Celebrations on Bhadrapada Purnima
The day is celebrated with dedication throughout the state of Gujarat. Devotees take special measures to offer prayers to Goddess Ambaji. A special fair is held at Ambaji temple and devotees from all corners of Gujarat make it a point to seek the blessings of the Goddess on this day.Folk dances are performed in the temple of Goddess Ambaji to appease the Goddess and seek her blessings. According to mythology, the temple is located at the place where the heart of Goddess Sati fell after her body was cut by Lord Vishnu.
The temple is unique in the sense that it does not have any idol of Goddess Ambaji, yet her glory continues to attract the devotees from all over the region. Goddess Ambaji is rather represented by a sign of Shri in the temple. This sign is covered by a triangle and is known the world over by the name of Vishwa Yantra.
Mythological Significance:
- Story of King Harishchandra: According to Hindu mythology, King Harishchandra, known for his unwavering dedication to truth and dharma, regained his kingdom and family on Bhadrapada Purnima through the grace of Lord Vishnu.
- Tale of Anant: The legend of Anant, a form of Lord Vishnu, who appears as an infinite, eternal serpent, is also associated with this day. Devotees seek his blessings for a prosperous and happy life.
Rituals Performed on Bhadrapada Purnima
Lord Satyanarayana, a form of Lord Vishnu is worshiped on Bhadrapada Purnima. Devotees offer fruits, supari, til, pan, to Lord Satyanarayana and take special care to decorate the image of Lord Satyanarayana with Kumkum and roli. Panchamrit is offered to the Lord. Flowers, Rice, and paste made from Red Sandalwood is also applied to Lord Satyanarayana on Bhadrapada Purnima.Devotees observe fast on the occasion of Bhadrapada Purnima. They take a mixture of sugar and wheat in the evening before breaking the fast. Stories related to Lord Satyanarayana are recited on this day and devotees listen to the same along with other stories related to Lord Shiva, Brahma, and Goddess Laxmi.
Food and clothes are donated by the devotees on this day to Brahmins. Taking a bath in any of the holy rivers throughout the country is considered auspicious. Performing Satyanarayana Puja on Bhadrapada Purnima brings fortunes to the devotees. The day is considered auspicious to perform the Griha Pravesh ceremony.
Religious Significance
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Conclusion of Ganesh Chaturthi:
- In many regions, Bhadrapada Purnima coincides with Anant Chaturdashi, which marks the culmination of the ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival. On this day, the idols of Lord Ganesha are immersed in water bodies, symbolizing his return to Mount Kailash and the cycle of creation and dissolution in the universe.
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Anant Chaturdashi:
- This day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Anant (the infinite one). Devotees observe the Anant Vrat, a vow taken for 14 years to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu for prosperity, protection, and spiritual growth. They wear a sacred thread known as Anant Sutra, symbolizing their commitment to the vow.
It is considered auspicious to perform Pitru Paksha Sraddha on the next day of the Bhadrapada Purnima celebrations. Bhadrapada Purnima is a special festival for the devotees of Lord Vishnu. They ensure to make the day special by worshiping Lord Satyanarayana and seeking his blessings to make their life better.
भाद्रपद पूर्णिमा की पूजा का महत्व और विधी हिंदी में जानने के लिये यहां क्लिक करें