Purnima Vrat: Purnima Vrat or Pournami Vratam is fast observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu lunar month’s first fortnight (Shukla Paksh). The last day of the Shukla Paksh is the day of the full moon when the moon is at its brightest, and Hindus attach great significance to this day.
Time and Date
Next Purnima Vrat date in 2023: Friday, May 5 Purnima tithi timings: May 5, 12:00 am to May 5, 11:04 pm
Purnima Vrat History
According to the Hindu holy texts, Savitri protected her spouse Satyavan from Yamraj (the god of death) by fasting on this day. For the longevity, prosperity, and good health of their spouses, women who believe in the Purnima Vrat Katha are required to fast on this day. They believe in these traditions and perform all of these actions as a sign of their affection for their spouse.
Also, according to the Hindu religion and its sacred texts, veneration of the Banyan Tree is revered. It is believed that those who venerate the banyan tree are bestowed with good fortune. This fortunate tree represents the Trimurtis, or Lords Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva. As a result, fasting, performing Puja, reciting prayers, and listening to the Katha of Purnima Vrat Katha are regarded as a sign of a wife’s love and devotion to her spouse.
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Importance and Advantages of Purnima Vrat
Hindus consider Purnima Vrat sacred because they believe that precise observance of it brings good fortune and health to those who observe it. During this time, special Poojas are performed for Lord Shiva and Vishnu. The Vishnu-specific Puja is also known as Satya Narayan Puja. Although Satya Narayan Puja can be performed on any day, it is believed that performing it on Purnima will grant everyone the bounties of Narayan, an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
The Purnima Vrat is also associated with numerous health benefits. During the full moon, the Earth’s gravitational force is at its peak, which has a beneficial effect on the body and psyche. Additionally, it has a therapeutic effect on the human digestive system by reducing gastric issues and stabilising metabolic processes.
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Pradosh Vrat Rituals and Puja:
- On the day of Pradosham, the twilight period – the time between sunrise and sunset – is regarded as auspicious. At this time, all prayers and pujas are performed.
- One hour before sunset, devotees bathe and prepare for the ceremony.
- A preliminary puja is performed in which Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesh, Lord Kartik, and Nandi are venerated. Then, Lord Shiva is worshipped and invoked in a sacred vessel, or “Kalasha.” This Kalasha is placed on lotus-drawn darbha vegetation and filled with water.
- In some locations, Shivling worship is also practised. The Shivling is bathed in sacrosanct substances such as milk, yoghurt, and ghee. The devotees perform Puja and offer Bilva leaves to the Shivling. Some worshippers also utilise a portrait or painting of Lord Shiva. It is believed that presenting Bilva leaves on the day of Pradosh vrat is incredibly fortunate.
- The devotees then listen to the Pradosh vrat katha or read stories from the Shiva Purana after this ceremony.
- 108 instances of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra are chanted.
- After the ceremony has concluded, devotees consume water from the Kalasha and apply sacred charcoal to their foreheads.
- The majority of devotees visit Lord Shiva temples for darshan after the puja. On the day of Pradosham, it is believed that illuminating even a single lamp is extremely beneficial.