Jyeshtha Purnima

Full moon days in Hindu calendar are known as Purnima in North Indian states, Pournami in South Indian states and Poonam in Gujarat. All Purnima days in Hindu calendar are significant as Purnima days either coincides with important festivals or Jayanti days in the calendar.

Apart from festivals and Jayanti days, many families traditionally observe a day long fast on Purnimasi days in the year. Full moon days are also very significant to perform Satya Narayana Puja.

As per the Indian national calendar, the third month of the year is called as Jyeshtha. This month typically comes in the month of scorching summer, i.e. May and June. As per Vedic astrology, when the Sun enters in Taurus in the 2nd month of the year, it marks the beginning of the Jyeshtha Month.

As per old Hindu tradition, Jyeshtha refers to the senior most or the first and the foremost or the most ancient. As per “Vishnu Sahastra Naam Stotram,” Lord Vishnu has been referred to as Jyeshtha Shreshtha Prajapita as per the Sloka Number 8. He is referred to as Supreme Brahma as per the ancient scriptures.

The history of Jyeshtha Purnima is associated with “Savitri.” She is given a lot of importance by the Hindu devotees and is the symbol of purity and divine married life.. As per ancient mythology, Savitri pleaded with Lord Yama to give back life to her husband Satyavan. She pleaded with Yamraj for almost three days and ultimately Lord Yama gave in to her demand and brought Satyavan back to life. The principal deities in this Puja are Brahma & Savithri along with other including Yama, Narad, and Satyavan

Jyeshtha Maas is that holy month when the sacred river, Ganges came to the Earth due to the tenacious efforts of King Bhagirath.

Jyestha Purnima is an important festival which is celebrated by married Hindu women in India on the full moon day in the Jyeshtha month. The other names of Jyeshtha Purnima are Dev Snan Purnima, Pournami & Vat Purnima. On this day, women observe a vrat for their husbands’ long life and happiness of their home. There are various rituals that are performed on this day:

- The first ritual is to get up early before sunrise and take a dip in the Holy river like the Ganges and offer prayers.
- The next step is to perform puja of the banyan tree and start the Vrat. Banyan tree is considered to be very auspicious as per traditional Indian mythology. Banyan Tree is the symbol of three Indian Gods namely Bramha, Vishnu & Mahesh. The devotees should also offer prayers to Savitri. Proper care should be taken while performing the Puja because even a minor mistake can jeopardize its good effects and can have adverse effects.
- Savitri Satyavan Vrat Katha should be recited, and the vrat should be opened only when the Purnima ends.
- The women should wear their bridal dress along with jewelry and with vermillion on the forehead. Banyan tree should be decorated with the sandalwood & Turmeric paste and prayers should be offered for three consecutive days. The women devotees should also eat Banyan tree roots during the Jyeshtha Purnima Vrat and take seven rounds of it while chanting the prayers.
- Finally, the fast should be ended by consuming the prasad that may include a fruits like Jackfruit, Mango, Banana, and pulses.

As per traditional Indian Mythology, it is widely believed that keeping a fast on Jyestha Purnima blesses the married women with a long life of their husbands and a blissful married life. Another significance of this festival is that the married women who take a dip in the holy Ganges, get all the blessings and all their desires (Professional & Personal) are fulfilled. Performing this Puja is a boon for physical well being and mental peace. This Puja is believed to bring prosperity, happiness, and success for the women and her family members.