Magha Purnima
Also called: Maha Maghi, Maghi Purnima
Magha Purnima is celebrated as the climax of the holy month of Magha. It marks the culmination of the Magha Mela and Kalpavas at Prayagraj. Traditional scriptures state that bathing in a sacred river on this morning cleanses past wrongdoing and grants spiritual clarity.
Key facts
- Paksha
- Shukla Paksha
- Lunar month
- Magha
- Deities
- Lord Madhava (Vishnu), Lord Shiva, Chandra Dev
The story
The Matsya Purana states that on Magha Purnima, Lord Vishnu resides in the holy waters of the Triveni Sangam, blessing all pilgrims who bathe with sincere devotion and humility.
Practices
- Dawn bath in a sacred river followed by Arghya to the rising sun
- Charity of sesame, jaggery, clothing, and food to the impoverished
- Commemoration of Sant Ravidas Jayanti, celebrating human equality and devotion
Regional variations
- Attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to Prayagraj, Varanasi, and coastal pilgrimage sites
Common questions
- Why is Magha Purnima snan considered special?
- Scriptures describe Magha as the month of spiritual purification, with Magha Purnima being the most meritorious bathing date of the entire cycle.