Purnima In 2017: The Full Moon of Divinity

The term 'Purnima' is the combination of sanskrit and nepali language for the representation of full moon. This is the only day when there is an occurrence of full moon and it also shows the division of two lunar fortnights. In Hinduism, this occasion has great importance. Devotees seek fast on these days every month. It is believed that observing vows in these days is meant to be fruitful. To know more about this day, read on...

Fasting On Purnima

Fasting on Purnima is considered to be a very holy act. The level of fasting varies from person to person. Fasting duration lasts from sunrise to sighting of the Moon. While some may go to extremes and restrain from even water consumption, most settle with milk and fruits. Other food items such as nuts and Sabudana (Sago) can also be consumed. The items that should not be consumed on this day are rice, grains, pulses, and cereals. The main deity worshiped on this day is Lord Vishnu (and his avatars). Performing Satyanarayan Puja is a very commonly followed practice in South Indian states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. After the day's Puja, the fast comes to an end by seeing the Moon and having the Prasad (holy food).

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Scientific Reasoning Behind Fasting

Fasting or to have a light meal of fruits and milk on Purnima will have positive effects on the body. Studies show that it helps in steadying the metabolism of our body, in controlling the acidic content in the body, increasing the endurance and cleanses the digestive system. Fasting is like giving our body and mind a chance to relax. Further, praying helps in soothing our thought process and helps in making it clearer and prominent. With this and a lot more to know, let's move onto the dates of all the Purnima days occurring in 2017.

Purnima 2017 Dates Table

Significance Of Each Purnima In 2017

Paush Purnima in 2017 : Paush Purnima is celebrated during the Magha month of Hindu Calendar. The specialty of this day is to take a dip in any holy water body. Some parts of India celebrate Paush Purnima as Shakambari Purnima.

Magha Purnima in 2017 : This Purnima occurs in the month of Magha. The speciality of Magha Purnima day is the coinciding of Moon with Magha Nakshatra (Magha constellation). The deities worshiped on this day are God Brihaspati and Goddess Parvati.

Phalgun Purnima in 2017 : This Purnima occurs in the month of Phalguna. The main deities worshiped on this day are Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi . This day is also believed to be the appearance day of Goddess Lakshmi.

Chaitra Purnima in 2017 : Chaitra Purnima occurs in the month of Chaitra. Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on this day. In some parts of India, people worship God Chitra Gupta. As per legends, Chitra gupta was a scribe to Lord Yama. He was in charge of maintaining the life record of all humans, their sins and good deeds. Taking a dip in any holy river on this day is considered very auspicious.

Vaishakh Purnima in 2017 : Vaishakh Purnima occurs in the month of Vaishakha or Visaka. This day is also celebrated as Buddha Purnima which marks the day Buddha attained enlightenment.

Jyestha Purnima in 2017 : Jyestha Purnima occurs in the month of Jyaistha. This Purnima is celebrated at a grand scale in the Puri Jagannath Temple of Orissa. Jyestha Purnima is also known as Snan Purnima or Jagannath Purnima.

Ashadha Purnima in 2017 : Ashadha Purnima occurs in the month of Ashada. This Purnima is more popular by the name Guru Purnima . This day is dedicated as a thanksgiving day to our living Gods, our teachers.

Shravan Purnima in 2017 : Shravan Purnima occurs in the month of Shravan. This Purnima has a lot of importance in the Hindu communities. Shravan month is considered as one of the holiest months of the Hindu calendar. Shravan Purnima is also known as Narali Purnima , Hayagriva Jayanthi and so on.

Bhadrapada Purnima in 2017 : Bhadrapada Purnima occurs in the month of Bhadra which is known as Purattasi in Tamil Calendar. The highlight of this day is the formation of Yoga (conjunction) with Bhadrapada Nakshatra, which is considered highly auspicious. The deity worshiped on this day is Lord Satyanarayana.

Ashwin Purnima in 2017 : Ashwin Purnima occurs in the month of Ashwin. This Purnima is also popular by other names such as Kojagiri Purnima or Kaumudi (meaning moonlight). The deity worshiped on this day is Goddess Lakshmi.

Kartik Purnima in 2017 : Kartik Purnima occurs in the month of Karthika. This Purnima is also popular by other names such as Deva Deepavali or Tripuri Purnima. As per scriptures, this day marks the defeat of demon Tripura by the Almighty Lord Kartikeya is the main deity worshiped on this day, along with Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

Margashirsha Purnima in 2017 : This Purnima occurs in the month of Margashirsha. As per beliefs, working selflessly for others' welfare on this day, earns blessings that are 32 times more than any other day. As such, this Purnima is also called as Battesi Purnima. The Deity worshiped on this day is Lord Krishna.

Performing Mrityunjaya Havan

Another important activity which many follow on Purnima or full Moon day is to perform the Maha Mrityunjaya Havan. The Puja starts with building of 'Havan Kund' (fire pit) by placing the firewood with little Ghee (purified butter) smeared on them. The firewood is then lit along with the chanting of Mantras . The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is chanted to invoke Lord Vishnu and other deities.

Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra :
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe |
Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam ||
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan |
Mrityor Moksheeya Maamritat ||
The Puja (worship) comes to an end with the chanting of the word 'Om Swaha' 108 times.

The power of Purnima is far beyond words reach. Make use of our Purnima Dates for 2017 and stay blessed!