Purnima 2023: Dates - Timings - Rituals - & Significance

 

Introduction:

Purnima - also known as the Full Moon day - holds immense significance in various cultures & religions. In this article - we will delve into the dates - timings - rituals - & significance of Purnima 2023.

 

History :

Purnima - derived from Sanskrit - means "full moon." It symbolizes the complete illumination of the moon - representing abundance & prosperity.

Purnima holds religious & cultural importance in Hinduism - Buddhism - & Jainism.

The full moon is associated with the lunar calendar - which plays a vital role in determining the dates of Purnima 2023.

Purnima Date and Time Calender of 2023

 

 

Tithi	Start & End Time
Purnima in January 2023 (Paush Purnima)	Jan 06, 2:14 am - Jan 07, 4:37 am
Purnima February 2023 Magha Purnima 2023	Feb 04, 9:30 pm - Feb 05, 11:58 pm
Purnima tithi in March, 2023 (Hutasani Purnima)	Mar 06, 4:17 pm - Mar 07, 6:10 pm
Purnima tithi in April, 2023	Apr 05, 9:19 am - Apr 06, 10:04 am
Purnima tithi in May, 2023 (Buddha Purnima, Vaishakha Purnima)	May 04, 11:44 pm - May 05, 11:04 pm
Purnima tithi in June, 2023 (Deva Snana Purnima, Jyeshta Purnima)	Jun 03, 11:17 am - Jun 04, 9:11 am
Purnima tithi in July, 2023 Guru Purnima 2023	Jul 02, 8:21 pm - Jul 03, 5:08 pm
Purnima tithi in August, 2023	Aug 01, 3:52 am - Aug 02, 12:01 am
Purnima tithi in August, 2023 (Narali Purnima, Jandhyala Purnima, Sravana Purnima)	Aug 30, 10:58 am - Aug 31, 7:05 am
Purnima tithi in September, 2023 (Bhadrapada Purnima)	Sep 28, 6:49 pm - Sep 29, 3:27 pm
Purnima tithi in October, 2023 Sharad Purnima 2023	Oct 28, 4:17 am - Oct 29, 1:54 am
Purnima tithi in November, 2023 (Kartik Purnima)	Nov 26, 3:53 pm - Nov 27, 2:46 pm
Purnima tithi in December, 2023 (Margashirsha Purnima)	Dec 26, 5:47 am - Dec 27, 6:03 am

Benefits/Advantages of Purnima:

• Purnima is believed to be a highly auspicious day for spiritual practices & rituals.

• It provides an opportunity for self-reflection - personal growth - & inner peace.

• The positive energy during Purnima is believed to enhance meditation & prayers.

• Many people observe fasts & perform acts of charity to seek blessings & attain spiritual progress.

 

Negative Sides of Purnima:

While Purnima is generally considered a beneficial & auspicious time - it is essential to approach it with mindfulness & respect for its significance.

Some people may experience heightened emotional sensitivity during the full moon - which can lead to restlessness or sleep disturbances.

It is crucial to maintain a balanced approach & avoid excessive indulgence or negative  emotions during this time.

 

Mantras & Pooja Associated with Purnima:

• Chanting specific mantras during Purnima can amplify its positive vibrations. Mantras like the Gayatri Mantra - Mahamrityunjaya Mantra - & Om Namah Shivaya are commonly recited.

• Performing a Purnima Puja - which involves offering prayers - lighting incense - & making offerings to deities - is considered auspicious.

• Engaging in collective prayers or visiting temples during Purnima can enhance the spiritual experience.

 

 

What to Do's for Purnima:

• Take a holy bath in sacred rivers - lakes - or any natural water body during Purnima.

• Engage in acts of charity - such as feeding the poor or donating to worthy causes.

• Practice meditation & yoga to connect with your inner self & promote mental clarity.

• Spend time in nature - appreciating the beauty & serenity around you.

• Seek blessings from elders & offer gratitude for the abundance in your life.

 

Purnima Fasting in Indian Culture: Procedure - Importance - & Benefits

 

Significance of Purnima Fasting:

• Fasting on Poornima 2023 - the Full Moon day - is considered highly auspicious in Indian culture.

• Purnima fasting is believed to cleanse the mind - body - & soul & bring spiritual benefits.

• It is an act of devotion & self-discipline - promoting self-control & strengthening one's connection with the divine.

