Purnima and Amavasya: Dates, Meaning, Significance, Fast (Vrat) & List

About Purnima and Amavasya

What is Amavasya?

Amavasya is New Moon night when the night is very dark. It is the night when the moon is not fully visible. It refers to the first new moon night of the first quarter of the lunar month. As per Hinduism, the energies of ignorance (Tamas) are on their peak on Amavasya. Hence any auspicious or new activity should not be done on this night. Only the Amavasya on Diwali is considered auspicious as it represents the victory of good over evil. Many practitioners of tantra, occult, black magic perform elaborate rituals. It is recommended to clean your house to invite Goddess Laxmi. It is also considered important to remember our ancestors and pay homage to them on Amavasya.

What is Purnima?

Purnima denotes a full moon day, which divides the month into two equal lunar fortnights called as Paksha. Full moon also known as Purnima is the fifteenth day of the lunar cycle as the moon reaches the final stage of the Shukla Paksha (waxing period). It is considered very auspicious to start any work, business, etc. The fortnight before Purnima is known as Shukla Paksha and the fortnight after is called Krishna Paksha. On Purnima, many important festivals such as Guru Purnima, Kartik Purnima, Buddha Purnima etc. across India. On this day, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are worshipped. It is an ideal day to fast for the entire day. The fortnight before Purnima is known as Shukla Paksha and fortnight after is called Krishna Paksha. Many important festivals such as Guru Purnima, Kartik Purnima, Buddha Purnima across India. The location of the moon exerts a different magnetic pull on this day. It results in a natural upsurge of upward movement in the body. Purnima is ideal for worship of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi to gain their blessings for a prosperous life.

Waxing and Waning of the moon (Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha)

A waxing moon is a phase between the new moon and the full moon when the visible area on the moon increases day by day. A waning moon is a phase between the full Moon & new Moon phase in which the visible surface area of the moon gets smaller. Paksha signifies fortnight of the waxing or waning of the moon. Shukla Paksha or Gaura Paksha is the period between new and the full moon (Waxing Phase) which lasts for a fortnight (14 days). Krishna Paksha is the period between the full moon and the new moon (Waning Phase) which lasts of a fortnight. Shukla and Krishna Paksha calculations are done according to the size of the moon. On Amavasya nights, the energies are roguish, while Purnima nights have a subdued quality which is more subtle and pleasant. The very next day after the new moon, the moon starts rising and the dark night starts shining in the light of the moon. Since Moon loses light during Krishna Paksha generally it is considered inauspicious whereas in Shukla Paksha Moon gains light hence it is considered auspicious. These Lunar cycle calculations are used by astrologers and pandits to calculate auspicious dates for marriage, date for buying house/car/assets and naming ceremonies. Som considered the period from 10th day of Shukla Paksha to the 5th day of Krishna Paksha as very auspicious. However, it is advised to consult a qualified individual for these date calculations.

Story of Purnima and Amavasya as per Hinduism (Waxing and Waning of the Moon)

According to the Shiva Puranas, the moon loved his wife Rohini the most out of his 27 wives. His wives represent the 27 Nakhshatras, who were the daughters of Daksha Prajapati. Due to the moon’s indifference towards his other wives, he was cursed by Daksha Prajapati that he would lose his luster. He cursed the moon that his powers would decline day by day, and he would eventually disappear also known as waning of the moon. An upset moon visited Somnath in Gujarat, along with his wife Rohini, and worshipped the Sparsh Lingam. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva blessed the moon that he would regain his powers and luster day by day and this cycle of waxing and waning will continue in perpetuity. Hence moon increases in brightness during Shukla Paksha for a fortnight and then wanes for a fortnight during Krishna Paksha.

