Purnamasi Kab Ki Hai – Important Dates and Significance

Important Dates and Significance of Purnima in Hindu Calendar

Purnima, also known as Pournami or Purnmashi, is the full moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar. It holds great significance in Hinduism and is observed with various rituals and festivities. Purnima occurs every month, and each Purnima has its own importance and significance. In this article, we will delve into the important dates of Purnima in the Hindu calendar and explore the significance of these auspicious days.

Dates of Purnima in the Hindu Calendar

1. Paush Purnima:
2. Date: Paush month (January-February)

3. Significance: Paush Purnima marks the beginning of the Magh Mela in Allahabad. Devotees take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam (confluence of three rivers) on this day.

4. Magha Purnima:

5. Date: Magha month (February-March)

6. Significance: Magha Purnima is celebrated as Maha Maghi in South India. It is believed that taking a dip in the sacred waters on this day cleanses one of all sins.

7. Phalguna Purnima:

8. Date: Phalguna month (March)

9. Significance: Phalguna Purnima is celebrated as Holi, the festival of colors. Devotees light bonfires on the eve of Holi to signify the victory of good over evil.

10. Chaitra Purnima:

11. Date: Chaitra month (March-April)

12. Significance: Chaitra Purnima marks the birth anniversary of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a prominent saint in the Bhakti movement.

13. Vaishakha Purnima:

14. Date: Vaishakha month (April-May)

15. Significance: Vaishakha Purnima is celebrated as Buddha Purnima, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha.

16. Jyeshtha Purnima:

17. Date: Jyeshtha month (May-June)

18. Significance: Jyeshtha Purnima is observed as Vat Purnima Vrat, where married women pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.

19. Ashadha Purnima:

20. Date: Ashadha month (June-July)

21. Significance: Ashadha Purnima is celebrated as Guru Purnima, where devotees pay homage to their gurus and spiritual teachers.

22. Shravana Purnima:

23. Date: Shravana month (July-August)

24. Significance: Shravana Purnima is known as Raksha Bandhan, a festival celebrating the bond between siblings. Sisters tie rakhi (sacred thread) on their brothers’ wrists.

25. Bhadrapada Purnima:

26. Date: Bhadrapada month (August-September)

27. Significance: Bhadrapada Purnima is celebrated as Pitr Purnima, where Hindus pay homage to their ancestors by performing rituals and offering prayers.

28. Ashwina Purnima:

    • Date: Ashwina month (September-October)
    • Significance: Ashwina Purnima is observed as Sharad Purnima, marking the end of the monsoon season. Devotees perform Kheer (rice pudding) puja and offer it to the moon.

29. Kartika Purnima:

    • Date: Kartika month (October-November)
    • Significance: Kartika Purnima is celebrated as Dev Deepawali in Varanasi, where diyas (earthen lamps) are lit along the ghats of the Ganges River to welcome the Gods.

30. Margashirsha Purnima:

    • Date: Margashirsha month (November-December)
    • Significance: Margashirsha Purnima is observed as Dattatreya Jayanti, commemorating the birth anniversary of Lord Dattatreya, the combined form of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.

31. Pausha Purnima:

    • Date: Pausha month (December-January)
    • Significance: Pausha Purnima is celebrated as Shakambhari Purnima, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Shakambhari, the deity of vegetables and greenery.

Significance of Purnima in Hindu Culture

Purnima holds immense spiritual significance in Hindu culture. It is believed that fasting and performing pujas and rituals on Purnima can bring blessings and fulfillment of desires. The full moon is considered a powerful time for meditation, introspection, and inner growth.

Devotional Practices on Purnima:

• Fasting: Many Hindus observe a fast on Purnima to purify the body and mind.
• Charity: Donating food, clothes, or money to the less fortunate is considered auspicious on Purnima.
• Puja and Homam: Performing special prayers and fire rituals can invoke positive energies and blessings.
• Visiting Sacred Places: Pilgrimages to holy rivers, temples, and pilgrimage sites on Purnima are believed to be spiritually rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the significance of Purnima in Hindu mythology?

2. Purnima is considered auspicious as it symbolizes the fullness and completeness. It is believed to be a time of divine energies and spiritual growth.

3. Why is fasting on Purnima considered beneficial?

4. Fasting on Purnima is believed to cleanse the body, mind, and soul. It helps in reducing negative energies and invoking positive vibrations.

5. Which deity is worshipped on Sharad Purnima?

6. Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, is worshipped on Sharad Purnima for blessings and abundance.

7. How is Guru Purnima celebrated in India?

8. Devotees offer pujas, flowers, and prasad to their gurus or spiritual teachers as a mark of respect and gratitude on Guru Purnima.

9. What is the significance of Buddha Purnima?

10. Buddha Purnima commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. It is a day of peace, compassion, and spiritual reflection.

In conclusion, Purnima is a sacred and auspicious time in the Hindu calendar that offers numerous opportunities for spiritual growth, devotion, and fulfillment. Each Purnima has its own unique significance and observing rituals on these days can bring prosperity, peace, and blessings into one’s life.