Each lunar month consists of One Purnima tithi. Purnima comprises one nakshatra among 27 nakshatras. Margashirsha Mahina (also known as Margasira month) consists of purnima with mrugashira Nakshatra.This month is called as Margashira month because of the same reason.
Other Names of Margashirsha Purnima
Margashirsha Purnima is also called by names Mragasira Purniama, Margashira Pournami, Margashirsha Poornima, Margashira Poonam Udyatithi Purnima, Battisi Purnima, Maha Margashirsha, Naraka Purnima and Korala Purnima.
Margashirsha Purnima is also the Birth day of Lord Dattatreya. Dattatreya Jayanti is celebrated on this day. Lord Dattatreya is is the avatar of Trimurthi (Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh).
Significance of Margashirsha Purnima
Rituals on Margashirsha Purnima, Margasira Purnima Puja, Margashira Pournami celebrations
God Vishnu is worshiped as Narayana on Margashirsha Purnima. Devotees Wake up early in the morning, take ritual bath and wear white cloths and keep fast for the whole day. Recite “Om Namo Narayana” for mantra the whole day. This is believed to be fasting fulfills all wishes of a person. People also perform Yagna on this day. Moon God is also worshiped on this day. It is believed that Moon was covered with Amrit on Margasira Purnima day. Cloths distributed among the family members.
Margashirsha Purnima is considered auspicious for river baths. Devotees observe Satyanarayan Vratham on this day. By observing Satyanarayan Vrat one can be relived from day to day problems. people Perform Daan (donations) and charities today.
According to North Indian Purnimant calenders, Margashirsha Purnima marks the end of Margashirsha month and the next day is start of the Poush Month.