Mumbai: In Hinduism, the full moon day (Purnima) is considered highly auspicious and sacred. The full moon of the Magha month is known as Maghi Purnima, and it holds immense religious significance. According to Hindu beliefs, taking a holy dip in the Ganges on this day helps cleanse one’s sins. It is also regarded as the most beneficial day for seeking relief from Pitra Dosh (ancestral affliction). In 2025, Maghi Purnima falls on February 12.
It is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu, the protector of the universe, resides in the holy waters of the Ganges. Taking a ritual bath in the river on Maghi Purnima is said to bring divine blessings, wealth, prosperity, happiness, and success. If you are troubled by Pitra Dosh and wish to remove its effects, there are some simple remedies that you can perform on this day. These rituals not only help eliminate Pitra Dosh but also ensure the continued blessings of your ancestors on your family.
On the night of Maghi Purnima, after moonrise, offer raw milk, water, and white flowers in water as an offering (Arghya). Then, place a four-faced lamp (Choumukhi Deepak) in the south direction of your home and recite the Pitra Stotra. It is believed that this practice provides peace to the souls of ancestors and helps alleviate Pitra Dosh.
To remove Pitra Dosh, offer Arghya (water offering) to the Sun and perform Tarpan for ancestors near a sacred river. Additionally, recite scriptures like Pitra Sukta, Gajendra Moksha, Pitra Stotra, and Pitra Kavach. Afterward, light camphor and perform Aarti. These acts are believed to provide relief from ancestral afflictions and fulfil desires.
On the full moon day of the Magha month, prepare a meal that was favoured by your ancestors. Set aside a portion of the food for them and perform a proper Tarpan ritual. Afterward, offer some food to a cow, a dog, and a crow. This act is believed to invoke ancestral blessings and eliminate all kinds of ailments and afflictions.
On Maghi Purnima, take a water vessel (Lota) and mix raw milk, Ganga water, black sesame seeds, white Ak flowers, Bel leaves, Bhang, and Dhatura. Use this mixture to perform Abhishek (ritual bathing) on a Shivling while praying to Lord Shiva for relief from Pitra Dosh. This ritual is said to reduce the negative effects of ancestral afflictions.
To seek relief from Pitra Dosh, offer water to the Peepal tree on Maghi Purnima. The eldest son of the family should light a sesame oil lamp under the tree. After lighting the lamp, chant Pitra mantras for the removal of ancestral afflictions. Conclude the ritual by offering food to Brahmins and donating in their name. This practice is said to lessen the impact of Pitra Dosh.
On Maghi Purnima, several additional rituals can be performed to mitigate Pitra Dosh. These include Tarpan, Puja, donation, and lighting lamps:
Maghi Purnima is a highly auspicious day to seek divine blessings and remove ancestral afflictions. By following these simple yet powerful rituals, one can ensure peace for their ancestors and bring prosperity and harmony into their own lives. Performing these remedies with faith and devotion will not only remove Pitra Dosh but also attract positivity, success, and well-being into your home.
(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not independently verify the religious significance of these rituals.)
