Chitra Pournami 2025: Date, Muhurat and Rituals
On February 14, 2025Chitra Pournami is a Hindu festival that is among the auspicious festivals for people in Tamil Nadu and other South Indian states. It is a day of cosmic alignment, deep cleansing, and introspection. The day is observed to celebrate the birthday of Chitragupta, who is believed to be a deity who does the bookkeeping of your deeds for the God of Death, Yamaraja. Read below to learn more about this important festival in South India.
When Is It Celebrated?
Chithra Pournami is a Tamil festival celebrated on the full moon day (Poornima day) in the Chithirai month of the Tamil calendar (April-May). This is among the most divine Poornima days when the moon is in the Chithirai star, a powerful astrological phenomenon. People in India, especially those in Tamil Nadu, commemorate this event with many prayers, rituals, and offerings, as it is an important time for those who want divine blessings. This year, Chithirai Pournami 2025 falls on Monday, May 12.
Chithra Pournami: The Mythological Significance
Though this festival is celebrated with great devotion in Tamil Nadu, it is deeply associated with Rajput mythology. Chitragupta is the chief deity in this myth. He is a celestial being known for keeping track of the doings of humanity, both good and bad, but typically bad deeds. Chitragupta is believed to have detailed records containing people’s karmic deeds. These records decide who goes to hell or heaven after death. Chaitra Pournami is an important festival for those who want to atone for their past sins by invoking Chitragupta to seek forgiveness and to give them the strength to do good deeds.
Legend of Chithra Pournami
A tale associated with this festival involves the king of Gods, Indra, and his teacher, Guru Brihaspati. Once Lord Indira and Brihaspati argued. As Indra did not respect his Guru, Brihaspati stopped advising him. This resulted in Indra committing sins. After many days, Brihaspati returned and advised Indra to go on a pilgrimage to reduce the burden of his sins.
During this pilgrimage, Indra believed he got rid of his sins. Under a Kadamba tree, a Shiva Linga was found, and Indra thought that Shiva helped him. He worshipped Shiva with a lotus found in the pond nearby. All this is said to have happened on Chithra Pournami day in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Hence, on this day, Devendra Puja is done in Madurai Meenakshi Temple to commemorate the event.
As per another legend, Chitragupta was born to Goddess Parvati through a painting (Chitira Puthiran). Later, he is believed to have entered Kamdhenu’s womb and was born in Chitra Pournami, hence the name Chitragupta. He later became Yama’s assistant in accounting for one’s good and bad deeds. So, this day is celebrated as Chitragupta’s birthday.
Celebrations and Rituals
Also called Chaitra Purnima, this day is celebrated with many rituals that help purify the body and mind and invoke Divine blessings. Here are some of the rituals that are followed on this day.
● Holy Dip: Taking a dip in holy water is an important ritual. Bathing in a sea, lake, river, or other sacred waters is a way to self-purify from past sins. On this day, Tiruvannamalai, a temple town in Tamil Nadu, attracts many devotees.
● Worship of Chitragputa: Special Poojas are held at Shiva and Chitragupta temples to seek their blessings of peace and prosperity.
● Fasting: Fasting is a common way to show devotion and to cleanse the soul and the body. Since the festival falls on a full moon day, devotees fast and offer special prayers.
● Charity: Offering food, clothes, and other essentials to the needy is also part of the rituals. Such actions are believed to reduce sins and increase good Karma.
One of the major events of this festival is the Girivalam. Held in Tiruvannamalai Temple, the Girivalam involves walking around Arunachala Hill, which is highly regarded by devotees. Devotees perform the Girivalam to earn spiritual merit.
Astrological and Spiritual Significance
Chaitra Purnima is an occasion for astrological and spiritual events. This Poornima (full moon) day, coincides with the Chithirai star and is believed to create a potent energy pattern conducive to contemplation, meditation, and self-enhancement. It is a good time to give up negativity, resolve conflicts, heal, and work toward self-improvement.
Astrologically, you can settle your karmic debts and get rid of all emotionally bottled feelings. This day gives you immense energy for spiritual practices and is thus ideal for meditation, Pooja, and instilling good thoughts for your future.
Conclusion
Chithra Pournami Day is a festival devoted to prayer, self-purification, and removing karmic debts. This day gives you a chance to charge your inner self by performing Pooja, fasting, or introspection.
