Bhadrapada Purnima

Bhadrapada is an auspicious month in Hindu calendar. Celebrations are dedicated to Lord Ganesha during this month. However, Bhadrapada Purnima is an exception as the festivities on this day are dedicated to Lord Satyanarayana. The festivities are celebrated with special devotion through the state of Gujarat.

The day is celebrated with dedication throughout the state of Gujarat. Devotees take special measures to offer prayers to Goddess Ambaji. A special fair is held at Ambaji temple and devotees from all corners of Gujarat make it a point to seek the blessings of the Goddess on this day.

Folk dances are performed in the temple of Goddess Ambaji to appease the Goddess and seek her blessings. According to mythology, the temple is located at the place where the heart of Goddess Sati fell after her body was cut by Lord Vishnu.

The temple is unique in the sense that it does not have any idol of Goddess Ambaji, yet her glory continues to attract the devotees from all over the region. Goddess Ambaji is rather represented by a sign of Shri in the temple. This sign is covered by a triangle and is known the world over by the name of Vishwa Yantra.

Lord Satyanarayana, a form of Lord Vishnu is worshiped on Bhadrapada Purnima. Devotees offer fruits, supari, til, pan, to Lord Satyanarayana and take special care to decorate the image of Lord Satyanarayana with Kumkum and roli. Panchamrit is offered to the Lord. Flowers, Rice and paste made from Red Sandalwood is also applied to Lord Satyanarayana on Bhadrapada Purnima.

Devotees observe fast on the occasion of Bhadrapada Purnima. They take mixture of sugar and wheat in the evening before breaking the fast. Stories related to Lord Satyanarayana are recited on this day and devotees listen to the same along with other stories related to Lord Shiva, Brahma and Goddess Laxmi.

Food and clothes are donated by the devotees on this day to Brahmins. Taking bath in any of the holy rivers throughout the country is considered auspicious. Performing Satyanarayana Puja on Bhadrapada Purnima brings fortunes to the devotees. The day is considered auspicious to perform Griha Pravesh ceremony.

In the Tamil Solar calendar, the Bhadrapada month is known as Purattaasi. In astronomical calculations, the month is known as Bhadrapada as northern or eastern Bhadrapad Nakshatra is formed during this month. Bhadrapada Purnima is the best day to perform Maha Mrityunjaya Havan. One gets freedom from every kind of negative vibes in case the havan is performed with utmost religious devotion on Bhadrapada Purnima.

It is considered auspicious to perform Pitru Paksha Sraddha on next day of Bhadrapada Purnima celebrations. Bhadrapada Purnima is a special festival for the devotees of Lord Vishnu. They ensure to make the day special by worshiping Lord Satyanarayana and seek his blessings to make their life better.