New Delhi: Margashirsha Purnima is one of the most auspicious full-moon days in the Hindu calendar. The month holds special value because Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita, “I am Margashirsha among the months,” which highlights the purity and spiritual strength of this period.
Devotees observe fasting, charity, holy bathing, and worship on this day to welcome prosperity, peace, and divine grace.
Margashirsha Purnima is also linked with festivals such as Datta Jayanti, Annapurna Jayanti, and Tripura Bhairavi Jayanti. Many households perform the Satyanarayana Vrat, making this Purnima significant for both spiritual and family well-being.
Margashirsha Purnima 2025: Date and Muhurat
- Date: Thursday, 4 December 2025
- Moonrise for Purnima Puja: 4:35 PM
- Purnima Tithi Begins: 8:37 AM on 4 December
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 4:43 AM on 5 December
- Auspicious time for Snan and Daan: 5:10 AM to 6:04 AM on December 4
- Auspicious time for Satyanarayan Puja: 10:53 AM to 1:29 PM on December 4
The evening moonrise is especially important because devotees offer Arghya to Chandradeva before completing their fast.
Why is Margashirsha Purnima important
This is the ninth full moon of the year according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Scriptures such as the Skanda Purana, Narada Purana, Mahabharata, and Vishnu Dharmasutra describe this day as ideal for holy bathing, penance, chanting, and charity. Acts performed on this Purnima are believed to yield many times more spiritual benefit.
It is also considered one of the best days for Pitra Tarpan and offerings made for ancestors. Many regions observe the day as Datta Jayanti, while others worship Goddess Annapurna and Goddess Tripura Bhairavi.
Rituals to Perform on Margashirsha Purnima
- Holy Bath and Morning Prayers
Devotees begin the day by taking a dip in a sacred river. If that is not possible, bathing at home with water mixed with Gangajal is recommended. Prayers and Tarpan for ancestors are performed after the bath.
- Fasting
Many people observe a day-long fast. Some take only water, while others have light fruit-based meals. Grains, heavy spices, tea, and coffee are usually avoided during this fast. The aim is to purify the mind and remain focused on worship.
- Satyanarayana Puja
This is one of the most important rituals of the day. Families perform Satyanarayana Vrat, listen to the Katha, and offer prasad. Lord Vishnu’s blessings are believed to bring harmony, stability, and spiritual strength.
- Charity and Annadana
Charity brings significant merit on this day. People donate food, clothes, sesame, ghee, rice, or other essentials according to their ability. Feeding the poor or organising Annadana is considered especially auspicious.
- Chandra Darshan and Arghya
In the evening, devotees wait for the moonrise. As the full moon appears, Arghya is offered with water, flowers, and prayers. This is the central moment of the day. After offering Arghya, the fast is usually broken with fruits or simple food.
- Ancestral Rites
Many people perform Shraddha or Pinda-Dana on this Purnima. Sacred texts state that offerings made on Margashirsha Purnima bring deep satisfaction to ancestors.
Conclusion
Margashirsha Purnima is a day devoted to purity, devotion, and inner discipline.
With its strong presence in ancient scriptures and its association with Lord Krishna, this Purnima offers a chance to strengthen faith and invite peace and prosperity into one’s life.
Whether through fasting, charity, Satyanarayana Puja, or simple prayers at home, every act performed on this day is believed to carry deep spiritual value.