Bhadrapada Purnima 2023: A Day of Charity and Good Deeds 

Have you ever wondered why Full Moons hold such a special place in astrology? This reminds us of one such extraordinary full moon- Bhadrapada Purnima 2023. Before diving deeper into the magic of this full moon and its effects, let us give you a short brief on what is Bhadrapada Purnima. Well, the purnima falls in the month of Bhadrapada as per the Hindu calendar is known as the Bhadrapada Purnima. This year, Bhadrapada Purnima celebrations begin on September 29, 2023, Friday. 

On this auspicious day, people seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu by reciting the story related to Lord Satyanarayana. But here is the catch! Bhado Purnima is not only about worshipping Lord Vishnu but also taking blessings from Uma Maheshwara, aka the combined form of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Why do people worship the combined form of Lord Shiva and Parvati? Let’s not disclose it right here. Join us as we discover the legend, rituals and significance behind this festival. 

• Bhadrapada Poornima Date: September 29, 2023, Friday
• Bhadrapada Poornima Tithi Begins: 18:51 PM (September 28, 2023) 
• Bhadrapada Poornima Tithi Ends: 15:29 PM (September 29, 2023) 

What is Bhadrapada Purnima? 

Bhadarapada Purnima is the day when people seek blessings from Lord Vishnu to ward off negative energies and welcome happiness, peace and prosperity. The word ‘Bhadrapada’ refers to one of the months of the Hindu calendar, and the word ‘Purnima’ means the full moon day. On this auspicious day, people observe the fast for the whole day and recite Satyanarayana Katha. If we put the Bhadrapada Purnima significance in one line, then it is the day of both beginning and end.

One of the religious scriptures of Hindu mythology, the Narada Purana and Matsya Purana, also mentions the significance of this vrat. It mentions that the devotees who perform the customary rituals with full devotion and dedication are blessed with a happy married life as well as with abundance and prosperity. People not only observe the fast for the whole day but also stay awake during the night as part of the custom. 

Importance of Bhadrapada Poornima 

If we see the concept of Badrapada Poornima through the lens of the Tamil Solar calendar, then the month of the Bhadrapada calendar is famous as ‘Purattaasi’. But coming to the Hindi calendar, this same month is called ‘Bhadrapada’. Have you ever wondered what’s one factor that distinguishes or makes them both the same? Well, this is because of the ‘Bhadrapada Nakshatra’ that forms on this auspicious day.

Moreover, Bhadrapada Purnima 2023 marks the beginning of Shraadh and the ending of the Ganesha festival. This day, performing the pooja of Grah Pravesh, seems to be extremely auspicious. Performing ‘Maha Mrityunjay Havan’ is the way to ward off evil eyes or negative energies around you affecting your life. But here is the secret! It is only possible if you perform this havan with utmost sincerity and devotion in your heart. 

Also Read: Nag Panchami 2023: Meaning, Significance And Rituals!

Legends Behind Bhadrapada Poornima 

Well the main characters of this story are Rishi Durvasa, Lord Shiva and Lord Indra. One day, Rishi Durvasa felt the urge to seek blessings from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Finding Lord Shiva and Parvati on Kailash Parvata, Rishi Durvasa felt like all his prayers had been answered. And upon seeing the true devotion of Rishi Durvasa, Lord Shiva gifted him a flower garland. After accepting the token of devotion, Rishi Durvasa departs from Kailash Parvata. But suddenly, the thought of seeking blessings from Lord Vishnu as well popped into his mind. So, he headed to meet Lord Vishnu. Here is when the main story begins and enters another major character of the story.

Along the way to meet Lord Vishnu, Rishi Durvasa crossed paths with Lord Indra. Now, seeing the devotion of Lord Indra towards him, Rishi Durvasa decides to gift the garland to Lord Indra. While accepting the garland, Rishi Durvasa could feel Indra’s pride and arrogance. Being synonymous with anger and a short temper, Rishi Durvasa thought that Lord Indra had disrespected Lord Shiva’s precious gift. 

Without wasting any moment further, Rishi Durvasa cursed Lord Indra that soon he would lose all his kingdom, as Maa Lakshmi would decide to reject him, leaving no wealth behind. Seeing the Durvasa’s anger, Lord Indra asked for forgiveness. So, to lift the curse, Durvasa suggests Indra to observe the Uma Maheshwar Vrat (Lord Shiva and Parvati). Only seeking blessings from him can help him get his lost kingdom and wealth back. And ever since, people have observed this Uma Maheshwar vrat on Bhadra Poornima to seek the blessings of the Almighty.

