Snan of the gods, donation of sesame seeds and one day fasting… what is the importance of Magh Purnima in Maha Kumbh

There is importance of bathing in Ganga and donating on Magh Purnima (Photo- AI Image)

According to the Hindu calendar, the 15th day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Magh is called Magh Purnima. This day has special importance from religious, spiritual and cultural point of view and it is celebrated with reverence and devotion in different parts of India. People also organize Katha-Havan-Pujan in their homes and if arrangements can be made, then Katha-Pujan on the banks of Ganga has a different significance.

The full moon of Magh month is a day which is considered very special in the Sanatan tradition. The importance of the full moon of Magh month is equal to the importance of the entire month of Magh in Padma Purana, Skanda Purana and Brahmavaivart Purana. It is believed that like Sharad Purnima, the full moon of Magh month also showers Amrit and during this time it makes the water of rivers, lakes etc. like Amrit. Therefore, on this day a large number of devotees gather to take bath on the river bank. That is why the importance of Magh Purnima increases during the Kumbh event.

According to the Hindu calendar, the 15th day of Shukla Paksha in Magh month is called Magh Purnima. This day has special importance from religious, spiritual and cultural point of view and it is celebrated with reverence and devotion in different parts of India. People also organize Katha-Havan-Pujan in their homes and if arrangements can be made, then Katha-Pujan on the banks of Ganga has a different significance. Especially, bathing and donation have special importance on this day at the Sangam of Prayagraj. Magh Purnima is associated with holy bath, fasting, donation and spiritual progress.

Purnima Tithi is Mokshadayini

In Sanatan, Purnima Tithi is considered Mokshadayini Tithi anyway and due to it being the full moon of Magh month, this day becomes more auspicious. The importance of Magh month is more because at this time it is the time of change in nature and it is also purifying itself. During this time, rivers also purify themselves and bathing in the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati on this day is considered auspicious from this point of view. It is believed that bathing and donating on this day provides eternal virtue and liberates one from sins.
Importance of Magh Purnima in Maha Kumbh

Every year during the month of Magh, a special Magh fair is organized in Prayagraj, which concludes with the last bath today. Crores of devotees take bath in Sangam and Ganga and pray for freedom from their sins. It is said that on this day even the gods come to take bath in Ganga. During Maha Kumbh, donation on Magh Purnima has special importance. Donating food, clothes, sesame, jaggery, ghee, blankets and other essential items brings Akshay Punya. Especially, feeding the needy is considered extremely virtuous. Therefore, there are preparations for organizing Bhandaars at various places in Maha Kumbh.

What is the legend?
Fasting on this day purifies both the body and the mind. Worshiping Lord Vishnu and Shiva fulfils the wishes of the devotees. Worshiping Tulsi and reciting Vishnu Sahasranama is considered extremely beneficial. According to a legend associated with Magh Purnima, once upon a time King Dilip started the tradition of bathing, fasting and charity during the month of Magh in his kingdom. He took a vow that until all the people in his kingdom do virtuous deeds, he himself will not eat food. Pleased with his devotion and loyalty, Lord Vishnu blessed him and happiness and prosperity prevailed in his kingdom.

There is also a story that the gods had committed some mistake in heaven. Devraj Indra had committed the sin of killing Rishi Trishira during a penance and other gods had the sin of turning away from their duty due to arrogance. In such a situation, to get rid of the sin, Devguru Brihaspati told everyone the solution of taking a bath in Sangam on a special date and constellation. Only after this, they could be eligible to go to heaven again. That date was Magh Purnima, since then the tradition of taking a bath in Sangam and at least a bath in Ganga started on this day.

Tradition of donating sesame seeds
On this day, there is a special tradition and importance of donating sesame seeds after bathing. By donating sesame seeds, the effect of defects of Saturn in the horoscope is reduced. There are also beliefs that on this day, nectar fell in the pilgrimages in a special yoga and constellation, hence, the bath on this day is also called Amrit Snan festival. After bathing on the day of Purnima, a special Ganga Aarti is organized on this day, in which thousands of lamps are floated. Along with this, worshiping Lord Vishnu and reciting Vishnu Sahasranaam gives special benefits.

What is the science?

According to science, there is a special energy balance between the earth and the moon in the month of Magha, due to which the sea tides are more effective. Bathing and fasting during this time purify the body and provide positive energy. Also, bathing in rivers and other water sources during this season is considered healthy.

Why is there importance of eating Khichdi?

Mahakavi Ghagh, while explaining the importance of Magha, has called it the month of rejuvenation and has told the special fruit of eating Khichdi during this time. Khichdi is the most satvik food item and is easily digestible. He says that in the month of Magha, when the sun is favorable, one should take a bath in the Ganges and meditate in the sand, keep a day-long fast and eat only once a day. He says ‘Magh month khichdi khaay’

The logic behind saying this is that in this month the rays of the sun do not affect much, they give heat, and it should be consumed. It is said to be a good source of vitamin D. The second thing is that the time between the end of winter season and the beginning of new season is Magha which is called Ritu Kranti. During this time the digestion process slows down, so the body should be left for internal purification and only one meal of Khichdi should be eaten. One should try to follow this rule throughout the month and many people do Kalpavas on this basis, but if such an opportunity is not available during the entire month of Magha, then the day of the full moon of Magha is also special for this.

It is described in the Rigveda that,

“चन्द्रमा मनसो जातश्चक्षोः सूर्योजायतः,

मुखादिन्द्रश्चाग्निश्च प्राणाद्वायुरजायत.”  

The Purusha Sukta of the Rigveda (Rigveda 10.90.13) records that the Moon was born from the mind, the Sun was born from the eyes, Indra and Agni appeared from the mouth, and Vayu was born from Prana (breath). This verse depicts the origin of the universe and the relationship of various natural elements, which is an important part of Vedic knowledge and philosophy. On the full moon day, both the Sun and the Moon are present in their full glory, so the importance of the full moon of Magha month is more than any other day from the perspective of cultural, health and spirituality.