Paush Purnima: Significance, Date, Tithi and Daan

Paush Purnima: Spiritual Importance, Date and Tithi and Sacred Donations

In Sanatana Dharma, each lunar day carries its own spiritual essence, yet the full moon day, Purnima, holds a particularly exalted place. Among all Purnimas, Paush Purnima, also revered as Shakambhari Purnima, stands out for its profound spiritual, social, and humanitarian significance. This sacred day beautifully weaves together devotion, self-purification, charity, and service to humanity.

Spiritual Importance of Paush Purnima

According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Paush Purnima falls on the full moon day of the bright fortnight of the Paush month. On this auspicious occasion, the Moon shines in its complete brilliance, spreading subtle spiritual energy across the universe. Scriptures affirm that spiritual practices such as bathing, charity, worship, and penance performed on this day yield multiplied spiritual merit.

Bathing in holy rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Narmada on Paush Purnima is believed to cleanse sins accumulated over many lifetimes and purify both body and mind. Those unable to travel to sacred rivers may add a few drops of Ganga water to their bath at home and observe the ritual with devotion.

Paush Purnima 2026: Date and Tithi

In the year 2026, Paush Purnima will be observed on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

• Purnima Tithi begins: January 2, 2026, at 6:53 PM
  
  

• Purnima Tithi ends: January 3, 2026, at 3:32 PM
  
  

Devotees may plan their rituals, charity, and observances within this sacred time period.

Religious Significance of Shakambhari Purnima

Paush Purnima is widely known as Shakambhari Purnima in several regions of India. On this day, Goddess Shakambhari, revered as the divine provider of food and nourishment, is worshipped with deep faith. It is believed that her blessings ensure abundance, food security, and well-being for humanity.

Worship of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on Paush Purnima is considered highly auspicious, bringing prosperity, harmony, and spiritual growth into the household. Offering prayers to the Moon God on this day is believed to calm the mind, balance emotions, and reduce lunar afflictions.

Beginning of Kalpavas

Paush Purnima also marks the sacred beginning of Kalpavas at Prayagraj. Thousands of devotees undertake this month-long spiritual discipline by living a life of simplicity, restraint, meditation, and service on the banks of the holy rivers. Kalpavas are believed to purify past karmas and guide the soul toward liberation.

Importance of Charity on Paush Purnima

In Sanatana Dharma, charity (Daan) is regarded as one of the highest virtues, and charity performed on Paush Purnima holds exceptional merit. Donations of food, clothes, blankets, and essential items on this day are said to bring lasting spiritual rewards.

The Manusmriti beautifully emphasizes the supreme value of charity in the present age:

Tapah param Kritayuge Tretayam Jnanamuchyate
Dvapare Yagyamevahu Danamekam Kalau Yuge

Meaning: In the Satya Yuga, penance is supreme; in the Treta Yuga, knowledge; in the Dwapara Yuga, sacrifice; and in the Kali Yuga, charity is the greatest path to human welfare.

What to Donate on Paush Purnima

Among all forms of charity, Annadaan (food donation) is considered the most sacred on Paush Purnima. Feeding the hungry and needy on this day is regarded as direct service to Lord Narayana himself. Providing nourishment brings both spiritual fulfillment and social upliftment.

On this holy occasion, devotees may participate in food donation initiatives, such as supporting the Narayana Seva Sansthan, to help provide nutritious meals to underprivileged children. Such acts of compassion not only earn divine merit but also reflect the true spirit of Sanatana Dharma, service, humility, and universal welfare.