Have you ever heard of Margashirsha Purnima? It is an extraordinary day in the Hindu calendar! Devotees across India celebrate it with joy and devotion. It is the perfect time to seek the blessings of various beloved gods and participate in cultural and spiritual activities. Come, let us learn more about its significance and history.
Margashirsha Purnima 2025: Date & Tithi Timings
Margashirsha Purnima 2025 date: Thursday, 4 December 2025
Tithi Begins: 08:37 AM, 4 December 2025
Tithi Ends: 04:43 AM, 5 December 2025
What is Margashirsha Purnima?
Marghashrisha Purnima falls on the full moon day in the Margashirsha month, the ninth month of the Hindu lunar calendar. On this day, people follow a number of rituals to celebrate this festival. Devotees seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu on this day. They also observe a day-long Margashirsha vrat to express their gratitude and devotion to the gods.
People widely worship the Chaturbhuja avatar of Lord Vishnu. Even lord Krishna has described this month as auspicious as well as sacred. People read the Bhagwat Katha, the Margashirsha purnima vrat katha and the Satyanarayan katha to gain immense benefits from the deities.
Margashirsha Purnima Significance
The Margashirsha month and Margashirsha purnima hold a special significance in the Hindu culture. This is because there are various stories behind celebrating this festival. It signifies lord Vishnu’s Matsya avatar.
This festival also signifies the birth of the god Dattatreya, the great teacher. Dattatreya is the reincarnation of the Holy Trinity in Hinduism. The Trinity, also known as Tridev, are the three most important gods in Hinduism: Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu.
Furthermore, this Purnima signifies Maa Parvati’s avatar of the Goddess Annapurna. She is the Hindu deity of food and grain. Praying to Maa Annapurna ensures you will never lack food and live a content life. It is also the day the goddess Ganga falls on earth.
Margashirsha Purnima 2025: Rituals
People perform various rituals during Margashirsha Purnima. These rituals are an amazing way to connect with our religious roots and seek the blessings of our beloved deities. Performing the following rituals on this auspicious full moon day will surely give you the benefits you seek.
- Devotees wake up and take a bath. Then, they adorn themselves in clean clothes and remember the deities. This is a way to remember our gods and pray to them with a pure mind and body.
- Then, they set up the altar to keep the god’s idol or photo on it. They also prepare for the Hawan by setting up a Hawan Kund. Afterwards, they arrange the Havan samagri.
- Then, devotees begin with the Margashirsha purnima vrat and perform the havan by giving Ahuti.
- Some people also apply the soil of tulsi, and tulsi leaves to their bodies and bathes in a holy water body. It purifies the body as the holy water and tulsi are very auspicious.
- People offer Arghya to the Sun and the Moon as a token of love and respect for both gods.
- Then, devotees read the Margashirsha purnima vrat katha and Satyanarayan Katha. Reading these two, the Kathas bless individuals with immense prosperity and good fortune.
- On this day, people also donate to those in need. Performing acts of charity on this auspicious full moon night blesses the devotees with great benefits.
Margashirsha Purnima Vrat Katha
There are many stories behind the Marghashirsha Vrat. Every region has a different story because of India’s cultural diversity. Though the stories might be slightly different, they have the same message for devotees at the end. These stories tell us the importance of sincerity while praying. Therefore, gods do not require grand gestures. Just a simple act like a fast will be enough to please them.
1. The Story of Devi Annapurna
According to Hindu mythology, the goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva were playing a game of dice. In the game, lord shiva lost everything he placed. Therefore, he went to lord vishnu and asked for a way to claim those things back. To which Vishnu told him about how material things were just an illusion in the world.
This deeply angered Maa Parvati as she is the provider of material comforts. Therefore, she decided to go into hiding. This caused great chaos in the world. Everybody faced a lack of resources and a shortage of food. As Maa Parvati is the embodiment of motherly love, she could not see her children suffering.
Therefore, she took the form of goddess Annapurna and went to the earth to distribute food to whoever needed it. This is why people keep the Marghashirsha vrat so that they always have abundance and nutrition.
2. Satyanarayan Katha
People read the Satyanarayan Katha on various auspicious occasions. It ensures that any act is done smoothly with the blessings of the deities. This story is divided into five parts or Adhyays. Each of which explains the importance and might of lord Vishnu.
According to Hindu Narratives, once upon a time, a Brahmin was in great distress. He did not have enough food to survive. Therefore, lord Shiva came to him and told him to read the Satyanarayan Katha. After reading the Satyanarayan Katha, the Brahmin was blessed with food and other necessities.
3. Satyavati’s Story
According to Hindu Mythology, once there was a king who was married to Queen Satyavati. Satyavati turned into a river because of a curse from the gods. However, she could not hold water. Therefore, she was a dry river that was waterless for many years.
She was a sincere devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hence, she prayed to him with great dedication. This made Lord Vishnu visit her and give her his blessings. He blessed her with his presence as water. This is why people take a dip in the Holy rivers on Marghashirsha Purnima.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Margashirsha Purnima important?
2. What not to do on Margashirsha Purnima 2025?
3. What can we eat during Margashirsha Purnima Vrat?
4. How to break your fast on Margashirsha Purnima?
5. Is Margashirsha month good for marriage?
6. Can we cut hair in Margashirsha month?
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