What is Chitra Purnima?
It is one of the major Tamil festivals that is observed on the Purnima (full moon day) during the month of ‘Chithirai’ (April-May). It is an auspicious occasion as both the full moon and Chitra star fall on this day. Chitra Purnima is dedicated to Chitragupta, the divine accountant, and also the assistant of Lord Yama, the God of Death. According to Hindu mythology, he is responsible for keeping watch on human beings and recording their good and bad deeds. The Hindu scriptures claim that Chitragupta assists Lord Yama in judging the good and bad deeds of every individual. After a person dies, he/she reaches Yama’s abode. After assessing the deeds of the dead person, Chitragupta announces whether he/she is a good or a bad soul. Thus, Chitra Purnima is celebrated in honor of Chitragupta. People worship Him on this auspicious day and ask forgiveness for their sins.
Mythology of Chitra Purnima
Lord Brahma created Yamaloka and appointed Yama Dharmaraj to monitor and execute the cycle of life and death. However, there were 84 lakh life forms on earth, and Yama was not equipped for the task. Among them were devas, rishis, and asuras who were as powerful as he was and Yama had only 10% of Brahma’s power. To solve the problem, Lord Brahma meditated by the Shipra river in Ujjain. After great penance, a being came out of Brahma’s body. He was called Chitragupta. Brahma had many children, some of whom were born from his mind and some from his body. Chitragupta was the 17th Manas Putra (son born of the mind) with 100% of Brahma’s power.
The Matsyapurana says that Chitragupta is the Adhi Devta for planet Ketu. Those who worship him will be spared the ill effects of Ketu transit and also become prosperous. Though he is regarded as Yamaraj’s assistant, he is ten times more powerful than Yama himself. In Rig Veda, Chitragupta is referred to as a king of kings. It is also mentioned that he should be invoked before offering a sacrifice and when rituals like Shraddha are performed.
Rituals of Chitra Purnima
On Chitra Purnima, special Pooja is performed in many south Indian temples. Most notable among such temples are the Chitragupta temple, Kanchipuram, Chandra Moulishwar temple, Thiruvakkarai and Airavateshwarar temple, Darasuram. The prevailing belief is that if one prays sincerely to Chitragupta, then one’s past sins will be eliminated. Besides, one will also gain the courage to lead a truthful life. People have a holy dip in the water bodies as a symbolic gesture to indicate the washing away of their sins.
People flock to Chitragupta temples and worship with flowers, camphor, and incense sticks. Chakkarai (sweet) Pongal is offered to the deity on this day. The delicacies are mostly prepared without salt. On the day of Chitra Purnima, devotees avoid taking milk and milk-based products (buffalo milk is used instead). Reading and meditating on the story of Lord Indra and his Guru, Lord Brihaspati, is highly recommended. On this day, devotees ask forgiveness for their past sins. It is advisable to feed the needy or poor on Chitra Purnima. We should donate clothes, vegetables, and rice generously.
Benefits of Chitra Purnima
Chitra Purnima is believed to be a very auspicious day in many ways. It is the first full moon day of the Vedic new year. This day has the power to eliminate bad karma that causes blockages in health, wealth and relationships. Devotees worship Chitragupta on this day to free themselves of ‘bad’ karma and consolidate the ‘good’ karma. This day is ideal for performing good deeds like charity or donation which can neutralize the sins that one has committed.