Poornima Tithi Begins at 12:48:27 on January 8, 2012
Poornima Tithi Ends at 13:01:32 on January 9, 2012
According to Vedic Astrology and Hindu beliefs, Paush is known to be the month of Lord Sun. Worshipping him leads to salvation, which is why on this day, devotees in mass numbers take a holy dip and offer water to Lord Sun. Since this is said to be the month of Sun and Poornima as date of Moon, the mystic combination of Sun and Moon can be witnessed on Paush Poornima. Worshipping both Sun and Moon on this day results in blessings and wishes being fulfilled.
On the auspicious occasion of Paush Poornima, worshippers come together in one faith and bathe in holy water, do charity, chant and fast in order to attain salvation. Remembering Lord Sun on this day is said to be highly important. Fast and Puja Vidhi for Paush Poornima can be followed as mentioned:
1. Resolute for fasting before taking a holy bath.
2. Before taking a dip in the holy river, well or pool, bow before Varun Dev.
3. Offer holy water to Lord Sun while chanting mantras.
4. After that, worship Lord Madhusudan and offer him sacred bhog or Naivaidh.
5. Do charity by feeding a needy person or brahmin.
6. Things like laddoo, jaggery or gudh, woollen clothes and blankets must be included as charitable items.
On Paush Poornima, several religious functions and activities take place in various pilgrimages and holy cities. Maagh Mela is conducted in Tirthraj Prayag. Taking a holy dip is said to be an auspicious ritual to be done on this day.