Purnima 2026: All Dates, Tithi Timings, Benefits, Mantras, Rituals & Significances

All 13 Purnima Dates 2026 – Complete Calander Table

Understanding Purnima: The Spiritual Gateway

The Purnima (Full Moon) is not merely a phase of the lunar cycle; in Sanatan Dharma, it represents a powerful spiritual gateway. It is the day when the moon is fully illuminated, exerting its maximum gravitational and energetic influence on both the Earth and the human body.

The year 2026 holds extraordinary spiritual significance. Unlike standard years with 12 Full Moons, the Hindu Calendar of 2026 features a “Leap Month” (Adhik Maas), granting devotees an additional Purnima—a rare opportunity for liberation (Moksha) and accumulating divine merit (Punya).

Whether you are a householder seeking prosperity through Narayan Puja, or Vishnu and Lakshmi Puja, or a spiritual seeker aiming for higher consciousness through the 114 chakras meditation, or 72000 Nadis meditation, understanding the specific energy of each Purnima in 2026 is vital. This comprehensive guide covers exact timings, the sacred reasoning behind rituals, specific Mantras for each month, and the deep Puranic lore governing these auspicious days.

The Science & Spirituality of Purnima Vrat

Why do Hindus fast on Purnima? The answer lies at the intersection of Ayurveda and Astronomy:

1. Pausha Purnima 2026 (Shakambhari Purnima)

Puranic Katha (Sacred Story)

According to Devi Bhagavata Purana (Book 9), when a terrible 100-year drought struck the earth, all vegetation vanished and people were dying of starvation. Goddess Shakambhari (the bearer of greens) manifested from Devi Durga with thousands of compassionate eyes (hence also called Shatakshi).

Tears of compassion fell from Her eyes for 9 nights, forming rivers. On the 10th day, which was Pausha Purnima, She showered infinite fruits, vegetables, and grains from Her own body, feeding the entire creation. Hence She is worshipped as Shakambhari Devi on this day, representing nature’s resilience and abundance.

Significance & Spiritual Benefits

• Marks the beginning of the holy Magh Mela at Prayagraj
• Fasting removes hunger of many lifetimes (physical & spiritual)
• Chandra Grahan Dosha gets naturally pacified
• Holy dip in rivers washes away sins of the previous year
• Donating green vegetables, fruits, and milk multiplies merit 1000 times

Key Rituals

1. Holy Dip (Snan): Bathing in a river at Arunodaya (sunrise) is most meritorious
2. Daan (Charity): Donate jaggery, warm clothes, raw vegetables, spinach, fruits, and milk to the poor
3. Shakambhari Puja: Offer green vegetables and fruits to the Goddess

2. Magha Purnima 2026 (The Descent of 33 Koti Deities)

Puranic Katha (Sacred Story)

Magha Purnima is celebrated as the day when Vishwamitra attained the status of Brahmarishi. Furthermore, the Padma Purana states that on this specific day, Lord Vishnu leaves His abode in Vaikuntha to reside in the waters of the Ganges. All 33 Koti (types) of Demigods descend to earth to bathe in the holy rivers.

Bheeshma Pitamah waited for 58 days on the bed of arrows until Magha Shukla Purnima to leave his body because Uttarayan begins from this date. He declared: “माघ मासे स्थिते सूर्ये यः प्राणान्परित्यजेत्। सोऽपि मुक्तः” – Whoever leaves the body when Sun is in Magha becomes liberated.

