Shakambhari Purnima 2026

Shakambhari Purnima, also known as Pausha Purnima, is one of the most significant full-moon days in the Hindu calendar. This sacred day marks the conclusion of the Shakambhari Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Shakambhari, the divine mother who nourishes the universe with food, vegetation, and healing energy. In 2026, Shakambhari Purnima will be observed with great devotion across India, especially in regions where Goddess Shakambhari is worshipped as an avatar of Mahadevi Durga. This complete guide covers the dates, significance, rituals, fasting method, puja vidhi, katha, benefits, and Purnima calendar for 2026.

Shakambhari Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) during the Pausha month of the Hindu calendar. It marks the final day of Goddess Shakambhari’s descent to Earth, when she nourished humanity during a long famine by producing fruits, vegetables, and herbs from her body. This day is observed with: Special pujas Fasting Charity of food Worship of plants and nature Visit to Shakambhari Devi temples Shakambhari Purnima is also known as: Pausha Purnima Shakambhari Jayanti Shakambhari Utsav Shakambhari Navratri Completion Day It is an auspicious day for spirituality, charity, river bathing, purification, and beginning new religious vows.

Shakambhari Purnima (Pausha Purnima) Date: January 3, 2026 (Saturday) Purnima Tithi Begins: January 2, 2026 – 06:53 PM Purnima Tithi Ends: January 3, 2026 – 03:32 PM Devotees performing Pausha Purnima Vrat should check local panchang for sunrise-based timing.

1. Celebration of Goddess Shakambhari Goddess Shakambhari is considered the Mother of Vegetation, a divine form of Durga who nourishes the world with: Fruits Vegetables Herbs Medicines On this day, devotees express gratitude for food, nature’s gifts, and abundance.

2. End of Shakambhari Navratri Shakambhari Navratri lasts for 8–9 days in Pausha month. The final day, Pausha Purnima, marks: Completion of fasting Offering of green vegetables to the goddess Special temple celebrations

3. Importance of Charity Shakambhari Purnima is one of the most auspicious days for anna-daan (food donation). Donating food on this day is believed to remove poverty and hunger from one’s karma.

4. Beginning of Magha Month (Magha Snan) Pausha Purnima marks the start of the holy Magha month, when: Sacred river baths (Ganga snan) begin Kalpavas is traditionally started Pilgrims gather in Prayagraj

5. Spiritual Cleansing Worshipping on Shakambhari Purnima is believed to: Purify mind and body Remove negativity Bring prosperity and happiness

This vrat is beneficial for: Families seeking prosperity The goddess blesses abundance, food, and household wellbeing.

Farmers and those dependent on agriculture She is the goddess of crops and vegetation. People facing financial instability Her worship helps remove poverty-related obstacles. Those suffering from health issues Shakambhari Devi is the giver of herbal healing. Devotees wanting spiritual upliftment The vrat brings peace, purity, and divine grace.

Follow these simple steps to perform the puja at home.

Step 1: Morning Rituals Wake up early during Brahma Muhurat. Take a holy bath. Clean the puja place and decorate it. Wear fresh, clean clothes.

Step 2: Set Up the Puja Altar Place: Image or idol of Goddess Shakambhari A Kalash with water Fruits, vegetables, grains Diya, incense, flowers Tulsi, durva, and green leaves Offer green vegetables as a symbol of gratitude.

Step 3: Sankalp (Vow) Sit before the deity and take a vow: To perform Purnima vrat with devotion To follow purity To seek blessings of nourishment and health

Step 4: Main Worship Light the diya and incense Offer flowers, water, vegetables Recite Shakambhari Stuti or Durga mantra Offer bhog (sweet rice, fruits, green vegetables) Perform aarti

Step 5: Fasting Method There are three ways to observe the fast: Phalahar Vrat Fruits, milk, and herbal drinks only. Satvik Food Once a Day No onion, garlic, grains, or spicy food. Complete Fast For dedicated devotees (optional).

Step 6: Evening Ritual Perform second aarti Light lamp again Offer vegetables and fruits

Step 7: Breaking the Fast (Parana) Vrat ends after Purnima Tithi expires. Break fast with: Fruits Satvik meal Charanamrit Offer food to the poor

According to the legends, once a severe drought struck Earth for hundreds of years. People suffered intense hunger and misery. To save humanity, Goddess Shakambhari emerged from the cosmic energy. From her body grew: Fruits Vegetables Herbs Medicinal plants She nourished the world and ended the famine. People worshipped her with devotion and thanked her for restoring life. Moral: The divine mother fulfills all needs when worshipped with sincerity and purity of heart.

1. Blessings of Prosperity Goddess Shakambhari removes scarcity and blesses the home with: Food Wealth Flourishing crops Household harmony

2. Good Health The goddess represents herbal healing. The vrat helps: Improve immunity Cure illnesses Bring emotional balance

3. Removal of Poverty & Obstacles Food donation on this day is believed to eliminate: Financial problems Ancestral karmic debts Blockages in progress

4. Spiritual Growth Observing the vrat leads to: Calm mind Mental purity Divine protection Enhanced meditation

5. Harmony with Nature This festival teaches: Respect for food Gratitude toward plants Awareness of environmental balance

1. Shakambhari Devi Mantra “Om Shakambhari Devi Namah”
2. Durga Mantra “Om Dum Durgayei Namaha”
3. Peace/Healing Mantra “Om Shanti Shanti Shantih” Chanting these mantras 108 times gives maximum benefit.

Allowed Fruits Milk, curd Sabudana dishes Rock salt Light satvik food Herbal drinks

Not Allowed Onion, garlic Grains (for strict observers) Spicy food Non-veg Alcohol Fried or junk items

After-Fasting Rituals After completing the vrat: Donate food, vegetables, or money Feed cows and birds Offer prayers and thank the goddess Share food with family and neighbours These acts multiply the positive results of the vrat.

Shakambhari Purnima 2026 is a powerful day for prosperity, nourishment, health, and spiritual upliftment. Worshipping Goddess Shakambhari on this day removes poverty, fulfills desires, and blesses devotees with abundance. Whether you observe the fast for health, peace, or devotion, Shakambhari Purnima brings divine protection and prosperity to all homes.