New Delhi: Paush Purnima is a significant day in the Hindu calendar. It signals the start of a one-month period of austerity that is observed during the Magha month. According to the lunar calendar used in North India, the Magha month begins on the day after Paush Purnima.
People take early-morning baths in the Ganga or the Yamuna throughout the entire month of Magha Mahina. The North's challenging winter season makes the austerity period even more difficult. It is thought that all charitable endeavours carried out at this time are easily rewarded. As a result, people donate to the poor in line with their means. On the day of Paush Purnima, taking a holy dip at Varanasi's Dashashwamedh Ghat and Prayag's Triveni Sangam is seen as extremely fortunate and significant. It is also believed that taking the holy bath frees the soul from the never-ending cycle of birth and death.
Paush Purnima: Date And Timings
Date: January 6, 2023 (Friday)
Purnima Tithi Begins - 02:14 AM on Jan 06, 2023
Purnima Tithi Ends - 04:37 AM on Jan 07, 2023
Paush Purnima 2023: Puja Vidhi
People should take an early morning bath at 4 AM and perform a Jalabishek of Lord Shiva on Paush Purnima, as doing so brings about tremendous blessings. Along with Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna should also be worshipped. Moksha is attained by reciting the Krishan Chalisa, doing an aarti, and then feeding a cow. On this day, a custom of fasting is also there.
Paush Purnima 2023: Significance Of Bath
One must rise early on the day of Paush Purnima, before daybreak, and make a vow. The most sacred activity, though, is bathing in a river or a kund. Locals are expected to honour Lord Varun Dev by bowing down in the namaskar mudra before having a bath. One should worship Lord Krishna on Paush Purnima, and it is believed that one who did so ultimately attained salvation. People also get up early and do a special form of worship for the deity. The deity should be offered milk and different fruits and it is believed that doing so, fulfils all wishes.
After bathing, one should chant sacred mantras of Lord Surya and offerArghya. Following this, the person should do penance with mantras on the day of Paush Purnima. Offering food to needy people or a Brahmin, donating alms is believed to wash off the biggest sins. Sesame seeds, jaggery, blankets and clothes can also be donated.