Margashirsha Purnima 2024: Significance, Rituals and Vrat Katha

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.

Along with its auspicious nature, this festival has some very interesting stories behind it. Let’s explore Margashirsha Purnima 2024 and the wonderful rituals and festivals that take place on this full moon day!

Margashirsha Purnima 2024 date: 14 December 2024
Tithi Begins: 4:58 PM on 14 December 2024
Tithi Ends: 2:31 PM on 15 December 2024

What is Margashirsha Purnima?

Marghashrisha Purnima falls on the full moon day in the Margashirsha month. It is the 9th month of the Hindu lunar calendar. It is a highly auspicious month. Therefore, many people consider conducting religious acts like marriages and pujas during this month extremely good.

On this day, people follow a number of rituals to celebrate this festival. It is a time to gather up and celebrate. 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. Hindus across India celebrate the Margashirsha Purnima in their own ways.

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. The Matsya, or the fish avatar, is the first avatar of lord vishnu according to hindu texts. He saved the world from the wrath of a destructive flood in the form of a fish.

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 is also known as Tridev, and they are the three most important gods in the Hindu religion. These gods are Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. Therefore, Dattatreya was born on Margashirsha Purnima, having the qualities of all three gods.

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 that you will never lack food and will live a content life. It is also the day of the goddess Ganga to fall on earth. Therefore, many devotees take a bath in holy rivers on this day to wash away their sins.

Margashirsha Purnima Rituals

There are various rituals that people perform during Margashirsha Purnima. These rituals are an amazing way to connect with our religious roots as well as seek the blessings of our beloved deities. Performing the following rituals on this auspicious full moon day will surely give you the benefits that 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 make preparations 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.
Additionally, some people also apply the soil of tulsi and tulsi leaves to their bodies and take a bath 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, Kathas blesses individuals with immense prosperity as well as good fortune.
People also donate to those in need on this day. 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 would have a different story because of the culturally diverse nature of India. 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?

Margashirsha Purnima is important for various reasons. This is because people worship and seek the blessings of many Hindu gods on this auspicious day. These include Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Goddess Ganga, Lord Krishna and many more.

2. What not to do on Margashirsha Purnima 2024?

On this full moon day, you should avoid eating non-vegetarian food. You should also avoid consuming alcohol and doing immoral acts like talking behind people’s backs. Try not to indulge in fights as they invite negativity to your environment.

3. What can we eat during Margashirsha Purnima Vrat?

You can keep the fast which suits you the best. Some people do not consume any food or water during this day. Whereas some people consume milk and fruits during the Margashirsha Purnima Vrat.

4. How to break your fast on Margashirsha Purnima?

After the day-long fast, you should give arghya to the moon. Afterwards, you should consume the prasad you offered to the dieties while performing Puja and break your fast.

5. Is Margashirsha month good for marriage?

Many believe that young women who take a dip in holy rivers during this month get the husband they desire. This month is very good for marriages and other auspicious deeds.

6. Can we cut hair in Margashirsha month?

You can cut your hair during Margashirsha month. However, remember to not cut your hair and nails on days of worship like Margashirsha Purnima or Margashirsha Amavasya.

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