“Shakambhari Purnima”: The Divine Celebration of Nourishment and Compassion

“Shakambhari Purnima” is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in veneration of Goddess Shakambhari, an incarnation of Devi Bhagwati. Observed on the full moon day of the Pausha month (January), it marks the culmination of the eight-day-long Shakambhari Navratri.

This year, we are commemorating the divine occasion of “Shakambhari Purnima” on the 13th January ‘25.

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Shakambhari Purnima” in the year ‘25 is as follows:

• Purnima Tithi Begins - 05:03 a.m. on 13th of January ‘25
• Purnima Tithi Ends - 03:56 a.m. on 14th of January ‘25

This festival is a profound reminder of the divine nurturing spirit embodied by the goddess, who appeared on Earth to alleviate famine and restore balance. Through acts of worship, rituals, and spiritual observances, devotees express their gratitude for her compassion and seek her blessings for prosperity and nourishment.

Who is Goddess Shakambhari?

Goddess Shakambhari, often referred to as "The Bearer of Greens," is an incarnation of Mahadevi, the supreme goddess of Hinduism. She symbolizes nourishment and is closely associated with vegetarian food, grains, and natural produce.

According to Hindu Shastras, Shakambhari Devi manifested during a period of extreme drought caused by the demon Durgam. By producing fruits, vegetables, and grains from her own body, she sustained life on Earth. She is revered as the embodiment of compassion, ensuring that all beings have access to sustenance. Shakambhari is also a fierce protector, vanquishing evil and restoring dharma whenever it is threatened.

The Legend of Shakambhari Mata: A Tale of Compassion and Courage

Long ago, in a world where nature thrived and life flourished, humanity was bound by the sacred teachings of the Vedas. These Shastras, a divine gift from the gods, guided every aspect of existence, ensuring harmony between humans, nature, and the cosmos. However, this balance was shattered when a powerful demon named Durgam emerged.

Durgam, a cunning and ambitious asura, sought to dominate the world. He undertook intense penance for thousands of years, invoking the favor of Lord Brahma. Pleased by his devotion, Brahma granted him a dangerous boon: control over the four Vedas. With this power, Durgam ensured that no prayers or offerings could reach the deities.

As Durgam grew stronger, his tyranny spread like wildfire. The absence of divine blessings caused crops to wither, rivers to dry, and famine to grip the land. The once-bountiful Earth became a barren wasteland. Desperate and helpless, sages and mortals alike retreated to the caves of the Himalayas, where they prayed fervently for salvation.

Moved by their anguish, Devi Bhagwati, the supreme goddess, decided to intervene. She manifested as Shakambhari, a radiant figure of compassion and strength. Her name, derived from the Sanskrit word shaak (vegetables), reflected her role as the nurturer of all life.

With her arrival, the barren earth began to transform. Shakambhari's divine presence brought forth lush greenery, fruits, vegetables, and grains. From her very being, she provided sustenance to every creature, ensuring that no one went hungry. Her tears, shed in empathy for the suffering, flowed for nine days and nights, creating rivers that revived the parched lands.

Durgam, enraged by the goddess's interference, challenged her to a battle. Shakambhari, though compassionate, was a formidable warrior. She called upon her ten divine powers, each representing an aspect of her strength and divinity.

The battlefield was fierce and intense. Shakambhari's arrows blazed with the fire of justice, while Durgam countered with his dark sorcery. The heavens watched in awe as the goddess, with her unwavering resolve, dismantled the demon's forces.

Finally, in a climactic moment, Shakambhari invoked her ultimate power and struck down Durgam. With his defeat, the Vedas were restored to the sages, and the balance of the cosmos was reinstated.

As peace returned, Shakambhari blessed the Earth with renewed fertility. The famine ended, rivers flowed abundantly, and life thrived once more. The goddess, now hailed as Durga, the slayer of Durgam, was worshipped as the protector of dharma and the nurturer of all beings.

To this day, the story of Shakambhari Mata is celebrated during “Shakambhari Navratri”, culminating in the grand observance of Shakambhari Purnima. Her tale is a timeless reminder of the divine's unyielding compassion and humanity's duty to honor and preserve nature's gifts.

This legend inspires us to seek courage in the face of adversity and to extend kindness to those in need, just as Shakambhari Devi did for the world.

Significance of Shakambhari Purnima:

Shakambhari Purnima holds immense spiritual and cultural importance:

1. End of Shakambhari Navratri:

It marks the conclusion of an eight-day celebration dedicated to the goddess.

2. Birth Anniversary:

The day is observed as the birth anniversary of Shakambhari Devi.

3. Path to Moksha:

According to Hindu belief, taking a holy dip on this day and performing charitable acts can lead to liberation (moksha).

4. Seasonal Observance:

Many Vaishnava communities, including ISKCON, commence the Pushya Abhishek Yatra during this period, marking the start of the sacred Magha month.

Rituals and Observances on Shakambhari Purnima:

Devotees celebrate Shakambhari Purnima with a variety of spiritual and ceremonial practices:

1. Morning Rituals: Devotees wake up early and take a holy bath to purify their body and soul.
2. Worship of the Goddess: The idol of Shakambhari Devi is adorned with fruits, vegetables, and greens, symbolizing her nurturing nature.
3. Prayers and Recitations: Hymns like the Durga Chalisa and other devotional songs are sung in praise of the goddess.
4. Aarti Ceremony: A traditional aarti is performed, accompanied by lighting diyas and offering flowers and sweets to the deity.
5. Charity and Fasting: Observing a fast, donating food, and performing acts of kindness are integral to the celebrations
6. Temple Visits: Pilgrimages to prominent Shakambhari temples, such as the Shakambhari Devi Temple in Saharanpur, are common.

Importance of Fasting and Charity:

Fasting on Shakambhari Purnima is not merely an act of renunciation but a spiritual practice aimed at cultivating discipline and gratitude. By foregoing material indulgences, devotees reflect on the abundance provided by the goddess and renew their commitment to sustainable living.

Charitable acts, such as feeding the poor or distributing prasadam (sacred food), embody the spirit of Shakambhari. These deeds ensure that the blessings of the goddess extend beyond individual households to the larger community.

Shakambhari Purnima: A Spiritual Perspective:

The celebration of Shakambhari Purnima is deeply rooted in spiritual symbolism. It highlights the goddess's role as the divine mother, providing sustenance to all beings. Her manifestation reminds humanity of the interconnectedness of life and the importance of preserving nature.

From a metaphysical perspective, the festival represents the triumph of dharma over adharma and the eternal cycle of creation and nourishment. By worshipping Shakambhari Devi, devotees seek to align their lives with these cosmic principles, fostering inner and outer harmony.

Conclusion:

Shakambhari Purnima is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of life, nourishment, and divine grace. By venerating Goddess Shakambhari, devotees not only honor her sacrifices but also commit to living in harmony with nature and practicing compassion. This sacred observance serves as a reminder that the divine is present in every grain of food and every drop of water, urging humanity to cherish and protect these gifts.

May the blessings of Shakambhari Devi bring prosperity, peace, and abundance to all.

Maa Shakambhari Ki Jai!