Significance & Spiritual Benefits

• Bathing on this day yields merit equivalent to performing 100 Ashwamedha Yagnas
• Equal to 10 years of intense tapasya (austerity)
• Lord Vishnu manifests in every drop of water on earth on this day
• Pitra Tarpan (ancestor offerings) is exceptionally effective
• Kalpavas devotees who lived by riverbanks for a month conclude their vows

Key Rituals

1. Magha Snan: Early morning bathing in holy rivers, especially at Prayagraj Sangam
2. Pitra Tarpan: Offering water and sesame seeds to ancestors
3. Special Ritual: Float a diya made of black sesame and milk in flowing water after moonrise – removes Pitru Dosha instantly

3. Phalguna Purnima 2026 (Holi / Holika Dahan / Lakshmi Jayanti)

Puranic Katha (Sacred Story)

The story of Prahlad and Holika is well known—faith triumphing over fire. Prahlad’s unwavering devotion protected him because he was constantly chanting “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” even inside the flames while Holika, despite having a fire-resistant shawl, was consumed.

According to Bhavishya Purana, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Kshir Sagar (Ocean of Milk) on Phalguna Purnima itself. Hence, South Indian traditions celebrate Lakshmi Jayanti on this day alongside Holi celebrations in the North.

Spiritually, this night represents the burning of “Holika” (internal impurities and ego) so that “Prahlad” (pure devotion) can survive and flourish.

Significance & Spiritual Benefits

• Triumph of Bhakti (devotion) over Ego and evil
• Fire rituals performed tonight burn away negativity from the household
• Protection from negative energies and black magic
• Financial growth and Lakshmi’s blessings

Key Rituals

1. Holika Puja: Offering raw cotton yarn, turmeric, coconut, and cow dung cakes to the bonfire
2. Ash Application: Applying cooled ash (Vibhuti) from Holika fire on the forehead the next morning provides powerful protection
3. Circumambulation: Walking around the Holika fire 7 times while praying

4. Chaitra Purnima 2026 (Hanuman Jayanti / Chitra Pournami)

Puranic Katha (Sacred Story)

This is the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman, the 11th Rudra avatar of Lord Shiva. In Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, Lord Hanuman was born at the exact moment of Chaitra Purnima sunset. The 41-day Hanuman Deeksha observed by devotees concludes on this auspicious Purnima.

It is also Chitra Pournami, dedicated to Chitragupta, the divine record keeper of Karma. The story goes that Chitragupta was created from the body of Lord Brahma to help Yamaraj keep accurate accounts of good and bad deeds of all beings.

Significance & Spiritual Benefits

• Blessings for physical strength, courage, and unwavering devotion
• Reduces malefic effects of Mars (Mangal) and Saturn (Shani)
• Chanting Hanuman Chalisa 100 times on this night gives same benefit as reading all four Vedas
• Karmic records can be influenced positively through Chitragupta worship

Key Rituals

1. Vermillion Offering: Offering Sindoor (vermillion) and Jasmine oil to Lord Hanuman
2. Salt-Free Diet: Many avoid salt on this day to please Chitragupta and reduce fluid retention
3. Temple Visit: Visiting Hanuman temples during Brahma Muhurta (4-6 AM)

5. Vaishakha Purnima 2026 (Buddha Purnima / Kurma Jayanti)

Puranic Katha (Sacred Story)

This is a Triple Miracle Day: Gautama Buddha’s birth (623 BC), enlightenment (588 BC), and Mahaparinirvana (543 BC) – all occurred on Vaishakha Purnima. This makes it one of the most spiritually charged full moons of the year.

In Hindu tradition, it is the day of the Kurma Avatar (Tortoise Incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. During the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean), Vishnu took the form of a giant tortoise to support Mount Mandara on His back, symbolizing the patience required to churn out the nectar of immortality.

In 2026, it falls on Friday (Venus day), making it extraordinarily powerful for Lakshmi-Narasimha combined worship.

Significance & Spiritual Benefits

• Triple-blessed enlightenment energy pervades the atmosphere
• Stability in life and patience through Kurma Avatar blessings
• Relief from chronic back pain (symbolically supported by the Divine Tortoise)
• Setting caged birds free on this day earns immense good karma

Key Rituals

1. Jal Daan: Donating earthen pots filled with water and sugar to thirsty travelers in summer heat
2. Caged Bird Freedom: Buying caged birds and setting them free
3. Nirjala Vrat: Many devotees keep waterless fast till moonrise, breaking it with kheer

🌟 6. ADHIKA JYESHTHA PURNIMA 2026 – The Rare 13th Purnima (Purushottam Mass)

Why This is the Most Important Purnima of 2026

This is THE most spiritually significant Purnima of 2026 for sincere seekers. Adhik Maas (the extra month) occurs only once every 32 months when the lunar and solar calendars need realignment.

