Paush Purnima

"Paush Purnima" is an important Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon day of the bright half of the Paush month. On this day, great significance is given to bathing, charity (daan), and chanting (jap). It is a day dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya (the Sun God), Chandra Dev (the Moon God), Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi. Worshiping Lord Vishnu on this day is believed to absolve individuals of sins committed in previous lives and grant them a place in heaven. During Poush Purnima, it is also customary to listen to the Satyanarayan Katha, which is believed to bring auspicious results and alleviate all difficulties. On this day, it is considered virtuous to donate sesame seeds, jaggery, blankets, and other items to the poor and needy.

Here is the puja procedure for observing the Paush Purnima Vrat:

Bathing: Begin the puja by taking a sacred bath. You can use water from a holy river, pond, or the Ganges for this purpose.

Decoration of the Puja Space: Beautify the puja space with a sacred Kalash (a pot filled with water and adorned with a coconut), Tulsi mala (holy basil garland), rice, betel nuts, coins, images or idols of the Sun and Moon deities, and other puja items.

Satyanarayan Katha: During the puja, recite the Satyanarayan Katha. This narrative can be shared with family and friends participating in the vrata.

Aarti and Bhajans: After the puja, perform the aarti (a ritual involving the waving of lamps) and sing devotional songs (bhajans).

Prasad: Prepare mixed sweets or other offerings as prasad, and offer them to the deities. Distribute the prasad among the participants and family members after the puja.

Fasting: Observe fasting on the day of Paush Purnima. Use only water and grains like rice, wheat, barley, and lentils, and avoid consuming certain foods. This is done as a part of the vrata.

The Legend of Paush Purnima Vrat:

According to a mythological story, there was a king named Chandrahash who ruled over Kartika Nagari. His queen was named Lakshmipati, a virtuous and beautiful woman. Despite their material wealth, they were unhappy because they had no children. In the same city lived a Brahmin named Dhaneshwar, who went door to door seeking alms but never approached the king's palace.

One day, the Brahmin visited the king's palace for alms, and Queen Lakshmipati personally went to offer him food. However, the Brahmin refused to accept her offerings, stating that the royal household was impure due to the absence of children. This news greatly distressed the king, and he approached the Brahmin, expressing his sorrow. The Brahmin told the king that they were childless because they were impure, and he, too, would become impure if he accepted food from them.

This revelation made the king miserable. To seek a solution, he went to the forest to perform rigorous penance dedicated to Goddess Chandi. Goddess Chandi appeared before him and said, "I am pleased with your devotion. Ask for a boon." The king replied, "O Goddess, please grant me a son who will have a long and prosperous life." Goddess Chandi granted the king's request.

However, there was a condition: Queen Lakshmipati would have to observe the Paush Purnima Vrat, and as a result of her virtuous actions, their son's life would be extended. The king and queen followed the Goddess's instructions, and they were blessed with a son who lived a long and prosperous life. This is why the observance of the Paush Purnima Vrat is believed to bring blessings and remove difficulties, ensuring the well-being of one's children.

Related topics-

• Purnima Upavas