Rituals Followed During Bhadrapada Poornima 

After getting our hands on the legend behind Bhadrapada Purnima 2023, let us jump to the rituals that followed during this festival. So, even if you are completely unaware of the pooja vidhi, then don’t worry. We will explore all the famous rituals followed on this auspicious day one by one. So, let’s begin! 

1. Morning Bath 

No Hindu festival can be started without the purification of the human body. This is why, on the day of Bhadrapada Poornima, people take a bath early in the morning to begin the actual rituals. After the purification, people observe a fast on this day. The intention behind this vow is to observe the fast with strong belief and devotion. 

2. Worship of Lord Satyanarayana 

Once you are done with the purification step, it is time to seek blessings from Lord Satyanarayan by performing some rituals. Offering fruits and flowers to the deity or idol on this day is one such ritual. Besides fruits and flowers, some people also offer Lord Satyanarayana with red sandalwood paste.  Now, if you perform this ritual with great devotion, then you seek blessings from Lord Vishnu. Since your pooja rituals and great devotion, please him and gift him with all the things you want. 

3. Listening to Satyanarayan Katha 

After the necessary rituals, now it is time to listen to Satyanarayan Katha with full attention and devotion. Besides Lord Satyanarayan, people also listen to the mythological stories related to Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma. So, even if you cannot arrange the katha at your own home, then you should participate in the katha or pooja arranged by other devotees. 

4. Distribution of the Prasad 

Last but not least is the distribution of the prasad of Maha Mrityunjaya Havan or Satyanarayan Katha to the people. The prasadam distributed on this auspicious occasion consists of five ingredients: sugar, milk, curd, ghee and honey. Besides distributing prasadam amongst the other devotees, people also donate clothes and food to the Brahmins. 

Also Read: Dhanteras 2023: Welcome Blessings From Laxmi, Kuber And Yama!

Conclusion: 

Well, that’s a wrap on our journey of Bhadrapada Purnima 2023. We hope that Lord Vishnu showers blessing upon you in the form of good luck, fortune and good health. However, if this made you curious about other Hindu festivals, then why not have a look at InstaAstro? But here is the catch: Besides the festival, you can also gather information about your daily, weekly and monthly horoscopes. So, go and explore what the stars have to offer you in the near future. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

• When is Bhadrapada Poornima 2023? 

As per Hindu mythology, the Bhadrapada Poornima marks the beginning of ‘Pitru Paksha Shraadh’. This year, Bhardrapada Purnima 2023 falls on 29th September, Friday. Moreover, as per the Hindu calendar, the Bhadrapada month is said to be categorised as one of the most auspicious months of the year. 

• Why is Bhadrapada Poornima celebrated? 

On this auspicious day, people observe fast and worship Lord Vishnu or Lord Satyanarayana to seek blessings. Also, it is believed that performing Satyanarayan pooja on this auspicious day is one of the parts of Bhadrapada Purnima celebrations and opens doors to good luck, positive vibes, and fortune in an individual’s life. 

• Is Bhadrapada Poornima good? 

Yes, Bhadrapada Poornima is considered good as per the Hindu festival and rituals. It is believed that a person performing Satyanarayan pooja or Maha Mrityunjaya havan with great devotion and pure intention, then their luck seems to shine with the blessings of Lord Vishnu. 

• How to do Bhadrapada Purnima fast? 

Devotees observe Bhadrapada Purnima fast by not eating anything throughout the day. Usually, in the Bhadrapada Purnima fast, people refrain from consuming food items such as salt or grain. However, they are allowed to have only milk products or fruits during the fast. 

• Where is Bhadra Purnima celebrated? 

The festival of Bhado Purnima holds a special place in Gujarat. There, it is celebrated as Ambaji Bhadra Purnima to honour the Goddess Ambaji. Located near the foothills of the Aravalli Mountain ranges, people celebrate this festival with great zeal and enthusiasm.

• Is Bhadra month inauspicious? 

No, in fact, Bhadrapada month falls in the most auspicious month of the Hindu calendar. If a person performs the rituals of Grih Pravesh on this day, then it is believed that Lord Vishnu will bless him with immense joy, happiness and wealth. 

Also Read: Bahula Chaturthi 2023: Story Behind the Auspicious Cow Worship!

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