Comprehensive Guide to Worshipping the Moon on Purnima (Full Moon) in Hinduism
In Hinduism, the worship of the Moon (Chandra) on Purnima (Full Moon) is considered highly auspicious. It is believed to bring prosperity, mental peace, and spiritual growth. The Purnima day is a sacred day when many devotees perform rituals and offer prayers to the Moon God. Below is a detailed guide on how to perform Moon worship on Purnima in an eco-friendly and simple way, covering all aspects like cleanliness, attire, materials needed, steps of the puja, mantras, and how to conclude the ritual.
1. Importance of Moon Worship on Purnima
Worshipping the Moon on Purnima has been practiced for centuries, and it holds significant spiritual and astrological importance. The Moon is considered a calming deity who represents the mind and emotions in Hindu astrology. Worshipping the Moon helps:
- Balance emotions
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve mental clarity
- Enhance creativity and intuition
- Strengthen relationships
Additionally, it is believed to remove the malefic effects of the planet Moon (Chandra Dosha) and bring blessings of good fortune and well-being.
2. Cleanliness and Preparation
Before beginning any puja, it is important to ensure purity and cleanliness. Here are some steps to prepare for Moon worship:
- Clean the Puja Area: Cleanse the area where you will be performing the puja. If possible, choose an open space where you can see the Moon directly.
- Personal Cleanliness: Take a bath to purify yourself. Clean clothes should be worn, and nails and hands should be clean before handling puja items.
- Eco-Friendly Decor: Use natural items like fresh flowers, clay lamps, and organic rangoli powder to decorate the puja area.
3. Time for Moon Worship
On Purnima, Moon worship should be done in the evening, just after the Moonrise. You can check the local timings for the Moonrise on the day of Purnima and plan accordingly. It is ideal to start the puja within 1-2 hours after the Moon becomes visible in the sky.
4. Dress Code - What to Wear
- Preferred Colors: White is the ideal color for Moon worship as it symbolizes purity and peace, reflecting the calming nature of the Moon. Pastel shades like light blue, silver, or cream are also appropriate.
- Eco-Friendly Clothing: Choose traditional, eco-friendly fabrics like cotton or silk. Avoid synthetic or chemically dyed fabrics.
5. Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly)
The following eco-friendly, traditional items are recommended for the Moon puja on Purnima:
- Small clay or brass kalash (pot) for offering water
- Fresh flowers (white flowers like jasmine or lotus are preferred)
- White sandalwood paste or turmeric paste for tilak
- Natural incense sticks made from herbs or flowers
- Eco-friendly earthen diya (oil lamp) with ghee or sesame oil
- Silver or copper plate for offerings
- Naivedyam (Prasad) like kheer, sugar, honey, or fruits (banana or coconut)
- Raw rice grains (Akshat)
- Fresh organic fruits (such as bananas, coconuts, or sweet lime)
6. Simple Steps of Moon Puja
Place the Kalash: Fill the clay or brass kalash with clean water. Place it facing the Moon or in front of the deity’s image or photo (if worshipping indoors).
Light the Diya: Light the earthen lamp filled with ghee or sesame oil. Ensure that it is placed where it can be seen from the Moon.
Offer Flowers and Rice: Sprinkle raw rice (Akshat) on the Moon’s reflection or in front of the deity. Offer fresh white flowers (jasmine or lotus).
Apply Sandalwood Paste: Apply a small tilak of sandalwood or turmeric on your forehead.
Offer Naivedyam: Present Prasad like kheer, honey, or fruits to the Moon. Recite the following Moon mantra while doing this:
Chandra Mantra:
ॐ श्रां श्रीं श्रौं सः चन्द्रमसे नमः | Om Shraam Shreem Shraum Sah Chandramase NamahMeditate or Pray: Sit quietly, facing the Moon, and meditate on its calmness. You can recite any other prayers like "Gayatri Mantra" or "Om Namah Shivaya." You may also sing Moon-related hymns or slokas.
Offer Arghya (Water): Raise your hands holding water (from the kalash) and offer it towards the Moon by gently pouring the water onto the ground.
7. Prasad to be Prepared
- Kheer (Rice Pudding): A simple and traditional Prasad made from rice, milk, and sugar. You can add natural ingredients like cardamom, raisins, or jaggery (instead of sugar) for an eco-friendly twist.
- Honey or Sugar: A symbolic offering to represent sweetness in life.
- Fruits: Offer organic and fresh fruits like bananas, coconuts, or seasonal fruits.
8. Concluding the Puja
- Aarti: After offering Arghya, perform a simple aarti with the earthen diya in a clockwise direction, singing or chanting Moon-related mantras.
- Distribute Prasad: Offer the kheer, fruits, or other Prasad to family members or neighbors.
- Thank the Moon: Bow your head and thank the Moon for its blessings, seeking peace, prosperity, and mental clarity.
9. What to Do with the Puja Leftover Items
In keeping with eco-friendly practices, make sure that leftover items from the puja are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner:
- Water from the Kalash: Can be poured onto plants or a sacred tree like a tulsi or peepal.
- Flowers and Leaves: Compost them or scatter them in a garden.
- Earthen Diyas: Reuse them for future pujas or return them to the soil by burying them.
- Prasad Leftovers: Share them with family, neighbors, or animals like cows and birds.
- Incense Ash: Spread the ash near plants as it can act as a natural fertilizer.
10. Benefits of Moon Worship on Purnima
- Mental Peace: The calming effect of the Moon’s rays is believed to relieve stress, anxiety, and restlessness.
- Emotional Balance: Worshipping the Moon on Purnima helps stabilize fluctuating emotions and fosters positivity.
- Good Health: Moon worship is associated with enhanced mental health and tranquility.
- Spiritual Growth: By connecting with the Moon's energy, devotees enhance their spiritual journey, gaining insight and intuition.
- Prosperity and Abundance: It is believed that offering prayers to the Moon on Purnima brings prosperity, fertility, and abundance into one’s life.
By following this guide, you can observe the Moon worship on Purnima in a simple, eco-friendly way that respects traditional values while ensuring sustainability.