Aadi Pournami, the full moon day in the month of Aadi, holds a very special place in the hearts of devotees. It is widely believed that the prayers and offerings made during this time reach the divine with ease. The gods and goddesses, pleased by sincere worship, bestow their blessings upon homes and families, removing obstacles and bringing peace and prosperity.
On this auspicious day, many households perform special pujas for their kuladeivam (family deity), inviting divine presence into their homes. Traditional offerings are made, lamps are lit, and prayers echo with hope and devotion. Worshipping Lord Shiva during Aadi Pournami, whether in temples or at home is believed to bring his complete grace and remove karmic burdens.
But the day is not limited to the worship of Shiva alone. The full moon of Aadi is equally significant for the worship of the Divine Mother. Temples dedicated to Goddess Ambika and her many forms are adorned with special decorations, and devotees gather to offer prayers, seeking her protection, strength, and compassion. Lighting lamps and offering sincere prayers on this day are said to open the heart to her abundant blessings.
There are several sacred practices followed on Aadi Pournami, each believed to bring specific benefits:
If you perform abhishekam to the goddess, adorn her with a saree, and offer sweet pongal, it is said to bring unity within the family, strengthen relationships between husband and wife, and usher in overall prosperity and peace.
According to sacred texts, this full moon also marks the divine incarnation of Shri Hayagriva, the god of knowledge. By offering prayers to Shri Hayagriva on Aadi Pournami, devotees believe that ignorance and confusion are removed. Children who worship with devotion are blessed with brilliance in their studies, and households flourish with wisdom and wealth.
Women, in particular, observe the practice of lighting lamps at Amman temples during both morning and evening hours. It is believed that this simple act of devotion helps bring peace into the family, removes negativity, and drives away poverty.
Fasting on this day and offering special naivetiyam (prasadam) to the goddess also holds deep significance. When devotees perform Palabhishekam and offer rice mixed with bananas as a humble offering, the blessings received are manifold. Distributing the prasadam to fellow devotees in temples is seen as an act of grace. Those who are praying for children, or facing obstacles in business, or yearning for happiness in family life are believed to find divine support through these rituals.
Source / Image Credit : Tamil Samayam, Universal Divine Art