STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Magha Purnima holds special significance in Sanatan Dharma. Regarding Magha Purnima, Shri Kailakh Jyotish avim Vedic Sanathan Trust’s Chairman, Mahant Rohit Shastri Jyotishacharya, explained that the full moon day of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Magha is called Magha Purnima. This year, the full moon day of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Magha will begin on Friday, February 23rd, at 03:34 PM and will end the next day, i.e., Saturday, February 24th, at 06:00 PM. The fasting for Magha Ratri Purnima will be on Friday, February 23rd, and the fasting for Magha Diva Purnima will be on Saturday, February 24th. This year, the observance (Mohk) of Magha Purnima fasting can be done on Saturday, February 24th.
On this day, it is highly auspicious to read or listen to the story of Lord Sri Satyanarayan Ji Bhagwan or perform puja. The worship of Lord Sri Ganesh, Mata Parvati, Lord Shiva, and the Moon also holds special importance on the full moon day. According to religious scriptures, on every Magha Purnima, Lord Hari Vishnu Ji Himself comes to bathe in some form or another. Therefore, taking a holy dip in the Ganga holds great importance on this day. Large fairs are organized in places like Haridwar, Prayagraj, and others. Apart from these, millions of devotees flock to the banks of holy rivers like the Narmada, Yamuna, Shipra, Godavari, etc., to take a sacred bath. It is of special importance to bathe in holy rivers and lakes on Magha Purnima. If, for any reason, one cannot bathe in holy rivers or lakes, they should bathe by adding Ganga water to their home water, and also donate to the needy around their homes as much as possible. By doing so, the blessings of Lord Vishnu are obtained. According to scriptures, on this day, one should avoid consuming any kind of tamasic substances, follow celibacy, and stay away from alcohol and other intoxicants. Not only on the body but also on your future, negative consequences may arise. On this day, sattvic items are consumed.
Saturday, February 24th, is also the celebration of the birth anniversary of Shri Guru Ravidas Ji and Shri Lalita Jayanti.