The month of Sawan holds special significance in Hinduism, and the full moon day, or Purnima, that falls during the month is considered sacred. On Sawan Purnima, devotees worship Lord Shiva and perform religious rituals. Devotees believe that performing Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva, offering belpatra (bilva leaf) and donating (daan) to the needy helps attain moksha and is spiritually rewarding. The festival of Raksha Bandhan, is also observed on Sawan Purnima. This year, Sawan Purnima will be observed on 28 August.
“Fasting or Upavasa on Purnima is a widely followed tradition among devout Hindus. On Shravana Purnima, many people observe a full day fast even without water or eat only a single meal of fruit and milk. The purpose of fasting is spiritual purification. The fast is broken only after Chandra Darshan. At the end of the fast, Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva is worshipped, depending on regional practices,” states Drik Panchang.
Significance of Sawan Purnima
Sawan Purnima is the fifth full moon of the year. According to mythological beliefs, worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on Sawan Purnima is believed to bring happiness, prosperity and abundance into one’s life. Observing a fast and performing Jalabhishek of the Shivling are also considered significant rituals on this day. Spiritual benefits can also be attained on this day by chanting mantras, performing penance, making donations and offering prayers.
There is also a tradition of bathing in sacred rivers (snan) such as Ganges and performing acts of charity (daan) on Sawan Purnima. Donating food, clothes, money and other essentials to the poor and those in need is considered highly meritorious. It is believed that charity not only invites the blessings of Lord Shiva but also brings peace, happiness and prosperity into the donor’s life.
“In many regions, rituals for Pitru, i.e. deceased ancestors are performed on this day. Narayana Bali, Shraddha, Tarpana, and Pinda Dana, etc. are conducted to appease ancestral souls, especially in holy places like Gaya, Prayag, Rishikesh and Rameshwaram.” state Drik Panchang.
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Feeding Brahmins and offering them dakshina is considered particularly auspicious on this day. Chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra on Sawan Purnima is also believed to bless devotees with longevity, good health and prosperity.
In South India this day is celebrated as Avani Avittam. “For Brahmins, especially in South India, Shravana Purnima is the day of Yajurveda Upakarma, the sacred thread changing ceremony. It marks a renewal of spiritual study and Vedic commitments. On this day, men perform rituals to express gratitude to Rishis and resume Vedic education,” states Drik Panchang.
Sawan Purnima Tithi 2026
According to the Vedic Panchang, the Sawan Purnima tithi will begin at 9:09 am on 27 August and continue until 9:47 am on 28 August. Based on the Udaya Tithi, or the tithi prevailing at sunrise, Sawan Purnima will be observed on 28 August.
Moonrise on Purnima – 06:47 PM
Auspicious Time for Puja, Snan and Daan
Taking a holy dip in the Ganges and making charitable donations hold special significance on Purnima. On this day, Brahma Muhurta will be observed from 4:28 am to 5:12 am. Abhijit Muhurta will be from 11:56 am to 12:48 pm. Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi is also considered particularly auspicious on Sawan Purnima.
Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information and facts provided here.