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Purnima Vrat – Fasting on Full Moon in Hinduism - How to Perform or Observe Purnima Vrat?

Purnima or Poonam is an auspicious day in Hinduism. Poornima is the full moon day and many important rituals and festivals takes place on full moon day. In South India, the day is known as Pournami. Upvaas (Fasting) is observed on this day by some people. Here is a brief idea on how to perform purnima vrat. It must be noted here that the vrat is not performed by certain communities. The procedure and fasting methods vary from region to region.

The Purnima Fasting begins at Sunrise and ends after sighting the Moon. Most people only take food after seeing the moon or after evening prayers.

In some places in South India, the Pournami Vratam is dedicated to Devi, Mother Goddess.

Special pujas are performed in temples on Poornima day including the Pournami Pooja.

Satyanarayana or Satya Narayana Puja is another important Pooja performed on the Purnima day.

To Which God is Purnima Vrat Dedicated?

Purnima Vrat is dedicated to Mother Goddess in many regions. Offering prayers on full moon day to Mother Goddess is highly meritorious and helps in attaining prosperity. Poverty will be alleviated by observing the vrat.

In some regions the day is dedicated to worship of Lord Vishnu.

In some months the day is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.

Purnima Vrat Food 

A single meal is taken on the day
Fruits are eaten on the day
Milk, fruit juice and water
Salt is avoided on the day.

Benefits of Purnima Fasting

  • Peace and prosperity
  • Poverty will be removed.
  • Those suffering from bad position of Chandra Navgraha in horoscope will get relief.
  • Good for students and those taking part in interviews and job related exams.
  • For long, prosperous and peaceful married life.

Mantra to be Chanted

Lalitha Sahasranamam
Simple prayer dedicated to Vishnu
Any Mother Goddess Prayer you know.

How to Observe Purnima Vrat?

  • Wake up early in the morning.
  • Take bath.
  • Visit a Goddess Temple
  • Offer prayers
  • Chant any prayer of Mother Goddess.
  • Take a single meal in the afternoon.
  • Avoid food at night.
  • Eat more fruits.
  • Drink lots of water.
  • White color flowers should be used during the evening puja to Mother Goddess.
  • Chant prayers dedicated to Mother Goddess.
  • Offer white color Prasad or food.

How long the Vrat Should be Observed?

It depends on the devotee. Mostly it is observed for a year - 12 Purnima.

Related
Fasting on Each Day of Week For a Particular Deity