The Puranic Story of Adhik Maas

According to Padma Purana (Uttara Khanda), this extra month was initially rejected by all deities as “Mal Maas” (impure month) because no solar festivals occur in it. The month was grief-stricken and approached Lord Vishnu for refuge.

Moved by compassion, Lord Vishnu accepted this rejected month and gave it His own supreme name – Purushottam Maas. He decreed that any spiritual act (Japa, Tapa, Daan) performed during this month, especially on its Purnima, would yield 1,00,000 times (one lakh times) the merit of normal days.

Extraordinary Spiritual Benefits

• 🔥 Merit (Punya) multiplied 100,000 times compared to regular Purnimas
• 🔥 Performing Pitru Tarpan on this day liberates 21 generations of ancestors
• 🔥 Equal to the merit of 1000 normal Purnimas combined
• 🔥 Burns past-life karma that normally takes multiple lifetimes to resolve
• 🔥 Ensures a place in Vaikuntha (Vishnu’s eternal abode)
• 🔥 Starting Chandra Beej mantra on this day removes deepest moon afflictions

Unique Rituals for Adhik Maas Purnima

1. Malpua Daan: Donating 33 Malpuas (sweet pancakes) in a brass vessel to a Brahmin is the specific remedy for this month
2. Deep Daan: Lighting a lamp with 33 wicks continuously throughout the day
3. Scripture Reading: Reciting Chapter 15 of the Bhagavad Gita (Purushottam Yoga) – the chapter about the Supreme Being
4. Chandra Beej Mantra: Beginning 11-mala (11 rounds of 108) of “ॐ श्रां श्रीं श्रौं सः चन्द्रमसे नमः”

⚠️ Do not miss this Purnima. Mark 31 May 2026 on your calendar now. It is the spiritual opportunity of the decade.

7. Jyeshtha Purnima 2026 (Vat Savitri / Deva Snana Purnima)

Puranic Katha (Sacred Story)

Following the extra Adhik month, this is the “Real” (Nija) Jyeshtha Purnima. Women worship the Banyan tree (Vat Vriksha) on this day, recalling how Savitri tricked Yama (Death) into returning her husband Satyavan’s soul through her wit, devotion, and persistence.

In Puri, this is celebrated as Snana Yatra – Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are bathed with 108 pots of aromatic herbal water. After this ceremonial bath, the deities “fall ill” (Anavasara period) and go into quarantine for 15 days, emerging only for the grand Rath Yatra. This teaches us that even the Divine takes rest.

Key Rituals

1. Banyan Worship: Married women circumambulate the Banyan tree 108 times while winding a raw cotton thread
2. Jagannath Puja: Offering cool, herbal drinks and Panchamrit to Lord Jagannath at home
3. Savitri Vrat Katha: Reading the story of Savitri and Satyavan

8. Guru Purnima 2026 (Ashadha Purnima / Vyasa Purnima)

Puranic Katha (Sacred Story)

Maharshi Veda Vyasa was born on this tithi. He is the literary incarnation of Lord Vishnu who divided the single Veda into four (Rig, Yajur, Sama, Atharva), wrote the 18 Puranas, and composed the epic Mahabharata including the Bhagavad Gita. Without Vyasa, Vedic knowledge would not have been systematized and preserved.

In the Nath tradition, Guru Purnima is also celebrated as Shiva-Yoga Purnima because Lord Shiva transmitted the entire Yoga Shastra to the Saptarishis (Seven Sages) on this sacred night, thus becoming the Adi-Guru (First Teacher).

