Pournami (Full Moon) is traditionally considered an auspicious day for worshipping Goddess Ambal and one's family deity. However, when the Full Moon falls on a Monday, the day becomes even more special for devotees of Lord Shiva. This sacred combination is known as Somavara Pournami and is believed to bring abundant spiritual benefits.
This year, the Ani Pournami falls on Monday, June 29, making it a rare and highly auspicious occasion.
Why is Somavara Pournami so special?
Mondays are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are observed by many devotees through the Somavara Vratam (Monday fast). The coincidence of Ani Pournami falling on a Monday enhances the day's spiritual significance.
Adding to its importance, this year's Full Moon coincides with the Moola Nakshatra, a combination regarded as highly auspicious in Hindu tradition. According to spiritual beliefs, worshipping Lord Shiva on this day is said to bestow good health, longevity, peace of mind, and divine blessings.
Many devotees also undertake Girivalam (circumambulation) around the sacred hill at Tiruvannamalai on every Pournami. Performing Girivalam on Somavara Pournami is believed to bring even greater spiritual merit.
Connection with Arunagirinathar
According to Hindu tradition, the revered saint Arunagirinathar is believed to have incarnated on the day when Ani Pournami coincides with Moola Nakshatra. For this reason, the day is regarded as spiritually and astrologically powerful, making it especially favourable for prayers, meditation, and the worship of Lord Shiva.
Sacred rituals to observe on Somavara Pournami
1. Visit a Shiva temple or perform Girivalam
If possible, visit Tiruvannamalai and perform Girivalam. Those who are unable to travel can visit a nearby Shiva temple instead. While walking around the temple or performing Girivalam, devotees are encouraged to maintain silence and continuously chant the Panchakshara Mantra, "Om Namah Shivaya."
2. Offer food to Lord Shiva and share it with devotees
Prepare simple offerings such as tamarind rice, lemon rice, coconut rice, curd rice, or fruits including mangoes, jackfruit, and bananas. Offer them to Lord Shiva at home or in a temple before distributing the food as prasadam to devotees.
According to spiritual belief, feeding devotees on this sacred day is equivalent to serving countless living beings and brings immense merit.
3. Offer Vilvam leaves and chant the Panchakshara Mantra
Offer Vilva (Bael) leaves to the Shivalinga or Lord Shiva's image while chanting "Om Namah Shivaya" 108 times with sincerity and devotion. Bilva leaves are considered one of the most sacred offerings to Lord Shiva and symbolise purity and devotion.
Even if you are unable to perform these rituals, simply spending a few moments in silent meditation while remembering Lord Shiva is considered deeply meaningful.
In spirituality, silence is regarded as a powerful form of worship. Through quiet meditation and heartfelt chanting of the Panchakshara Mantra, devotees believe they establish a deeper connection with the Divine, inviting inner peace, clarity, and spiritual grace into their lives.
Many devotees believe that sincere prayers offered on Somavara Pournami can help remove obstacles, fulfil heartfelt wishes, and bring positive transformations through Lord Shiva's blessings.
Source : Tamil Samayam