Effects of Purnima and Amavasya

The moon reflects the mind. The fortnightly moon cycle exerts influence on the human anatomy due to the tides and ebbs. The lunar cycle impacts the reproductivity system and menstruation. The release of neurohormones may be triggered due to the electromagnetic radiation and the gravitational pull of the moon. If you have mastery over the sun and moon within, the Pingala and Ida—the beauty of Purnima will be present with you every day. It is a period of introspection and self-reflection. A person tends to become restless, irritable, and ill-tempered during Amavasya. If a person generally feels mentally imbalanced, he/she will continue to feel more imbalanced. On Amavasya, human emotions are at its peak due to the gravitational force of the moon, which pulls everything upwards. If you are a peaceful, loving, and joyous person, you become more peaceful, joyous and loving on Amavasya.

What to do on Amavasya? (Puja and Rituals)

Amavasya Vrat (Fasting) & Paying Homage to Pitras (Ancestors)

A fast is observed and food is offered to the ancestors. An austere waterless fast or only water fast is advisable. The main objective is to perform Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses) so we can control of Tamasic (ignorant) impulses. The fast can be observed from sunrise to sunset and if one cannot observe a very austere fast, they can eat milk and fruits. According to Garuda Purana, Lord Vishnu is believed to have professed that the ancestors descend on earth on Amavasya, to partake their food. So, Hindus prepare ‘shraddha’ and await their ancestors. Many festivals like Diwali are observed on Amavasya. On this day, departed souls are remembered.

Cleaning the House and Praying to Goddess Laxmi

It is advised to clean your house so that you can invite Goddess Laxmi who blesses devotees with wealth, prosperity and growth. This is done so the energies of Amavasya can be channelized towards material growth for the family of the devotees.

Praying to Goddess Kali

Many practitioners of tantra, black magic and occult perform elaborate rituals and offer prayers to Goddess Kali. Yog, karmakand and bhakti are considered to be right hand (Yin) of God to achieve Moksha (Liberation) whereas Tantra is left hand (Yang) of God. Both paths eventually lead to salvation however they need to be done under guidance of a qualified Guru.

What to do on Purnima? (Puja and rituals)

Purnima Vrat (Fasting)

Purnima fast enable one to absorb the sattvic energies of this day completely. It is ideal to fast to reduce the acidic contents in the body, slow down metabolism, and increase endurance. It restores the mind and body balance. The Purnima fast lasts for 12 hours from sunrise to sunset. People do not consume rice, wheat, pulses, grains, and salt during Purnima. Some people consume fruits and milk. Some people observe a rigid fast, and do not even consume water. On Chaturdashi, Purnima fasting occurs only when Purnima commences during Madhyahna period on previous day. If Chaturdashi prevails beyond Madhyahna, it is believed that this Chaturdashi cannot be considered for Purnima fasting, even if Purnima prevails during the evening. Fasting on Purnima day is known as Pournami Vratam.

Meditation

Meditating in the night under the Full Moon sky enable one to achieve spiritual ascension. People can even meditate on Amavasya for contemplation whereas on Purnima meditation is done for spiritual ascension and elevation.

Praying to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva (Mahamrityunjaya) & Chandra Dev

Vaishnaivites pray to their beloved Lord Vishnu whereas Shaivites pray to Lord Shiva. There is no fix methodology for worship. One can even chant their respective mantras in a comfortable sitting posture in meditative mode. Since it is a Full Moon it is a good day to pray Chandra Dev (Moon) so we can imbibe his blessings of calm, harmony, love, nurture and tranquility.

People can chant the below Mantras to achieve union of these deities.

Vishnu Mantra
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
Meaning: ‘I bow to the Lord who lives in the hearts of all.’

Vishnu Gayatri Mantra
Om Shri Vishnave Cha Vidmahe Vasudevaya Dhimahi।
Tanno Vishnuh Prachodayat॥

Translation of the Mantra
Om, Let me meditate on Lord Vishnu, Oh, Lord Vasudeva, give me higher intellect, and let Lord Vishnu illuminate my mind

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
Om Tryambakam yajaamahe
sugandhim pushtivardhanam |
Urvaarukamiva bandhanaan-
mrityormuksheeya maamritaat ||

Meaning: We worship the three-eyed One, who is fragrant and who nourishes all. Like the fruit falls off from the bondage of the stem, may we be liberated from death, from mortality.