 

 Choosing the Fasting Method:

• There are different ways to observe Purnima fasting - & individuals can choose a method that suits their preferences & health conditions.

• Some people observe a complete water or fruit juice fast - abstaining from solid food throughout the day.

• Others may choose a partial fast - consuming only specific foods like fruits - milk - or light vegetarian meals.

 

Preparing for Purnima Fasting:

• It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any fasting practice - especially if you have any medical conditions or dietary restrictions.

• Plan your meals in advance - ensuring that you have a balanced diet & sufficient energy intake leading up to the fasting day.

• Hydrate well & consume a nourishing meal before beginning the fast to maintain adequate energy levels.

 

Fasting Rituals & Procedure:

• Wake up early on the day of Purnima & take a bath to purify the body & mind.

• Dress in clean & comfortable clothes - preferably in white or light-colored attire.

• Choose a peaceful & serene spot for prayers & meditation.

• Light incense & offer prayers to deities associated with Purnima - such as Lord Shiva or Goddess Lakshmi.

• Maintain a calm & focused mindset throughout the day - engaging in spiritual practices like chanting mantras or reading sacred texts.

 

Breaking the Fast:

• The fast is traditionally broken after moonrise - usually with the first glimpse of the moon.

• Offer prayers & express gratitude for the successful completion of the fast.

• Consume a light & sattvic (pure) meal - consisting of fruits - nuts - milk - or other foods that are easily digestible.

• Avoid indulging in heavy or greasy foods immediately after breaking the fast to prevent digestive discomfort.

 

Importance & Benefits of Purnima Fasting:

• Purnima fasting is believed to purify the mind - body - & soul - facilitating spiritual growth & inner peace.

• It is considered an act of surrender & devotion - allowing individuals to connect with the divine energies & seek blessings.

• Fasting on Purnima helps cultivate self-discipline - willpower - & restraint - leading to personal growth & character development.

• The heightened spiritual energy of Purnima enhances the effectiveness of prayers - meditation - & other spiritual practices performed during the fast.

• Fasting is also believed to detoxify the body - improve digestion - & promote overall well-being.

 

पूर्णिमा व्रत पूजन विधि- 

1. हमारे धर्म शास्त्रों में बताया गया है कि पूर्णिमा तिथि को किसी पवित्र नदी में स्नान करना शुभ होता है. 

2. अगर आप किसी नदी में स्नान नहीं कर सकते हैं तो अपने नहाने के पानी में थोड़ा सा गंगाजल मिलाकर घर पर भी स्नान कर सकते हैं. 

3. पूर्णिमा तिथि पर पित्र तर्पण करना भी बहुत शुभ माना जाता है. 

4. पूर्णिमा के दिन प्रातः काल स्नान करने के पश्चात संकल्प लेकर पूरे विधि विधान से चंद्र देव की पूजा अर्चना करें.  

5. चंद्रमा की पूजा करते समय नीचे दिए गए मंत्र का जाप करें:

ओम सोम सोमाय नमः 

6. भगवान शिव को चंद्रमा अत्यंत प्रिय है. चंद्रमा, भगवान् शिव की जटाओं में विराजमान रहता है. इसीलिए पूर्णिमा के दिन चंद्रमा की पूजा के साथ-साथ भगवान शिव की पूजा करने से मनचाहे फलों की प्राप्ति होती है. 

7. चंद्रमा एक स्त्री प्रधान ग्रह है. इसलिए इसे मां पार्वती का प्रतीक भी माना जाता है.

8. अगर आप पूर्णिमा तिथि के दिन भगवान शिव के साथ-साथ मां पार्वती और संपूर्ण शिव परिवार की पूजा करते हैं तो इससे आपको सभी मनोकामनाएं पूरी हो जाएंगी.

 

 

What not to Do for Purnima:

• Avoid indulging in negative thoughts - emotions - or actions during Purnima.

• Refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food or alcohol during this sacred time.

• It is advisable to avoid starting new ventures or signing important contracts during Purnima - as it is believed to be a period of culmination rather than beginnings.

 

FAQ 

Q: What are the best rituals to perform during Purnima?

A: Some recommended rituals include fasting - meditating - chanting mantras - & offering prayers to deities.

Q: Can I celebrate Purnima at home?

A: Yes - you can celebrate Purnima at home by following the rituals - performing puja - & observing fasts.

Q: Are there any specific colors associated with Purnima?