The full moon of Ashadha is so powerful that it is the best day for receiving Diksha (spiritual initiation) – the moon transmits the energy of wisdom and Guru Kripa (Grace of the Master) directly.

Significance & Spiritual Benefits

• Marks the beginning of Chaturmas (Four Holy Months) when monks enter retreat
• Seeking Guru Kripa removes Guru Dosha from the horoscope
• Gaining true knowledge and removal of ignorance
• Offering Guru Dakshina (even ₹11 with complete surrender) activates destiny

Key Rituals

1. Pada Puja: Washing the feet of one’s Guru, or if Guru is not accessible, of one’s parents or elderly teachers
2. Guru Dakshina: Offering money, clothes, or food to the Guru with humility
3. Vyasa Puja: Worshipping an image or book of Maharshi Vyasa

9. Shravana Purnima 2026 (Raksha Bandhan / Hayagriva Jayanti)

Puranic Katha (Sacred Story)

According to Bhavishya Purana, when Demon King Bali conquered the three worlds, Goddess Lakshmi tied a Raksha Sutra (protective thread) on his wrist on Shravana Purnima and made him her brother. In return, Bali promised to protect Lord Vishnu forever. This is the original divine origin of Raksha Bandhan.

Another story involves Lord Indra being defeated by demons. His wife, Sachi (Indrani), tied a sacred thread charged with mantras on his wrist, which protected him and led to his victory. The tradition later evolved to celebrate bonds between Krishna and Draupadi, Yama and Yamuna.

It is also Hayagriva Jayanti – the appearance day of the horse-headed avatar of Vishnu who represents knowledge and wisdom.

Key Rituals

1. Rakhi Tying: Sisters tie the Rakhi thread on brothers’ wrists during auspicious Muhurat (must avoid Bhadra Kaal)
2. Upakarma: Brahmins change their sacred thread (Janeu/Yagnopavita) on this day
3. Narali Purnima: Coastal communities offer coconuts to the sea god Varuna

10. Bhadrapada Purnima 2026 (Kajari Purnima / Pitru Paksha Gateway)

Significance & Story

This Purnima marks the beginning of Pitru Paksha (The Fortnight of Ancestors). It is the day when the barrier between the mortal world and the ancestral world (Pitru Lok) is thinnest. Ancestors are believed to visit their descendants during this period.

In Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, this day is celebrated as Kajari Purnima – similar to Karva Chauth, but where mothers fast for the long life and prosperity of their sons.

Key Rituals

1. Satyanarayan Puja: Best performed on this day to seek blessings before the mourning period of Shradh begins
2. Cow and Crow Feeding: Essential for ancestral satisfaction
3. Kajari Vrat: Mothers observe fast for sons’ welfare

🌕 11. Sharad Purnima 2026 (Kojagiri / Raas Purnima) – The Most Powerful Full Moon

Why This is the Most Beautiful and Powerful Full Moon

According to Brahma Purana, the moon has 16 Kalas (phases/qualities). Only on Sharad Purnima night, all 16 Kalas are complete and the moon showers Amrit (Divine Nectar) on earth from 9 PM to midnight. This is the most healing moonlight of the entire year.

Scientific Confirmation: NASA confirms that on Sharad Purnima, the moon comes closest to earth (perigee combined with full moon), and its rays have maximum healing properties and luminosity.

This is the night of the Maha Raas – when Lord Krishna performed the divine dance with 16,108 Gopis in Vrindavan under this very moon. It is also called Kojagiri Purnima (Who is awake?). Legend says Goddess Lakshmi flies over the earth asking “Ko Jagarti?” (Who is awake?) and blesses those found awake in meditation with immense wealth.