Chandra Gayatri Mantra
Om Padmadwajaya Vidhmahe |
Hema Roopaya Dheemahe
Tanno Chandra Prachodayat’||

Meaning: Om let me meditate on Lord Chandra who has a flag of lotus.
He shrines in the brilliant color of gold. Let Lord Chandra illuminate my mind.

Satyanarayan Katha Paath
It is very auspicious to perform Satyanarayan Katha path during Purnima night. This katha is a dialogue between Lord Vishnu and Sage Narada and they discuss what is Dharma, duty and morality through a series of stories with profound meaning.

List of Purnima Dates & Tithis in 2023

January 6, 2023, Friday

Pausha Purnima Vrat
Pausha Purnima
Shukla Purnima
Pausha, Shukla Purnima
Begins - 02:14 AM, Jan 06
Ends - 04:37 AM, Jan 07

February 5, 2023, Friday

Magha Purnima Vrat
Magha Purnima
Shukla Purnima
Magha, Shukla Purnima
Begins - 09:29 PM, Feb 04
Ends - 11:58 PM, Feb 0

March 7, 2023, Tuesday

Phalguna Purnima Vrat
Phalguna Purnima
Shukla Purnima
Phalguna, Shukla Purnima
Begins - 04:17 PM, Mar 06
Ends - 06:09 PM, Mar 07

April 5, 2023, Wednesday

Chaitra Purnima Vrat
Shukla Purnima
Chaitra, Shukla Purnima
Begins - 09:19 AM, Apr 05
Ends - 10:04 AM, Apr 06

April 6, 2023, Thursday

Chaitra Purnima
Shukla Purnima
Chaitra, Shukla Purnima
Begins - 09:19 AM, Apr 05
Ends - 10:04 AM, Apr 06

May 5, 2023, Friday

Vaishakha Purnima Vrat
Vaishakha Purnima
Shukla Purnima
Vaishakha, Shukla Purnima
Begins - 11:44 PM, May 04
Ends - 11:03 PM, May 05

June 3, 2023, Saturday

Jyeshtha Purnima Vrat
Shukla Purnima
Jyeshtha, Shukla Purnima
Begins - 11:16 AM, Jun 03
Ends - 09:11 AM, Jun 04

June 4, 2023, Sunday

Jyeshtha Purnima
Shukla Purnima
Jyeshtha, Shukla Purnima
Begins - 11:16 AM, Jun 03
Ends - 09:11 AM, Jun 04

July 3, 2023, Monday

Ashadha Purnima Vrat
Ashadha Purnima
Shukla Purnima
Ashadha, Shukla Purnima
Begins - 08:21 PM, Jul 02
Ends - 05:08 PM, Jul 03

August 1 , 2023, Tuesday

Adhika Purnima Vrat
Shravana Adhika Purnima
Shukla Purnima
Shravana, Shukla Purnima
Begins - 03:51 AM, Aug 01
Ends - 12:01 AM, Aug 02

August 30, 2023, Wednesday

Shravana Purnima Vrat
Shukla Purnima
Shravana, Shukla Purnima
Begins - 10:58 AM, Aug 30
Ends - 07:05 AM, Aug 31

August 31, 2023, Thursday

Shravana Purnima
Shukla Purnima
Shravana, Shukla Purnima
Begins - 10:58 AM, Aug 30
Ends - 07:05 AM, Aug 31

September 29, 2023, Friday

Bhadrapada Purnima Vrat
Bhadrapada Purnima
Shukla Purnima
Bhadrapada, Shukla Purnima
Begins - 06:49 PM, Sep 28
Ends - 03:26 PM, Sep 29

October 28, 2023, Saturday

Ashwina Purnima Vrat
Ashwina Purnima
Shukla Purnima
Ashwina, Shukla Purnima
Begins - 04:17 AM, Oct 28
Ends - 01:53 AM, Oct 29

November 27, 2023, Monday

Kartika Purnima Vrat
Kartika Purnima
Shukla Purnima
Kartika, Shukla Purnima
Begins - 03:53 PM, Nov 26
Ends - 02:45 PM, Nov 27

