| Chaitra Purnima | |
|---|---|
| Also called | Chitra Pournami |
| Observed by | HinduTamils,Malayalis |
| Type | Hindu |
| Significance | Full moon day of the Chaitra month |
| Celebrations | Veneration of Chitragupta and Murugan |
| Observances | Puja |
| Date | Purnima in Chaitra month |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Part ofa series on |
| Kaumaram |
|---|
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 Hinduism portal |
Chaitra Purnima (Sanskrit:चैत्र पुर्णिमा,romanized: Caitra Purṇimā)[1] orChitra Pournami is aHindu festival observed on thepurnima (full moon) day of theChaitra month.[2][3] It is celebrated across various parts ofSouth Asia observed on the full moon day in the month of Chittirai, corresponding in theGregorian calendar to a day in April or May.
The tale of Chitra Purnima is centred onIndra, the kings of thedevas, and hisguruBrihaspati, based on the folklores ofThiruvilaiyadal Puranam. According to legend, Indra and Brihaspati once got into an argument over something Indra said to Brihaspati. Brihaspati gave him instructions to make a pilgrimage to the earth in order to atone for his negative karma.
After accepting, Indra carried out his guru's wish. Indra discovered a shivaling while on the trip under thekadamba tree. Later, he came to understand that it was Shiva who was aiding him in lessening his bad deeds. He soon began presenting lotus flowers to Shiva as an act of adoration. This legend is believed to have occurred atMadurai by adherents. Devotees performpujas at theMeenakshi Temple in Madurai to worship Shiva.[4]
In some parts ofIndia, The festival is dedicated toChitragupta,[5] a Hindu god who is believed to record humans' good and bad deeds forYama, the Hindu god of death and the underworld. On this day, devotees ask Chitragupta to give them good thoughts and deeds which will benefit all living beings.
On the festival day, many devotees gather around rivers or places where the moon is visible to have dinner with family and friends. It is believed by doing this they can get the blessings ofChandra and feel the happiness and bond with their loved ones. It is also believed by lighting up andeepam to Chandra alleviates negative states of mind. This is especially popular at the river Chitra in the district ofTirunelveli inTamil Nadu,India.
The observance is called Chitira Pournami inTamil Nadu andKerala, especially by followers ofKaumaram andShaiva Siddhanta. Devotees observe fasting, worship Murugan, and break their fast the next morning. Adherents believe that moonlight dispels the darkness of one's soul. Murugan worship and the festivals of the deity start on this day every year.[6]
