Devotees believe that a holy dip in sacred river Ganga and Yamuna on this day frees the soul from cycle of reincarnation and the person is detached from all the bad karmas committed in this birth and previous births as well. Thousands of devotees can be seen in Haridwar, Dashashwamedh Ghat at Varanasi and Triveni Sangam at Prayag.
After taking holy dip, devotees pour water in front of the sun and Shivlinga with great devotion; many other religious practices are performed along with holy chants in temples. Lectures on Bhagwat Gita and Ramayana are also organized during this time. Free meal is served to needy people throughout the day, in many ashrams and temples as part of ‘anna daan’ on this occasion. According to Hindu belief any kind of charity and donations (Daan) done on Paush Purnima gives great results in future and also fulfil all the wishes of the devotees. People give donations and do charities work according to their capacity.
Spiritual Importance of Paush Purnima
The festival of Paush Purnima reminds us that we all belong to this universe and we all are connected to each other in some way. So we should take this day as an opportunity to be in sync with the whole universe. Taking a holy dip on this day symbolises that we can’t live with the baggage of past karmas and sins . To start afresh and live a happy and simple life; we all must drop that burden. This last full Moon day of the winter season is a celebration at the end of darkness outside and within our souls as well.Shakambari Jayanti is also marked on Paush Purnima and Devi Shakambari, who is an incarnation of deity Durga, is worshipped on this day. According to Hindu belief, once there was a huge draught for about hundred years. Due to this, people, plants and animals all started dying. Then people worshipped Goddess Durga. To save them all, deity Durga took an incarnation on earth as Devi Shakambari and showered rain to restore life in the world. Hence this day is also known as Shakambari Purnima.
Another important tradition of Charita Puja is also very significant in many parts of India. In the tribal region of Chhattisgarh; people celebrate Charita festival with great fervor and enthusiasm. People distribute delicious traditional desserts to their friends and family members. These special desserts are made with til, jaggery, and rice. People worship lord Satyanarayana on this day. After Satyanarayan katha, Prasad (holy meal) is distributed among all the devotees. Special feasts and parties are organized by the villagers where people sing their folk songs and dance. In East India married women visit temples and holy rivers where they pray for the long life of their family members.
Paush Purnima also marks the beginning of Kalpwas (the period of austerity), which is done throughout the month of Magha. Despite cold weather, thousands of devotees throng the Sangam Ghat in Allahabad to live in tents and perform sacred rituals during this time.
Paush Purnima holds significant religious and spiritual importance in Hinduism. Here are some key aspects of its significance:
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Spiritual Cleansing: Taking a holy dip in sacred rivers on Paush Purnima is believed to purify the soul and wash away sins. This act of bathing is considered highly meritorious and spiritually uplifting.
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Purnima Vrat: Observing a fast on this day is considered very auspicious. Devotees believe that fasting and performing rituals on Paush Purnima can bring prosperity, peace, and divine blessings.
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Beginning of Magh Mela: Paush Purnima marks the commencement of the Magh Mela in Allahabad (Prayagraj), a significant Hindu pilgrimage. This festival involves mass bathing and other religious activities over a month.
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Connection to Kumbh Mela: In years when the Kumbh Mela coincides with Paush Purnima, it becomes an even more significant event. The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, drawing millions of pilgrims.
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Charity and Piety: Paush Purnima is considered an ideal time for performing charitable acts. Donating food, clothes, and money to the needy is believed to bring spiritual merit and blessings.
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Astronomical Importance: The full moon (Purnima) has a special place in Hindu cosmology. Many believe that the moon's energy on this day has a positive impact on the mind and body, enhancing spiritual practices.
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Mythological Significance: Various legends and stories are associated with Paush Purnima. For example, it is believed that Lord Vishnu, in his Matsya (fish) avatar, saved the Vedas from the demon Hayagriva on this day.
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Cultural Traditions: In many parts of India, Paush Purnima is celebrated with local fairs, cultural events, and community gatherings, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Here are some key rituals associated with this auspicious day:
1. Holy Bathing (Snan)
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Timing: Devotees wake up early in the morning and take a holy dip in sacred rivers such as the Ganges, Yamuna, Saraswati, and other holy water bodies.
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Belief: It is believed that bathing in these rivers on Paush Purnima purifies the soul, washes away sins, and brings spiritual merit.
2. Fasting (Vrat)
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Observance: Many devotees observe a fast from sunrise to moonrise.
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Rituals: The fast is usually broken after sighting the full moon and performing evening prayers.
3. Worship and Prayers (Puja)
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Deities: Devotees worship Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and the Moon God (Chandra).
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Offerings: Offerings include flowers, incense, lamps, fruits, sweets, and sacred water (Gangajal).
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Mantras and Aarti: Reciting mantras, singing bhajans (devotional songs), and performing aarti (ritual of worship with light) are integral parts of the worship.
4. Charity (Daan)
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Significance: Charity is an important aspect of Paush Purnima. Donating food, clothes, money, and other essentials to the needy is considered highly auspicious.
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Types of Charity: Feeding the poor, offering donations to temples, and supporting educational and health-related causes are common practices.
5. Kumbh Mela and Magh Mela
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Special Occasions: When Paush Purnima coincides with the Kumbh Mela, it marks an even more significant day with millions of pilgrims gathering for the holy dip.
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Magh Mela: In Prayagraj (Allahabad), Paush Purnima marks the beginning of the month-long Magh Mela, a major pilgrimage and fair.
6. Recitation of Sacred Texts
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Scriptures: Devotees read and recite holy scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Vishnu Sahasranama.
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Chanting: Chanting hymns and mantras dedicated to various deities is a common practice.
7. Observance of Silence (Maun Vrat)
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Spiritual Practice: Some devotees observe a vow of silence (Maun Vrat) to enhance their spiritual discipline and meditation.
8. Performing Homam and Yajna
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Fire Rituals: Performing homam (fire ritual) and yajna (Vedic ritual of offerings) are considered auspicious on this day.
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Purpose: These rituals are performed for spiritual purification, prosperity, and peace.
9. Night Vigil (Jagaran)
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Devotion: Some devotees stay awake the entire night, singing devotional songs and engaging in prayer and meditation.
10. Community Gatherings and Fairs
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Local Traditions: Various regions hold community gatherings, fairs, and cultural events, celebrating the day with traditional music, dance, and food.
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