Shakambhari Purnima 2025: Celebrating the Divine Provider of Nature’s Abundance

Shakambhari Purnima, also known as Shakambhari Jayanti, is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Shakambhari, an incarnation of Goddess Durga revered as the provider of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and all forms of plant life. Celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Pausha, this year it falls on January 13, 2025.

Date and Timings for Shakambhari Purnima 2025:

• Purnima Tithi Begins: January 13, 2025 – 05:03 AM
• Purnima Tithi Ends: January 14, 2025 – 03:56 AM

Significance of Shakambhari Purnima:

Goddess Shakambhari is celebrated for her benevolence in providing nourishment to humanity, especially during times of famine and drought. According to Hindu scriptures, during a severe famine that lasted for a hundred years, the goddess manifested to alleviate the suffering of living beings by producing a bounty of vegetables, fruits, and herbs, thereby restoring life and prosperity. Her name, derived from ‘Shaka’ meaning vegetables and ‘Ambhari’ meaning bearer, reflects her role as the sustainer of life through vegetation.

Shakambhari Purnima also marks the conclusion of the Shakambhari Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to the goddess, beginning on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in Pausha and culminating on the Purnima. This period is observed with great devotion, particularly in regions like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, where the goddess is worshipped in various forms.

Puja Rituals and Observances:

Devotees observe several rituals on Shakambhari Purnima to honor the goddess and seek her blessings:

1. Early Morning Rituals: Devotees wake up before dawn and take a holy bath, often in sacred rivers or at home, to purify the body and soul.
2. Altar Preparation: An altar is prepared with an idol or image of Goddess Shakambhari, adorned with fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers, symbolizing her association with plant life.
3. Offering Prayers: Devotees offer prayers, recite hymns, and chant mantras dedicated to the goddess. The ‘Durga Saptashati’ and ‘Shakambhari Ashtakam’ are commonly recited texts.
4. Fasting: Many observe a day-long fast, abstaining from grains and consuming only fruits and vegetables, aligning with the goddess’s provision of plant-based nourishment.
5. Community Feasts: In several regions, community feasts are organized where vegetarian meals are prepared and shared among devotees, emphasizing the importance of plant-based sustenance.
6. Temple Visits: Devotees visit temples dedicated to Goddess Shakambhari, such as the Shakambhari Devi Temple in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and the Banashankari Temple in Badami, Karnataka, to offer their prayers and participate in special ceremonies.

Regional Celebrations:

• Uttar Pradesh: The Shakambhari Devi Temple in Saharanpur witnesses a large influx of devotees during this time. A fair is organized, and special rituals are performed to honor the goddess.
• Karnataka: Known as Banashankari Devi in this region, the goddess is worshipped with great fervor. The Banashankari Temple in Badami becomes a hub of festivities, with rituals and cultural programs marking the occasion.
• Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu: Various temples and communities celebrate the festival, emphasizing the goddess’s role in providing nourishment and sustaining life.

Cultural and Spiritual Importance:

Shakambhari Purnima underscores the intrinsic connection between divinity and nature in Hindu philosophy. The festival serves as a reminder of the sustenance that nature provides and the importance of preserving and respecting the environment. It also highlights the compassionate aspect of the divine feminine, who nurtures and protects life on earth.

In contemporary times, the festival resonates with themes of sustainability and the significance of plant-based nutrition, aligning with global movements advocating for environmental conservation and healthy living.

Conclusion:

Shakambhari Purnima is a celebration of life, nourishment, and the benevolent spirit of Goddess Shakambhari. Through rituals, prayers, and communal harmony, devotees express their gratitude for the abundance of nature and seek the goddess’s blessings for health, prosperity, and the well-being of all living beings. As the festival approaches on January 13, 2025, preparations are underway across various regions to honor the goddess and partake in the age-old traditions that have been passed down through generations.