The Purnima Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month is known as Ashwin Purnima. Just as all the Purnima Tithis that occur throughout the year have their own different effect this Purnima too has its own specific effect. Ashwin Purnima is called by many names throughout India. The effect of Ashwini Purnima is in line with the various names it has been given. Purnima Tithi is coloured with different characteristics and it impacts human beings and nature equally.
Do Lakshmi Puja on Ashwin Purnima
Traditionally Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on Ashwin Purnima. According to religious beliefs, Ashwin Purnima day is considered very important. There are many reasons for this. Many festivals are celebrated on this day. Kojagar Vrat is observed on this day. Sharad Purnima also falls on this day. It is believed the rays of the moon shower Amrut on this day. The celebration of nature and the various colors of love can be seen very widely on this full moon day. Lord Shri Krishna performs Ras Leela and Goddess Lakshmi visits the earth on this day.
Therefore, Lakshmi Pujan is also very important on this day. Goddess Mahalakshmi arrives on earth at midnight of Ashwin Purnima. Hence Jagran is done on this day. Lamps are lit. Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped in various ways. Mata Lakshmi blesses devotees with wealth and food on this day. According to the belief, Mother Lakshmi first observes all those who observe Jagran and worship Devi Lakshmi on this day. She then blesses these devotees with wealth for life.
Ashwin Purnima Katha
Several stories related to Ashwini Purnima are found in our mythological scriptures. These stories are read and heard on the full moon day. Those observing a fast on Ashwini Purnima must also listen or read stories related to Ashwin Purnima on this day. One such story is as follows: –
During ancient times a religious money lender used to live in a city. He was very involved in various religious activities. The moneylender had two daughters. Just like the father both the girls too used to perform religious tasks. While the elder sister was very committed to religion, the younger one was not. Most of the time the younger daughter would not complete the task at hand. Similarly, when both of them observed the fast on full moon day, the elder one would do it by following all the rituals and the younger one would observe the fast properly because of her carelessness.
The moneylender got both his daughters married and both went to their in-laws. Both continued to fast there too. But while the elder observed a fast on the full moon day complete with all the rituals, the younger one still used to be careless. After some time both are blessed with a child. While the elder daughter’s child is hale and hearty the younger daughter’s child expires. This happens several times with the younger daughter.
The younger daughter consults several Brahmins to find out the reason behind the death of her children. All the Brahmins tell her that her children are dying as she has never observed the Ashwin Purnima fast properly by following all the rituals. They tell her to observe the Ashwin Purnima fast properly to ensure the longevity of her child.
The girl follows the instructions of the Bhramin and observes the fast of Ashwin Purnima properly by following all the necessary rituals. After some time she again gets blessed with a son. This son too however dies. The girl then covers her son with a cloth and lays him on a seat. She then calls her elder sister. She then asks her elder sister to sit on the same seat. As soon as the elder sister’s dress touches the child the child starts crying.
This annoys the elder sister. She tells the younger sister, “You wanted to blame me for the death of your child by making me sit on him?” To this, the younger sister offers clarification. The younger sister tells the elder sister “No, dear sister. My child was already dead. I called you here so that you can make him alive again. The good Karmas that you have built by observing the Ashwin Purnima Vrat has made my child alive again.” From that day onwards, along with the elder sister, the younger sister too observes the Ashwin Purnima fast properly and completely. Then lead a happy life.
Ashwin Purnima fasting method
- On the day of Ashwin Purnima, you should wake up in the morning, think of your favorite God and then worship Lord Shri Krishna.
- Worship Lord Indra and Goddess Mahalaxmi ji by lighting a lamp of ghee on Purnima.
- Light a lamp in front of Tulsi on Purnima.
- This fast is specially done to attain Lakshmi. Those who perform Jagran on this day, their wealth increases.
- You must resolve to fast on this day if fasting is not possible then at least Puja should be done.
- Purnima Katha and Satyanarayana Puja must be done on the day of Ashwin Purnima.
- Food can be consumed only after offering it to the Moon on the night of Ashwin Purnima.
- All the rituals of distributing Kheer as Prasad in the temple should be followed.
- It is believed that on this day, the rays of the Moon shower Amrit.
- Brahmins should be fed Kheer and offered alms in charity.
- The Kheer PRasad should be eaten by all the family members together.