December 26, 2023, Tuesday

Margashirsha Purnima Vrat
Margashirsha Purnima
Shukla Purnima
Margashirsha, Shukla Purnima
Begins - 05:46 AM, Dec 26
Ends - 06:02 AM, Dec 27

List of Amavasya Dates & Tithis in 2023

January 21, 2023, Saturday

Darsha Amavasya
Magha Amavasya
Krishna Amavasya
Magha, Krishna Amavasya
Begins - 06:17 AM, Jan 21
Ends - 02:22 AM, Jan 22

February 19,2023, Sunday

Darsha Amavasya
Krishna Amavasya
Phalguna, Krishna Amavasya
Begins - 04:18 PM, Feb 19
Ends - 12:35 PM, Feb 20

February 20, 2023, Monday

Phalguna Amavasya
Krishna Amavasya
Phalguna, Krishna Amavasya
Begins - 04:18 PM, Feb 19
Ends - 12:35 PM, Feb 20

March 21, 2023, Tuesday

Chaitra Amavasya
Darsha Amavasya
Krishna Amavasya
Chaitra, Krishna Amavasya
Begins - 01:47 AM, Mar 21
Ends - 10:52 PM, Mar 21

April 19, 2023, Wednesday
Darsha Amavasya
Krishna Amavasya
Vaishakha, Krishna Amavasya
Begins - 11:23 AM, Apr 19
Ends - 09:41 AM, Apr 20

April 20, 2023, Thursday
Vaishakha Amavasya
Krishna Amavasya
Vaishakha, Krishna Amavasya
Begins - 11:23 AM, Apr 19
Ends - 09:41 AM, Apr 20

May 19, 2023, Friday
Darsha Amavasya
Jyeshtha Amavasya
Krishna Amavasya
Jyeshtha, Krishna Amavasya
Begins - 09:42 PM, May 18
Ends - 09:22 PM, May 19

June 17, 2023, Saturday
Darsha Amavasya
Krishna Amavasya
Ashadha, Krishna Amavasya
Begins - 09:11 AM, Jun 17
Ends - 10:06 AM, Jun 18

June 18, 2023, Sunday

Ashadha Amavasya
Krishna Amavasya
Ashadha, Krishna Amavasya
Begins - 09:11 AM, Jun 17
Ends - 10:06 AM, Jun 18

July 17, 2023, Monday

Darsha Amavasya
Shravana Amavasya
Krishna Amavasya
Shravana, Krishna Amavasya
Begins - 10:08 PM, Jul 16
Ends - 12:01 AM, Jul 18

August 15, 2023, Tuesday

Adhika Darsha Amavasya
Krishna Amavasya
Shravana, Krishna Amavasya
Begins - 12:42 PM, Aug 15
Ends - 03:07 PM, Aug 16

August 16, 2023, Wednesday

Shravana Adhika Amavasya
Krishna Amavasya
Shravana, Krishna Amavasya
Begins - 12:42 PM, Aug 15
Ends - 03:07 PM, Aug 16

September 14, 2023, Thursday

Darsha Amavasya
Bhadrapada Amavasya
Krishna Amavasya
Bhadrapada, Krishna Amavasya
Begins - 04:48 AM, Sep 14
Ends - 07:09 AM, Sep 15

October 14, 2023, Saturday

Darsha Amavasya
Ashwina Amavasya
Krishna Amavasya
Ashwina, Krishna Amavasya
Begins - 09:50 PM, Oct 13
Ends - 11:24 PM, Oct 14

November 13, 2023, Monday

Darsha Amavasya
Kartika Amavasya
Krishna Amavasya
Kartika, Krishna Amavasya
Begins - 02:44 PM, Nov 12
Ends - 02:56 PM, Nov 13

December 12, 2023, Tuesday

Darsha Amavasya
Margashirsha Amavasya
Krishna Amavasya
Margashirsha, Krishna Amavasya
Begins - 06:24 AM, Dec 12
Ends - 05:01 AM, Dec 13

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