Phalguni Purnima falls on the full moon day in the month of Phalguni, which typically falls between February and March. It is a significant day in the Hindu calendar as many Devotees observe fast and perform certain religious rituals for good luck and fortune.
There are various other festivals which are also celebrated in the month of Phalguna such as Holi, Vasant Panchami, etc.
Devotees usually keep a fast on this particular day and worship Moon God and Lord Vishnu.
Phalgun Purnima is also associated with other important events in Hindu mythology, such as Holika Dahan, which is believed to have taken place on this day.
So, let’s get to know more about the Date, Rituals and Significance of Phalgun Purnima 2023.
Phalgun Purnima 2023: Date, Muhurat and Timings
This year, Phalgun Purnima will be observed on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
- Purnima Tithi Starts: 04:17 p.m on March 06, 2023
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 06:09 p.m on March 07, 2023
Find Out Date and Muhurat of Chaitra Purnima 2023
Significance of Phalgun Purnima
According to the Hindu calendar, Phalgun Purnima is regarded as the last Purnima of the Hindu Calendar. It usually falls in February or March of the Gregorian calendar. Also, the festival of Holi or Holika Dahan falls on this day.
Moreover, on this particular day, at numerous places, people also celebrate Lakshmi Jayanti, which is the birth anniversary of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of abundance and wealth. According to Hindu scriptures, people who observe Phalguna Purnima vrat and worship Lord Vishnu and God Moon on this day are bestowed with the divine blessings of the Lord and also their present and past sins are resolved.
Here are some of the key beliefs and practices associated with Phalgun Purnima
Celebration of the Arrival of Spring
Phalgun Purnima marks the arrival of spring, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. The festival is a time for people to come together, play with colours and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Victory of Good Over Evil
The festival is also associated with the legend of Holika and Prahlad. According to the legend, Prahlad was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, while his father Hiranyakashipu was a demon who wanted to kill Prahlad for his devotion. Hiranyakashipu’s sister, Holika, was given a boon that she could not be harmed by fire. She attempted to kill Prahlad by sitting on a pyre with him, but Lord Vishnu protected Prahlad and Holika was burned to death. The festival is a celebration of the victory of good over evil.
Social Harmony
Phalgun Purnima is also a time when people forget their differences and come together to celebrate. The festival is a time for forgiveness, renewal of relationships, and spreading love and happiness.
Agricultural Significance
The festival also has agricultural significance, as it marks the end of the winter crop season and the beginning of the spring crop season.
Overall, Phalgun Purnima is a festival that celebrates the beauty of nature, the victory of good over evil, and the importance of social harmony and relationships.
Also Read: Holi 2023 – Date, Muhurat and Significance
Phalgun Purnima 2023 Vrat Puja Vidhi
Phalgun Purnima holds greater significance for performing Satyanarayan puja to please Lord Satyanarayan and Maa Lakshmi to attract fortune and success. So, let’s find the religious rituals to be performed on Chaitra Purnima.
- On the day of Phalguna Purnima, wake up early morning and take a holy bath in the sacred rivers or water reservoirs as it is regarded as highly auspicious and fortunate to do so.
- After taking a holy bath, you must perform Lord Vishnu puja either in the temple or at the workshop or at home.
- Recite the Satyanarayan Katha after performing the ritual of Vishnu puja.
- Then visit any nearby temple of Lord Vishnu and worship and offer prayers to the deity.
- Also, chanting the Gayatri mantra and ‘Om Namo Narayana’ mantra 1008 times in a row is termed as highly auspicious.
- Make as many donations as possible on the eve of Phalgun Purnima.
- Donate food, clothes, and money to the needy.
Also Read: Find out how to perform Purnima Puja
Mythological Legends Behind Phalgun Purnima
There are several mythological legends associated with this festival. So, let’s find out in detail.
Legend of Holika and Prahlad
According to Hindu mythology, there was a demon king named Hiranyakashipu who was granted a boon that he could not be killed by any human or animal, neither indoors nor outdoors, neither during the day nor at night, neither on land nor in the air nor in water. However, his son Prahlad was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu and refused to worship his father as a god. Hiranyakashipu tried to kill Prahlad several times, but Lord Vishnu always saved him. Finally, Hiranyakashipu’s sister Holika, who was immune to fire, tricked Prahlad into sitting on her lap on a burning pyre. However, Lord Vishnu saved Prahlad, and Holika was burned to death. This event is celebrated on the night before Phalgun Purnima as Holika Dahan.
Legend of Mata Lakshmi
According to mythology, when the churning of the ocean took place between the gods and the demons, fourteen gems came out one by one from the churning of the ocean. Mother Lakshmi was one of these fourteen gems. Mata Lakshmi had a Kalash in one hand and the other hand was in a groom pose. After being born from the churning of the ocean, Goddess Lakshmi chose Lord Shri Hari Vishnu as her husband. According to beliefs, Goddess Lakshmi was born during the churning of the ocean on the full moon day of Phalgun month. For this reason, every Falgun Purnima day is celebrated as Lakshmi Jayanti, the birthday of Goddess Lakshmi.
Legend of Radha and Krishna
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was fond of playing pranks and throwing colours on the gopis (cowherd girls) of Vrindavan. One of these gopis was Radha Rani, who is considered to be Lord Krishna’s beloved. The festival of Holi is celebrated to commemorate the playful and romantic relationship between Radha and Lord Krishna.
Legend of Kamadeva
According to Hindu mythology, Kamadeva, the god of love, was once burned to ashes by Lord Shiva’s third eye when he was trying to awaken the Lord from his meditation. However, Kamadeva’s wife Rati pleaded with Lord Shiva to bring him back to life. Lord Shiva granted her wish and brought Kamadeva back to life on the day of Phalgun Purnima. Therefore, this day is considered to be auspicious for love and relationships.
Overall, Phalgun Purnima is a festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil, the power of love, and the onset of spring.
Benefits of Observing Phalgun Purnima Vrat
Many people observe a fast or vrat on this day, which is believed to have several benefits for physical, mental and spiritual health. Some of the benefits of Phalgun Purnima vrat are as follows:
- Cleansing of the body: Fasting is believed to help in the detoxification and cleansing of the body. It gives the digestive system a break and allows the body to eliminate toxins.
- Boosting immunity: Fasting is known to boost the immune system by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
- Improving mental health: Fasting is believed to have a positive impact on mental health by reducing stress and anxiety levels. It also promotes mindfulness and self-discipline.
- Spiritual purification: Fasting is considered to be a form of spiritual purification. It is believed to help in the purification of the mind, body, and soul, and to promote spiritual growth.
- Karmic cleansing: Fasting on Phalgun Purnima is believed to help in the purification of past karmas and to bring good luck and prosperity.
- Promoting discipline and self-control: Fasting requires discipline and self-control, which can help in developing these qualities in individuals.
Overall, observing a vrat on Phalgun Purnima is believed to have several benefits for physical, mental and spiritual health. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before undertaking any form of fasting.
Learn about the Religious Benefits of Fasting on Purnima
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