Ashada Purnima

Spiritual and Scriptural Significance

Ashadha Purnima is one of the most sacred full moon days in the Hindu calendar. It is observed as:

Guru Purnima – Honoring spiritual teachers and mentors
Vyasa Purnima – Celebrating the birth of Maharishi Ved Vyasa, compiler of the Vedas and author of the Mahabharata
Start of Kokila Vrat – A vrat observed by women for marital bliss and prosperity
Satyanarayan Vrat – Worship of Lord Vishnu in his benevolent form
Gopadam Vrat – A lesser-known fast observed for spiritual merit and blessings

Rituals and Observances

Guru Puja / Vyasa Puja: Offer flowers, sweets, and prayers to one’s Guru or spiritual teacher
Satyanarayan Puja: Performed after moonrise with katha recitation and offerings of fruits, kheer, and tulsi
Charity and Donations: Donating food, clothes, or milk is considered highly auspicious
Holy Bath: Bathing in sacred rivers or with Gangajal is believed to purify sins
Kokila Vrat Begins: Women worship a symbolic clay cuckoo and observe fasting from Ashadha Purnima to Shravan Purnima

Regional and Cultural Observance

Hinduism: Celebrated across India in temples and homes with pujas and fasting
Buddhism: Marks the day when Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath
Jainism: Commemorates Lord Mahavira accepting Gautam Swami as his first disciple
Temples: Special pujas at Vishnu temples, Shirdi Sai Baba temple, and ashrams like Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh