Magha Purnima (Maha Maghi)
माघ पूर्णिमा (महामाघी)
Maha Maghi is celebrated as one of the most spiritually charged full moon days of the year, marking the divine culmination of Kalpavas at Prayagraj Sangam. Devas and Rishis are believed to descend to earth in subtle form to sanctify pilgrims.
February 1, 2026
Sunday
08:45 AM to 12:55 PM
Auspicious forenoon window
06:14 PM
Chandra Arghya window
January 31, 2026 at 09:24 PM
until February 01, 2026 at 07:12 PM
माधवेऽथ सिते पक्षे पूर्णिमायां समाहितः। स्नात्वा च विधिवद्भक्त्या सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते॥
Mādhave'tha site pakṣe pūrṇimāyāṁ samāhitaḥ | Snātvā ca vidhivadbhaktyā sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate ||
One who bathes devoutly on the full moon day of the holy month with a focused mind is purified from all spiritual transgressions.
Spiritual & Scriptural Significance
Bathing in the holy confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati on Magha Purnima dissolves sins accumulated over lifetimes and bestows liberation (Moksha). Donating sesame (Til), blankets, and warm clothes is considered extraordinarily meritorious.
Pauranic Vrat Katha & History
The Matsya Purana narrates the story of the righteous King Harischandra and the sage Valmiki, who expounded that on Magha Purnima, Lord Madhava personally manifests in water bodies. Performing charity to Brahmanas and feeding the needy on this day yields thousands of times the spiritual merit of routine donations.
Step-by-Step Purnima Vrat & Puja Vidhi
- 1Bathe in a sacred river, pond, or at home with sesame seeds and holy Ganga water before sunrise.
- 2Perform Tarpan to Devatas, Rishis, and ancestral Pitrus with sacred Kusha grass and water.
- 3Perform Satyanarayan Katha with Panchamrit, Charnamrit, and Panjiri bhog.
- 4Donate warm blankets, ghee, sesame seeds, food grains, and gold/copper according to one's capacity.
- 5Offer milk, water, and white Chandan to the full Moon at 06:14 PM while chanting Chandra Gayatri Mantra.
Frequently Asked Questions: Magha Purnima (Maha Maghi)
Why is Magha Purnima considered so sacred for Kalpavas?
Magha Purnima marks the completion of the month-long ascetic vow (Kalpavas) undertaken by sages and householders on the banks of holy rivers, celebrating detachment, mantra japa, and scriptural contemplation.
What items should be donated on Magha Purnima?
Donating black and white sesame seeds (Til), warm clothes, blankets, footwear, raw food grains, and ghee to underprivileged individuals brings immense auspiciousness.