Pournami (Full Moon) for September 1995

Introduction to Purnima

Full Moon also called as Purnima or Pournami is the fifteenth day of the lunar phase, as the moon reaches the final stage in the Shukla Paksha (Waxing period).

Significance of Purnima

Purnima is considered very auspicious to begin any new venture or activity and gain successful results. Scientifically, the location of the Moon with respect to the Earth exerts a different magnetic pull on the planet on this day and thus results in a natural upsurge of upward movement in the body. The blood circulation to your brain is increased, and it is also believed that the inherent quality becomes more enhanced on this day.

A Purnima or a full Moon day is ideal for the worship of the Goddess power and gain their immense blessings for a prosperous life. The day is also considered propitious to worship Lord Vishnu as Satyanarayana.

Rituals of Purnima Vrat (Fasting)

Fasting on a full Moon day begins with a sacred bath in the early morning. Houses and Pooja altar are cleaned, and special Pooja is offered to the deity. Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food on Purnima day. People observe fasting in reverence to the deity for the whole day or undertake partial fasting by consuming only milk and fruits.

Special Prasad (offering) is prepared and offered to the deity during the Pooja and is later distributed to the gathering. The fast is broken by the end of the day after the Pooja, with the vision of the full Moon and consumption of the Prasad.

Festivals Associated with Purnima

Purnima or Full Moon day is generally considered auspicious for fasting and calling upon the powerful Goddess Trinity (Goddesses Parvati, Lakshmi, and Saraswati) or your favorite deity. In particular, observing Vrat (fasting) on the Full Moon day during the Tamil Months of Chithirai (April–May), Aadi (July–August), Karthigai (November–December), Vaikasi (May–June) and Maasi (February–March) are considered more auspicious.

Chitra Purnima also called as Chitra Pournami , is a day dedicated to Chitragupta , the bookkeeper of deeds and the assistant of Yama, the God of death. Fasting on this sacred day can cleanse all your sins. People usually plan to take a sacred walk on this day around Thiruvannamalai (Holy Mountain of fire) , where Lord Shiva is the presiding deity.

The day is also dedicated to Lord Indra, commemorating the historical event of Lord Indra worshipping Lord Shiva on Earth to relieve him from all his sins. This was believed to have happened on the day of Chitra Pournami in Madurai, South India. On this day, Devendra Pooja is conducted in Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple in Tamil Nadu.

Full Moon day in the Tamil month of Aadi (July–August) is also celebrated as Guru Purnima , marking the birthday of the ancient sage Vyasa.

Benefits of Observing Purnima Vrat

Observing Vrat (fasting) on Purnima or full Moon day can bestow the following benefits:

• Worshipping the divine feminine power can bless prosperity, valor, knowledge, wealth and happiness
• Propitiating Lord Vishnu in the form of Satyanarayana can bestow abundance, wealth and overall wellbeing
• Blessing of healthy, wealthy and prosperous life
• Rejuvenate mind and body
• Regulate acid content and improve digestion