Vaishakh Purnima 2024

Charity and Puja should be done on of Vaishakh Purnima

The festival of Vaishakh Purnima is a festival full of lights. Because of the full moon, all directions are illuminated. At this time "ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय। तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय। मृत्योर्मामृतं गमय ॥", these lines should be recited. At this time, darkness is completely eliminated and moonlight flows in nature and life. The full moon is a very influential period from both a spiritual and scientific perspective.

Scientists associate this time with the changes in the nature and the attraction power of the moon. From an astrology and religious angle, this period depicts changes in the relationship between the Moon, nature and man.

Worship the moon on Vaishakh Purnima

The importance of worshipping the moon on Vaishakh Purnima is described in ancient scriptures. It is believed on this day the moon is at its best in terms of its capabilities. As a result, it brightens the environment on earth. Nature appears very beautiful in the bright moonlight. Moon is a water element. So the Moon naturally influences everything that has water. As all the living things, vegetation etc. on the earth have a water composition, the moon has an effect on all of them. The tides of the ocean flow and ebb as per Moon's influence. During Purnima, the strength of the Moon leads to high tide in the ocean. Similarly, when it comes to the human body, a good part of the human body’s composition is water. So on Purnima, the Moon influences both our body and our minds. This is such a powerful statement, it does not warrant further discussion.

This period is ideal for mediation. Meditation helps us absorb and conserve the energy we receive from the Moon. This brings in very auspicious results for us. We should worship the Moon on Purnima, so that we connect ourselves with its energy.

When worshipping the Moon on Purnima, Aarghya should be offered to the Moon at night. Lamps should be lit and the following Shloka should be recited in front of the Moon “ ऊँ अमृतंग अन्गाये विधमहे कलारुपाय धीमहि, तन्नो सोम प्रचोदयात ।” Moon has always been associated with the mind. When a person chants Mantras either standing or sitting in front of the Moon, it helps the overall functioning of the body. It also eliminates the fear of premature death and poverty.

Other festivals in Vaishakh Purnima

Lord Buddha was born on Vaishakh Purnima

Lord Buddha was born on Vaishakh Purnima. This day has special importance and is celebrated across the globe as Lord Buddha’s birthday. Lord Buddha is also considered as one of the most important incarnations of Lord Vishnu. This day is hence celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm in India.

Chinnamastika Jayanti on Vaishakh Purnima

Goddess Chinnamastika is also worshiped on this day. The birth anniversary of this form of Shakti is celebrated on this day. By worshiping Mata Chinnamastika, the devotee gets freedom from all his/her troubles. The day of Chinnamastika Jayanti is considered to be a very good day for Sadhana and the attainment of Siddhi. On this occasion, special Poojas are performed on Shakti Pithas. Thus, the day of Vaishakh Purnima turns out to be very auspicious.

The smooth functioning of nature is possible only on account of the power of planets, blessings of God and his strength. On this day all of these three come together and form a Triveni Sangam making the day a very auspicious occasion. Anyone who carries out Jap Tap as per his/her capability on this day will influence the self and the environment profoundly.

Importance of Vaishakh Purnima

Old scriptures and mythological books are full of several stories and secrets related to Purnima. This Tithi is supposed to bring in very auspicious and pure results to the native. All the religious activities that take place throughout the month finally end on this day. This full Moon marks the conclusion of all festivals, Snans and fasts done in this month.

As per mythological texts, if one is unable to observe all the rituals throughout the Vaishakh month, then the person can still gain Punya equivalent to donation of a thousand cows by performing Puja and charity work on the day of Vaishakh Purnima.

The Vaishakh Snan and special religious rituals which go on for the entire month end on this full moon day. The importance of charity and rituals multiplies on this day. Puja Archana and Yagya-Havan are done on a very large scale at each and every religious place. This marks the end of Vaishakh month.

Skand Puran, Bhavishya Puran etc mention this Purnima Tithi. Bathing in The Ganga on this day holds a lot of importance. Besides the Purans also mention the importance of bathing in other holy places such as Prayag Raj, Triveni etc. After the Snan at the banks of rivers is over Arghya is offered to the Sun and then a lamp is lit. Charity in this month is considered very important. Prasad is distributed under the name of Dharmaraj. Doing so leads one to attain Punya equivalent to that of donation of a cow.

It is believed that donating an urn filled with jaggery and sesame seeds destroys the sins of a person from previous lives. One becomes free of bad deeds which were done unknowingly.

On the occasion of Vaishakha Purnima, a square lamp of ghee should be lit in front of the idol of Shri Vishnu. Apart from this, placing a vessel filled with cow's ghee, coconut, sesame in Puja eliminates all the troubles in one’s life and ensures fulfillment of wishes. On this day, a lamp of sesame oil should also be lit in front of the basil plant.