Bhadrapada Purnima: Significance, Legends, Rules & Rituals

Significance

Marks the start of Pitru Paksha, a 15-day period dedicated to ancestral worship.
Associated with Lord Vishnu, especially in his Satyanarayan form.
Considered highly auspicious for charity, bathing in holy rivers, and spiritual cleansing.
Worship of Goddess Lakshmi is also prominent, believed to bring prosperity.

Legends

Durvasa’s Curse: Maharishi Durvasa cursed Lord Vishnu for giving away a sacred garland to Garuda instead of wearing it. As a remedy, Vishnu was advised to observe the Uma-Maheshwar Vrat and worship Shiva and Chandra on Purnima.
This act of penance restored Vishnu’s powers and reunited him with Lakshmi, symbolizing the power of humility and devotion.

Rules & Vrat Guidelines

Fasting: Many observe a vrat (fast) consuming only milk, fruits, and water. Grains, pulses, and salt are avoided.
Charity: Donating food, clothes, or money to the needy is considered highly meritorious.
Bathing Ritual: A dip in sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, or Narmada is believed to cleanse sins.
Puja Timing: The Purnima tithi begins on the evening prior and ends by the evening of the Purnima day. For 2025, it falls on September 7.

Rituals

Moon Worship: Devotees also worship Chandra Deva for mental peace and clarity.
Maha Mrityunjaya Havan: Performed to dispel negativity and invoke longevity.
Shraddha Preparations: Families begin preparations for ancestral offerings starting the next day.

Scriptural References

Skanda Purana and Bhavishya Purana mention the importance of observing Satyanarayan Vrat on Purnima days, especially Bhadrapada Purnima, for prosperity and spiritual merit.
The Padma Purana highlights the significance of bathing in sacred rivers on full moon days and performing Pitru Tarpana as a precursor to Pitru Paksha.
The Durvasa-Vishnu legend, where Lord Vishnu performs the Uma-Maheshwara Vrat to nullify Durvasa’s curse, is often cited in oral traditions and regional kathas.