Significance
Purnima Vrat is observed on every full moon day. Devotees fast and worship the Moon (Chandra) or the deity associated with that Purnima (e.g. Guru Purnima, Sharad Purnima).
Mythology & Legend
According to tradition, the full moon is a symbol of completeness and purity. Fasting on Purnima is said to purify the mind and body. Different Purnimas are associated with different deities and legends.
Rituals & Observances
- Observe a full-day or partial fast; bathe at sunrise.
- Offer white flowers, milk, and white cloth to the Moon at moonrise.
- Chant Chandra mantras; offer arghya (water) to the Moon.
- Break the fast after moonrise and puja.
Sacred Mantras
ॐ चन्द्रमसे नमः
oṃ candramase namaḥ
Salutations to Chandra
Traditional Foods
- ●Fruits
- ●Milk
- ●Sattvic meal after moonrise
Regional Variations
Pan-India(पूर्णिमा व्रत)
Monthly full moon vrat
North India(पूर्णिमा व्रत)
Chandra darshan, arghya
Do's & Don'ts
Do's
- ✓Fast and worship the Moon
- ✓Offer white items
- ✓Chant mantras
- ✓Break after moonrise
Don'ts
- ✗Do not eat before moonrise if observing full fast
- ✗Avoid tamasic food
- ✗Do not disrespect the Moon