Extraordinary Spiritual Benefits

• 🌙 Moon showers Amrit – healing nectar for body and soul
• 🌙 Cures asthma, skin diseases, and respiratory ailments
• 🌙 Immense wealth (Lakshmi) for those who stay awake in devotion
• 🌙 Balances all three Doshas – Vata, Pitta, Kapha
• 🌙 Glowing skin and strong immunity for the entire year

Sacred Kheer Ritual (Most Important)

1. Prepare Kheer (sweet rice pudding) using cow’s milk, rice, saffron, cardamom, and mishri (rock sugar)
2. Pour the Kheer into a silver or white ceramic bowl
3. Place the bowl under direct moonlight on a terrace or window from moonrise until 2 AM
4. Cover loosely with a clean net cloth to protect from insects while allowing moonlight to penetrate
5. Consume this Chandra-Amrit Kheer as Prasadam the next morning on an empty stomach

Ancient Tradition: Threading a needle in the moonlight on this night is believed to improve eyesight significantly.

12. Kartika Purnima 2026 (Dev Diwali / Tripurari Purnima)

Puranic Katha (Sacred Story)

Lord Shiva destroyed the three flying cities (Tripura) of demons Tarakaksha, Vidyunmali, and Kamalaksha on this tithi – hence called Tripurari Purnima. These three demons had received a boon that they could only be killed when their three cities aligned, which happened once in a thousand years, and only by a single arrow.

Shiva waited patiently, and when the moment came, he released a single arrow of fire that destroyed all three. All gods celebrated by lighting diyas in heaven – that’s why it’s called Dev Diwali (Diwali of the Gods).

According to Padma Purana, one who takes bath in Ganga on Kartika Purnima never returns to the material world.

This is also the day Lord Vishnu incarnated as Matsya (Fish) to save the Vedas from the great deluge.

Key Rituals

1. Deep Daan: Lighting thousands of lamps on river ghats, near Tulsi plants, and at temples – 1 diya on this day = 1000 diyas on any other day
2. Tulsi Vivah Conclusion: Marks the end of the holy marriage of Tulsi and Shaligram
3. Ganga Snan: Bathing in Ganga ensures liberation

13. Margashirsha Purnima 2026 (Dattatreya Jayanti / Battisi Purnima)

Puranic Katha (Sacred Story)

Lord Krishna declares in the Bhagavad Gita: “मासानां मार्गशीर्षोऽहम्” – “Among months, I am Margashirsha.” This makes this month spiritually supreme.

Lord Dattatreya – the combined incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva – appeared on this tithi to Sage Atri and his wife Anusuya. He is always depicted with 3 heads and 6 hands, accompanied by 4 dogs (representing the 4 Vedas) and a cow (Mother Earth). He is the Adi-Guru of the Nath tradition of Yoga.

In Gujarat, this is called Battisi Purnima because the moon shows all 32 qualities (Battis = 32) on this day. It is also Annapurna Jayanti – the appearance day of the Goddess of Food and Nourishment.

Significance & Spiritual Benefits

• Powerful day to remove black magic and ancestral curses
• Spiritual advancement and liberation in this very life
• Fasting and offering 32 rotis to Dattatreya temples grants Moksha
• Donating salt pleases Goddess Annapurna and ensures food security

Key Rituals

1. River Bathing: Essential even in the cold month of Margashirsha
2. Dattatreya Puja: Worship with flowers, incense, and 32 offerings
3. Salt Donation: Donating salt, rice, and food grains to the needy

Complete Satyanarayan Puja Vidhi & Purnima Fasting Rules

The worship of Lord Satyanarayan (The Truth-Narayan) is the central ritual for all 13 Purnimas in 2026. This Vrat brings prosperity, removes obstacles, and fulfills wishes when performed with devotion.

