Purnima in the month of Chaitra is known as Chaitra Purnima. It is also known by the name of Chaiti Poonam. As it is the 1st month of Hindu Year, so it holds great importance in Hindu faith. On this day, people fast to seek blessings of Lord Satyanarayana and at night time, they worship Moon God. It is also assumed that by charity and bathing in a river, pilgrimage lake (Teertha Sarovar) and holy reservoir on Chaitra Purnima, a being attains virtue. In North India, Hanuman Jayanti is also celebrated on this day.
Chaitra Purnima Vrat Puja Vidhi
Bathing, contribution, Vrat, Havan and chants are performing on the occasion of Chaitra Purnima. Also, worship Lord Satyanarayana as well as contribute things to the deprived and poor.
The rituals performed on this fast are as follows:
- On this day, take a bath in a holy river, reservoir, well or Bawari before sunrise. After that, offering Argh to the Sun God while chanting Surya Mantra.
- Take vow for the fast and worship Lord Satyanarayana.
- After prayer Chandra Deva (Moon God) ritually in the night, present water to him.
- Donate a vessel filled with raw food (Kachcha Anna) to the needy.
Importance of Chaitra Purnima
Chaitra Poornima is also known by the name of Chaiti Poonam. On the same day, Shri Krishna celebrated Raas Utsava in Braj city, which is popularly known as Raas Leela or Maharaas. Thousands of Gopis participated in this function and Lord Shri Krishna danced the total night with each one of them using his supernal power (Yogmaya).
Hanuman Jayanti
It is believed that Lord Hanuman, also called Ram Bhakt Hanuman, was born on the Purnima of Chaitra month. So, Hanuman Jayanti is famous on this day, especially in North India and Central India. However, there are some discussions related to this festival. On some places, it is celebrated on Krishna Paksha of Kartik month, whereas at some places it is celebrated on Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. However, both dates (Tithis) are mentioned in spiritual scriptures. But, as there is difference in the way both are celebrated, so first is called Hanuman Jayanti and the second is called Vijay Abhinandan Mahotsava.