Tithi: Pausha Purnima (Full Moon Day)
Month: Pausha (as per Hindu lunisolar calendar)
Day: Sunday
🕉️ Spiritual Significance of Pausha Purnima Snan
Pausha Purnima marks the culmination of the Pausha month and holds deep religious importance in Hinduism. This full moon day is sacred for performing holy baths (Snan), charity (Daan), and worship (Puja) — acts that bring spiritual purification and divine merit.
On this day, devotees take a holy dip in sacred rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, or Narmada before sunrise. It is believed that the Pausha Purnima Snan cleanses one’s body and mind of sins and negative karma. This day also begins the Magha Snan period, which continues until Magha Purnima, making it a spiritually charged transition.
In many parts of India, especially in Prayagraj, Haridwar, and Varanasi, thousands of devotees gather at riverbanks to perform Punya Snan and offer Arghya to Lord Surya (the Sun God).
🌺 Rituals and Puja Vidhi
- Early Morning Snan:
Devotees wake up before sunrise and take a holy bath in a river or at home with water mixed with Ganga jal (holy water). - Puja and Offerings:
After the bath, devotees perform Lord Vishnu Puja or Mahalakshmi Puja, offer flowers, incense, and light a ghee lamp. - Charity (Daan):
Giving donations of sesame seeds (til), blankets, food, and money to Brahmins and the needy is highly meritorious. - Fasting:
Some devotees observe a partial or full-day fast, consuming only fruits and milk, and conclude the vrat at night after sighting the full moon.
🌼 Spiritual Benefits of Pausha Purnima Snan
- Removes past life sins and impurities.
- Brings prosperity, health, and harmony in family life.
- Helps attain divine grace of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
- Strengthens one’s spiritual progress and peace of mind.
🕯️ Mantra for Pausha Purnima Snan
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
Chanting this mantra during the holy bath purifies the soul and invokes the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
🧭 Regional Observances
- In North India, it coincides with the start of Magha Snan Mela and Gangasagar preparations.
- In South India, devotees observe Sankatahara Chaturthi and Shiva Puja rituals alongside Purnima.
- In West Bengal and Assam, people perform Satyanarayan Katha on this day for domestic peace and fulfillment of wishes.
📿 Astrological Significance
Pausha Purnima falls under the influence of Pushya Nakshatra, one of the most auspicious constellations. It is believed that any spiritual activity or charity performed today multiplies in merit and neutralizes planetary doshas (imbalances).
❓ FAQs on Pausha Purnima Snan 2026
Q1. When is Pausha Purnima Snan in 2026?
➡️ Pausha Purnima Snan falls on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Q2. What is the significance of bathing on Pausha Purnima?
➡️ It is believed to purify the body and soul, remove sins, and bring divine blessings from Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
Q3. Which rivers are sacred for Pausha Purnima Snan?
➡️ The Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Narmada, and Sarayu rivers are considered most auspicious.
Q4. What should one donate on Pausha Purnima?
➡️ Donations of sesame (til), blankets, clothes, food, and money bring great spiritual merit.
Q5. Can I perform Pausha Purnima Snan at home?
➡️ Yes. If you cannot visit a river, you can take a bath at home with Ganga jal and chant Vishnu mantras.
Panchang Official