Purnima Tithi: Meaning & Significance
🌕 · Tithi 15 (Shukla only — Full Moon)
Purna (Full) / Parva (special)
Highly auspicious
Radiant | Complete | Auspicious
Purnima is the Full Moon Tithi — the fifteenth and final day of the Shukla Paksha, occurring only once per lunar month. It is among the most auspicious Tithis, when the Moon's light and influence are at their fullest.
Occurs At
15 (Shukla only — Full Moon)
Classical Group
Purna (Full) / Parva (special)
Ruling Deity
Chandra / Lakshmi
Nature
Highly auspicious
Significance of Purnima
Purnima is widely observed with fasting, charity and spiritual practice, and several important festivals — including Guru Purnima, Buddha Purnima and Sharad Purnima — fall on this day in different months.
Radiant
Complete
Highly auspicious
Peak Lunar Energy
As the Full Moon day, Purnima is considered the Moon's most influential Tithi, favourable for charity, fasting and spiritual practice.
Activities Suited to Purnima
Purnima favours Satyanarayan Puja, charity, fasting and spiritual practice.
Favourable For
- Satyanarayan puja
- Charity and giving
- Spiritual practice
- Fasting (purnima vrat)
🌕
Ruling Deity
Chandra / Lakshmi
Classical Group
Purna (Full) / Parva (special)
The Deity of Purnima — Chandra / Lakshmi
Purnima is associated with Chandra, the Moon, at the peak of its brightness, and with Lakshmi — Sharad Purnima in particular is celebrated as a night of Lakshmi's blessing and abundance.
Purnima in the Panchanga
Purnima occupies a special "Parva" (special/junction) status in the Panchanga, occurring only once per lunar month as Tithi 15, exclusively in the Shukla Paksha — unlike the 14 Tithis that precede it and repeat in both fortnights.
People Also Ask
What is Purnima?
Purnima is the Full Moon Tithi, the fifteenth and final day of the Shukla Paksha, occurring once per lunar month.
What is Satyanarayan Puja?
Satyanarayan Puja is a popular worship ritual performed on Purnima, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Is Purnima auspicious?
Yes, Purnima is considered one of the most auspicious Tithis, favourable for charity, fasting and spiritual practice.
Does Purnima occur in Krishna Paksha?
No — Purnima occurs only in the Shukla Paksha. The equivalent point in the Krishna Paksha is Amavasya (New Moon).
Explore Other Tithis
🌱Pratipada
🌒Dwitiya
🌓Tritiya
🐘Chaturthi
🐍Panchami
⚔️Shashthi
☀️Saptami
🔱Ashtami
🙏Navami
🏹Dashami
🪷Ekadashi
🪔Dwadashi
💘Trayodashi
🕉️Chaturdashi
🌑Amavasya
Looking for the rest of today's Panchang? Explore the 27 Nakshatras, the 11 Karanas, the 7 Vaars, or check today's full Panchang.
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