Step-by-Step Satyanarayan Puja Procedure

1. Sankalp (Resolution): Hold water and rice in the right palm, state your name, gotra, time, location, and the wish/purpose. Release water into a plate.
2. Kalash Sthapana: Place a copper pot (Kalash) filled with water on a bed of rice. Add 5 mango leaves and place a coconut on top. Tie a red/yellow cloth around the pot.
3. Deity Invocation: Place an image or idol of Lord Vishnu/Satyanarayan/ Goddess Lakshmi behind the Kalash. Sprinkle Gangajal to purify.
4. Lighting: Light a ghee lamp (Diya) with one or five wicks and incense sticks.
5. Offerings (Shodashopachara): Offer Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, sandalwood paste, kumkum, and Panchamrit (mixture of Milk, Curd, Ghee, Honey, Sugar).
6. Prasad Preparation: Make Panjiri/Sheera – Roasted wheat flour (atta) mixed with ghee, sugar, and topped with banana pieces.
7. Katha Paath: Read Vishnu Sahasranam or listen to the 5 chapters of the Satyanarayan Katha with full attention.
8. Aarti: Perform the Aarti of Lord Vishnu. Conclude with “Om Jai Jagdish Hare” and “Om Jai Lakshmi Ramana.”
9. Moon Arghya: At moonrise, offer water mixed with milk and white flowers to the moon while chanting “Om Som Somaya Namah.”
10. Prasad Distribution: Distribute Prasad to all family members and guests. Never refuse Satyanarayan Prasad.

Purnima Vrat Rules (Niyam)

Breaking the Fast (Parana)

The Purnima Vrat is broken only after seeing the full moon in the evening and offering Arghya (water oblation) to it. If the moon is not visible due to clouds, wait until you see it or break the fast the next morning after sunrise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What exactly is Purnima in 2026?

Purnima in 2026 refers to each full-moon tithi during the Hindu lunar months falling in the Gregorian year 2026. There is usually one Purnima per lunar month, each with its own name (Magha Purnima, Vaishakha Purnima, Kartik Purnima, etc.) and special observances.

Q2. Which Purnimas in 2026 are considered especially important?

While all Purnimas are auspicious, the most widely celebrated ones include:

• Buddha Purnima (Vaishakha Purnima 2026)
• Guru Purnima (Ashadha Purnima 2026)
• Shravana Purnima 2026 (Raksha Bandhan, Upakarma)
• Sharad Purnima 2026 (Kogagiri, Ashwin Purnima)
• Kartik Purnima 2026

Q3. Can I fast on every Purnima in 2026?

Yes, many devotees observe a monthly Purnima vrat throughout the year. However, if you have health issues or are pregnant, elderly, or under heavy physical work, choose gentler fasting (fruits, milk, light sattvic food) with your doctor’s and spiritual guide’s approval.

Q4. What if I miss a Purnima vrat in 2026?

Do not feel guilty. Offer a sincere prayer asking for forgiveness and resolve to observe the next Purnima more carefully. You can also perform an extra act of charity or special japa.

Q5. Is Purnima 2026 good for starting new work or business?

Purnima is generally considered an auspicious tithi for beginning new spiritual practices and, in many traditions, for new ventures. However, for important life decisions (marriage, buying property, big business deals), it is wise to consult a competent astrologer or family priest for detailed muhurat.

Q6. How to get exact Purnima 2026 dates and timings?

Exact Purnima tithi start and end times depend on precise astronomical calculations and your local time zone and coordinates.  For accurate 2026 timings, please rely on your local pandit, or temple.

Q7. Can we eat salt during Purnima Fast?

Ideally, Purnima fasting is salt-free. However, if health does not permit, some people use Rock Salt (Sendha Namak) once a day.

Q8. Which Purnima is most important in 2026?

While all are significant, Kartik Purnima, Sharad Purnima, and Guru Purnima hold special status for specific spiritual goals.

Q9. What should be avoided on Purnima?

Avoid consuming tamasic food (meat, alcohol, onion, garlic). Avoid arguments and negative thoughts, as emotions are heightened on this day.

This guide is based on traditional Hindu scriptures, Panchang calculations and long‑standing devotional practices. For health‑related decisions, please consult a qualified medical professional. For precise local timings and specific rituals, follow your family tradition or consult a trusted local priest or temple.