Shakambhari Purnima

Shakambhari Purnima, the last & eighth day of Shakambari Navratri, is a Hindu festival which is primarily observed in the Pausha month, i.e., January. This year, it is falling on 6th Jan 2023.

Shakambhari Jayanti is the 1st day of Shakambhari Navratri which starts on Ashtami Tithi, lasts for 8 days, and ends on Purnima Tithi in Paush month. And, the last day of Shakambhari Navratri is celebrated as 'Shakambhari Purnima'.

On this day, Goddess Shakambhari Devi, who came to the earth for public welfare, is worshipped. Bathing in rivers for religious practices, either in the morning or throughout the day, is the most important part of this Purnima. Despite of being winter, the devotees come to Haridwar, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ujjain for holy bath in 'Har ki Pauri', 'Triveni Sangam', 'Dashashwamedh Ghat', and 'Ram Ghat' respectively which is believed to be helpful in liberating from the infinite cycle of birth & death.

There's also a great legend behind this day.

Once, there was a demon named Durgamasur who became indestructible due to the boon from Lord Brahma after years of continuous tapasya. Then, he started troubling others with his powers. For 100 years, drought fled everywhere.

Hearing the cries of people, Shakambhari Devi appeared on the earth, blessed them with eatables, and cried continuously for 9 days & nights in the form of rain everywhere. She also defeated the cruel demon and hence, was named Mata Durga. Since that day, people keep fast on Shakambhari Purnima to receive blessings from Devi.

Shaktipeeth Shakambhari Devi temple, situated on Shivalik mountains in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is the oldest holy pilgrimage and proven place of Bhagwati Shatakshi where the head of Goddess Sati fell due to which it is one of the famous Shakti Peethas of the Goddesses other than some in Rajasthan & Himalayas.

On this day, the temples reverberate with conch sounds and the sanctum sanctorum is decorated with fruits, herbs, and vegetables. Fasting also helps in attaining divine blessings of the kind & compassionate Goddess, Mata Shakambhari Devi.

May Goddess fill your lives with prosperity & help you in attaining the right path.

A very happy Shakambhari Purnima.