Devotees worldwide will observe Purnima Vrat, fasting from dawn to dusk, offering prayers to Lord Vishnu and the Moon God (Chandra) for prosperity, mental clarity, and karmic balance.
This Purnima holds extra sanctity as it's the Margashirsha month, revered in scriptures like the Bhagavata Purana for its spiritual potency—Lord Krishna himself extolled it as the prime time for bhakti.
Key rituals include the Satyanarayan Puja and Vrat, where families recount the divine tales of Lord Vishnu's incarnations over sweets like kheer, seeking blessings for harmony and success.
Temples from Varanasi to Tirupati buzz with aarti processions, charity distributions (dana), and holy dips in rivers like the Ganga.
Adding layers of festivity are several jayantis (birth anniversaries):
- Dattatreya Jayanti: Honoring the trinity-incarnate sage Dattatreya (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva), yogis meditate on his 16 teachings from nature, emphasizing guru-disciple bonds and self-realization.
- Annapurna Jayanti: Celebrating Goddess Annapurna, provider of nourishment, with grand annadanam (free meals) in Kashi, reminding us of food as prasad and gratitude for sustenance.
- Bhairavi Jayanti: A nod to fierce Devi Bhairavi, protector against negativity; tantric practitioners invoke her for courage and obstacle removal.
For Tamil communities, it's Karthigai Deepam, lighting thousands of lamps at Tiruvannamalai's Arunachaleswara Temple to symbolize the eternal flame of Shiva, drawing millions in a spectacular hilltop beacon ceremony.
Astrologically, with Moonrise at around 4:35 PM, the day favors Muhurats for weddings, griha pravesh, and name-giving, though Chaturdashi lingers until morning—avoiding inauspicious starts. Eclipses aren't a factor here, but the full moon's energy amplifies mantra japa and yoga.
In 2025's cosmic flow, this date bridges autumn's introspection with winter's resolve, urging us to illuminate inner shadows. Whether joining virtual pujas or lighting a home diya, embrace its vibrations for a blessed close to the year. For localized timings, consult your panchang—happy Purnima!
