Yamuna throughout the month, symbolizing spiritual discipline and self-control. Additionally, charitable acts done during this time are believed to bear greater fruit.

Shakambhari Jayanti:

This day also marks the birth anniversary of Goddess Shakambhari, a fierce manifestation of Durga worshipped for her power and resilience. Her devotees observe special pujas and offer prayers seeking her blessings.

Pushyabhishek Yatra:

Followers of ISKCON and the Vaishnava Sampradaya commence the Pushyabhishek Yatra on Pausha Purnima. This annual pilgrimage involves carrying a murti (idol) of Lord Krishna along the Ganges river route, culminating in Vrindavan on Holi.

Puja Rituals:

It is believed that following some rituals in this day, blesses a person with abundance in life. Some devotees observe a full-day fast on Pausha Purnima, breaking it only after the moonrise. Elaborate pujas are conducted at homes and temples, offering prayers and oblations to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Panchamrita (five nectars), flowers, fruits, and incense are common offerings.

Meditation and chanting mantras like the Vishnu Sahasranama or Lakshmi Gayatri are believed to be particularly auspicious on this day. Apart from this, doing donations in this day is also considered an auspicious task.

Beyond religious observances, Pausha Purnima serves as a reminder to embrace virtues like purity, generosity, and spiritual discipline. It's a day to express gratitude for blessings received and seek divine grace for a prosperous and fulfilling life.

(Disclaimer: This information has been collected from various mediums like astrologers, almanacs, beliefs or religious scriptures and has been presented to you. Please consult experts while making related decisions. TopIndianNews does not hold accountability for this information.)